Call Today For A Free Estimate!
A Small Company With a BIG Reputation Serving Hudson County for 40+ Years
Quality Is Not Expensive. It's Priceless!
Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems in Jersey City & Hudson County, NJ
Multi-Layer Asphalt Roofing Systems for Flat & Low-Slope Roofs
Modified bitumen is a proven asphalt-based roofing technology used on residential, multifamily and commercial low-slope roofs. Reinforced membrane sheets and multiple installation methods allow modified bitumen systems to be designed around a wide range of buildings and roofing conditions.
At Elite Roofing, we install, replace, repair and maintain modified bitumen roofing systems throughout Jersey City and Hudson County, including APP and SBS roofing assemblies.
We evaluate the existing roof, deck, insulation, drainage, penetrations, flashings and perimeter conditions before determining which roofing system and installation method are appropriate for the property.
Not sure EPDM is right for your property? → Compare All Flat Roofing Systems
Modified Bitumen Roofing at a Glance
ASPHALT-BASED MEMBRANE
Modified bitumen combines asphalt with polymer modifiers to create roofing membranes designed for low-slope applications.
APP & SBS
Two major modified-bitumen technologies use different polymer modifiers and have different material characteristics.
MULTI-LAYER PROTECTION
Modified-bitumen assemblies can incorporate multiple waterproofing layers, providing redundancy within the roofing system.
MULTIPLE APPLICATION METHODS
Depending on the membrane and roofing system, installation methods can include torch application, heat welding, self-adhered installation, cold-applied adhesives and other approved methods.
GRANULATED OR SMOOTH SURFACES
Cap membranes are available with different surface configurations depending on the roofing system and product.
LOW-SLOPE APPLICATIONS
Modified bitumen can be used on residential, multifamily, commercial and other appropriate low-slope buildings.
What Is Modified Bitumen Roofing?
Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing membrane engineered with polymer modifiers to improve specific characteristics of the asphalt.
Two of the most common modified-bitumen technologies are:
APP — Atactic Polypropylene
APP uses a plastic polymer modifier.
APP modified-bitumen membranes are commonly associated with heat-welded or torch-applied roofing systems and can provide a durable weathering surface for low-slope roofs.
SBS — Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene
SBS uses a synthetic rubber polymer modifier.
SBS-modified asphalt provides increased flexibility and elongation characteristics and can be incorporated into roofing systems using several application methods depending on the product and manufacturer.
Modified Bitumen Is More Than a Single Sheet
Unlike thinking of a roof simply as its visible cap membrane, modified-bitumen roofing can incorporate multiple components and waterproofing layers.
A roofing assembly may include:
Roof Deck → Insulation → Cover Board / Substrate → Base or Ply Sheet → Modified Bitumen Cap Sheet → Flashings & Perimeter Details
The actual assembly varies according to the building, membrane system, manufacturer specifications, attachment/application method and project requirements.
What's Under a Modified Bitumen Roof?
The granulated or smooth membrane visible from above may only be the upper layer of a modified-bitumen roofing assembly.
Depending on the system, additional membrane layers, insulation, cover boards, and other components may exist beneath the finished roofing surface.
Besides the assembly:
MORE THAN THE TOP LAYER
Modified bitumen can provide layered waterproofing protection.
The visible cap sheet works as part of a larger roofing assembly. The condition of the underlying roof deck, insulation, drainage, and flashing details can all affect roof performance.
CRITICAL ROOF DETAILS
-
Drains & Scuppers
-
Parapets & Walls
-
Pipe Penetrations
-
Skylights & Roof Hatches
-
HVAC Curbs
-
Coping & Roof Edges
THE TAKEAWAY
Think of modified bitumen as a roofing assembly—not simply a roll of roofing material.
The appropriate system depends on the existing roof, structure, drainage, insulation, penetrations, rooftop use, and project requirements.
What's the Difference Between APP and SBS Roofing?
APP and SBS are both modified-bitumen technologies, but the asphalt is modified using different polymers.
APP MODIFIED BITUMEN
Modifier: Atactic Polypropylene
General Material Characteristic:
APP uses a plastic polymer modifier that changes the characteristics of the asphalt.
Installation:
APP membranes are commonly associated with torch-applied / heat-welded systems.
Surface:
Products may be smooth or granule surfaced depending on the system.
Applications:
Low-slope roofing systems where the selected APP assembly and application method are appropriate.
SBS MODIFIED BITUMEN
Modifier: Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene
General Material Characteristic:
SBS uses a synthetic rubber polymer modifier that provides enhanced flexibility and elongation characteristics.
