Service
Bitumen roofing: proven, strong and easy to maintain
Bitumen is the most widely used covering on flat roofs in the Netherlands, and for good reason. It is watertight, copes with changeable weather and is easy to repair locally.
The quality lies in the build-up and the details: the right base layer, properly sealed seams and carefully finished edges and outlets.
When is bitumen due for replacement?
- Most of the mineral granules have gone and the layer underneath is exposed
- Shrinkage cracks or open seams
- Blisters that grow or split open
- Roof edges where the covering comes away from the upstand
- Several repairs in a short time
Approach
How we tackle it
Assess the existing build-up
We check whether the old covering and the insulation are dry and firm. That determines whether we can overlay.
Base layer and top layer
A bitumen roof usually consists of two layers: a base layer and a cap sheet with protective mineral granules. The seams of the two layers are staggered.
Details
Roof edges, upstands, outlets and penetrations get extra attention: that is where most leaks start.
Costs
What determines the price?
We do not quote amounts here: without a survey of your roof that would be guesswork. The quote itemises the costs, so you can see what the total is made up of.
Request a tailored quote- Surface area and number of details
- Overlaying or removing the old layers
- Quality of the bitumen and the fixing method
- Insulation and roof edging included in the work
Frequently asked questions
Questions about bitumen roofing
Can new bitumen go over the old layer?
Often yes, provided the existing covering is dry, firmly attached and there are not too many layers on the roof already. If there is moisture in the build-up, a new layer would trap it and the old one has to come off.
Is bitumen always torched on?
No. Besides torching, bitumen can be bonded, mechanically fixed or applied as a self-adhesive sheet. Working with an open flame is subject to strict fire safety rules, set out in the Dutch standard NEN 6050. Ask any roofer about it.
What is the difference between APP and SBS?
They are two ways of improving bitumen. APP copes better with heat and UV light, SBS stays more flexible in the cold. Which one suits depends on the roof’s exposure and the build-up underneath.
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Contact
Bitumen roofing: curious what your roof needs?
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