Installation:
Depending on the product, SBS membranes may support self-adhered, heat-welded, cold-applied, hot-asphalt and other approved application methods.
Surface:
Products may be smooth or granule surfaced depending on the system.
Applications:
Low-slope roofing systems where flexibility and the available installation methods suit the project.
IS APP OR SBS BETTER?
Neither technology should automatically be considered better for every roof.
The appropriate system depends on the building, substrate, existing roof, desired assembly, installation requirements, site conditions, and manufacturer specifications.
Advantages of Modified Bitumen Roofing
Multi-Layer Waterproofing
Modified-bitumen systems can incorporate multiple waterproofing layers, creating redundancy within the roofing assembly.
Durability
Reinforced asphaltic membranes provide a substantial roofing surface suitable for many low-slope applications.
Multiple Installation Methods
Depending on the product and system, modified bitumen can offer several application options rather than one universal installation method.
APP & SBS Technologies
Different polymer technologies allow the roofing assembly to be selected around the needs of the project.
Granulated Cap Sheets
Granule-surfaced cap sheets provide a finished weathering surface and protect the underlying modified asphalt.
Detail Versatility
Modified-bitumen systems can be incorporated around many of the walls, drains, penetrations, curbs and perimeter conditions commonly encountered on urban flat roofs.
Modified Bitumen Is Proven Roofing Technology—But It Isn't the Answer for Every Building
No flat roofing system should be treated as the universal solution.
Before recommending modified bitumen, Elite Roofing considers conditions including:
Existing Roofing System
What materials and how many roofing layers are already present?
Roof Deck & Substrate
What is supporting the proposed roofing assembly?
Drainage
Are the roof slope, drains, scuppers and gutters moving water effectively?
Building Configuration
Does the roof contain numerous walls, parapets, additions or transitions?
Penetrations
How many pipes, vents, HVAC curbs, skylights and roof hatches must be incorporated?
Rooftop Activity
Will the roof experience maintenance traffic, HVAC service or other recurring activity?
Application Method
Which installation methods are appropriate for the building, selected roofing system and project conditions?
Project Requirements
What manufacturer, design, code and warranty requirements apply?
The roofing system should be selected around the building—not the other way around.
How Is Modified Bitumen Roofing Installed?
One of the biggest differences between modified-bitumen roofing and single-ply membranes is the range of available application methods.
The appropriate installation method depends on the selected membrane, roof assembly, manufacturer specifications, substrate, and project conditions.
OTHER APPROVED METHODS
Some modified-bitumen systems can incorporate hot asphalt, mechanical attachment or other manufacturer-approved installation methods.
TAKEAWAY
There is no single installation method for every modified-bitumen roof.
The membrane technology, roof assembly, building conditions and manufacturer requirements determine the appropriate application method.
What Is Torch-Down Roofing?
“Torch-down” is a commonly used term for modified-bitumen roofing installed using heat.
During installation, trained roofing personnel use appropriate equipment to heat the membrane according to the specified application method, allowing the compatible membrane to bond as part of the roofing assembly.
Torch application is commonly associated with APP modified-bitumen roofing, although heat-weldable SBS products also exist.
Torch Application Is an Installation Method—Not a Roofing Material
This distinction is important.
Modified Bitumen describes the roofing membrane technology.
APP or SBS describes the polymer modification.
Torch-Applied / Heat-Welded describes an installation method.
These terms should not automatically be used interchangeably.
The selected installation method must be appropriate for the membrane, roof assembly, property conditions, and applicable requirements.
What Is Self-Adhered Modified Bitumen?
Not every modified-bitumen roofing system requires torch application.
Self-adhered modified-bitumen products use a factory-applied adhesive surface designed to bond the membrane as part of the specified roof assembly.
Depending on the manufacturer and system, self-adhered products can include base sheets, ply sheets, and cap membranes.
This provides another installation option for buildings or roofing conditions where an appropriate self-adhered system is selected.
Why Installation Method Matters
A roofing contractor should not begin with:
“We always torch.”
or
“We always self-adhere.”
The better question is:
Which roofing assembly and installation method are appropriate for this particular building?
Why Do Some Modified Bitumen Roofs Have Granules?
Modified-bitumen membranes are available with different surface configurations.
Granule-Surfaced Cap Sheet
Mineral granules create the finished exposed surface of many modified-bitumen roofing systems and help protect the underlying membrane from weather exposure.
Smooth-Surfaced Membrane
Smooth membranes can serve different roles within modified-bitumen assemblies depending on the product and roofing specification.
A smooth membrane should not automatically be interpreted as an unfinished or inferior roof. Its purpose depends on its position and function within the roofing system.
The complete roof specification determines which membrane surfaces and components belong in the assembly.
Modified Bitumen Roofing for Hudson County's Urban Buildings
Modified-bitumen roofing is particularly relevant to the types of low-slope buildings found throughout Jersey City and Hudson County.
Our area contains a large number of:
Brownstones & Row Homes
Often featuring compact flat roofs, parapets, and multiple penetrations.
Multifamily Buildings
Larger roof areas with drains, scuppers, equipment, and complex flashing conditions.
Mixed-Use Properties
Buildings where residential and commercial conditions can exist under the same roof.
Older Urban Buildings
Properties that may contain multiple generations of roofing materials, repairs, and additions.
Commercial Properties
Low-slope roofs with rooftop equipment, service traffic, and larger drainage requirements.
Hudson County Roof Conditions
Local roofs may also be exposed to:
-
Heavy Rain — drainage capacity and low areas matter.
-
Summer Heat — exposed roofing surfaces experience significant solar loading.
-
Freeze-Thaw Conditions — moisture at vulnerable details can repeatedly freeze and thaw.
-
Wind — parapets, coping, and perimeter conditions require attention.
-
Dense Construction — attached buildings and limited access can complicate roofing projects.
-
Rooftop Equipment — HVAC systems, pipes, and other equipment introduce penetrations and service traffic.
The appropriate roofing system should account for the actual property rather than simply replacing the visible membrane with the same material.
How Does Modified Bitumen Compare With Single-Ply Roofing?
MODIFIED BITUMEN
Material: Polymer-modified asphalt membrane
Assembly: Often multi-layer
Seams / Application: Depends on system; may include torch/heat welding, self-adhered, cold-applied or other approved methods
Surface: Granulated or smooth depending on product
Key Characteristic: Layered asphaltic roofing technology
EPDM
Material: Synthetic rubber
Assembly: Single-ply membrane system
Seams: Compatible tapes/adhesives
Common Surface: Black, although white EPDM exists
Key Characteristic: Flexibility and proven rubber-membrane technology
TPO
Material: Thermoplastic polyolefin
Assembly: Single-ply membrane system
Seams: Heat-welded
Common Surface: White and other reflective options
Key Characteristic: Thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams
WHICH FLAT ROOF SYSTEM IS BEST?
There is no universal answer.
The right system depends on the existing building, roof deck, drainage, insulation, penetrations, rooftop use, existing roof, installation requirements, and long-term plans.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Projects in Jersey City & Hudson County
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |  |  |
 |  |  |
PROJECT LOCATION: McGinley Square, Jersey City, NJ
SYSTEM: Modified Bitumen
PROJECT TYPE: Full Roof Replacement
WORK INCLUDED: Modified Bitumen • insulation • flashing • drainage details • penetrations
Does a Modified Bitumen Roof Leak Mean It Needs Replacement?
Not necessarily.
Some modified-bitumen roofing problems may be localized and repairable when the surrounding roof remains serviceable.
Potential problem areas include:
-
Open or deteriorated seams
-
Membrane damage
-
Wall flashings
-
Parapets
-
Drains
-
Scuppers
-
Pipe penetrations
-
HVAC curbs
-
Skylights and roof hatches
-
Roof edges
-
Previous repairs
-
Areas damaged by other trades
However, repeated patching may become less practical when deterioration is widespread, or problems exist beneath the visible membrane.
An inspection should help determine whether the issue is localized or part of a larger roofing-system problem.
What Does Your Existing Modified Bitumen Roof Need?
Repair May Be Considered When:
-
The defect is localized
-
The surrounding roofing remains serviceable
-
Membrane damage is limited
-
A specific flashing or detail can be corrected
-
There is no indication of widespread system failure
Recover May Be Considered When:
-
The existing assembly is suitable
-
Moisture conditions are acceptable
-
The substrate can support the proposed system
-
Material compatibility has been evaluated
-
Applicable layer, code, and manufacturer requirements permit the assembly
Replacement May Be Appropriate When:
-
Deterioration is widespread
-
Wet or failed insulation is present
-
The roof deck requires substantial repairs
-
Existing layers need to be removed
-
Multiple roof components are failing
-
The existing assembly is no longer suitable for continued repair or recovery
THE TAKEAWAY
The appropriate scope should be based on the condition of the complete roof—not simply its age or visible surface.
Understanding What's Beneath an Existing Modified Bitumen Roof
Older flat roofs can contain multiple roofing layers, previous repairs, and concealed conditions that cannot always be determined from the surface alone.
Depending on the property, Elite Roofing can evaluate an existing flat roof using methods including:
Visual Roof Inspection
Evaluation of the visible membrane, seams, flashings, drainage, penetrations, parapets, and perimeter conditions.
Core Sampling
A roof core can provide information about the layers beneath the visible roofing surface.
Infrared Moisture Testing
Infrared testing can help identify areas that may require further investigation for moisture beneath the roofing surface.
Understanding the existing assembly can be particularly useful before deciding whether to repair, recover, or completely replace an older modified-bitumen roof.
Maintaining a Modified Bitumen Roof
Routine observation and appropriate maintenance can help identify developing conditions before they become larger roofing problems.
Areas worth monitoring include:
Drains & Scuppers
Keep drainage paths clear and monitor recurring ponding.
Membrane Seams
Look for visible changes or deterioration.
Granulated Surfaces
Monitor unusual wear or membrane damage.
Flashings
Inspect walls, parapets, curbs, and transitions.
Penetrations
Review pipes, vents, skylights, roof hatches, and equipment.
Coping & Perimeters
Check metal edges and perimeter conditions.
Previous Repairs
Continue monitoring repaired areas.
Rooftop Traffic
Inspect the roof following HVAC work or work performed by other trades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Modified Bitumen Roofing
Q: What is modified bitumen roofing?
A: Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based low-slope roofing membrane in which the asphalt is modified with polymers to provide specific performance characteristics.
Q: What does APP mean?
A: APP stands for Atactic Polypropylene. APP is a plastic polymer used to modify asphalt in certain modified-bitumen roofing membranes.
Q: What does SBS mean?
A: SBS stands for Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene. It is a synthetic rubber polymer used to modify asphalt and provide increased flexibility and elongation characteristics.
Q: Is modified bitumen the same as torch-down roofing?
A: Not exactly. Modified bitumen describes the roofing membrane technology, while torch application describes one installation method. Modified-bitumen systems can use several different installation methods depending on the membrane and assembly.
Q: Does all modified bitumen require a torch?
A: No. Self-adhered, cold-applied, and other modified-bitumen systems are available in addition to torch-applied systems.
Q: What is self-adhered modified bitumen?
A: Self-adhered modified-bitumen membranes incorporate an adhesive surface that allows compatible membrane layers to be installed without field torch application.
Q: What are the granules on a modified bitumen roof?
A: Mineral granules can form the exposed surface of a cap membrane, providing a finished weathering surface and helping protect the underlying modified asphalt.
Q: Is modified bitumen better than EPDM?
A: Neither is universally better. Modified bitumen and EPDM use different materials and assembly methods. The appropriate system depends on the property and project.
Q: Is modified bitumen better than TPO?
A: Again, neither is universally better. TPO is a thermoplastic single-ply membrane with heat-welded seams, while modified bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing technology that can incorporate multiple membrane layers and application methods.
Q: Can modified bitumen be installed over an existing roof?
A: Sometimes. A recovery system may be possible when existing conditions, moisture, substrate, compatibility, roofing layers and applicable requirements permit it.
Q: Can modified bitumen roofing be repaired?
A: Yes. Localized repairs may be possible when the surrounding roofing system remains serviceable. The repair approach depends on the existing membrane and roof conditions.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Throughout Hudson County, NJ
Elite Roofing installs, replaces, repairs, and maintains flat and low-slope roofing systems throughout Hudson County, including:
Jersey City • Hoboken • Bayonne • Union City • Weehawken • West New York • North Bergen • Guttenberg • Secaucus
In Jersey City, we work throughout the Heights, Historic Downtown, Van Vorst Park, McGinley Square, Greenville, Bergen-Lafayette, Paulus Hook, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Our experience includes brownstones, row homes, multifamily properties, condominium buildings, mixed-use properties, and commercial roofs.
Considering Modified Bitumen for Your Flat Roof?
The right roofing system starts with understanding the existing building.
Elite Roofing evaluates the roof membrane, underlying assembly, drainage, insulation, penetrations, flashings, and property conditions before recommending an appropriate scope of work.
Whether you're dealing with an aging torch-down roof, comparing APP and SBS systems, considering a self-adhered system, or deciding between modified bitumen, EPDM, and TPO, our team can help you understand the available options.
Compare All Flat Roofing Systems →
Elite Roofing — Jersey City's Flat Roof Specialist
(201)436-1011