Modified Bitumen Flat Roofing in Phoenix, Tucson, and Surrounding Areas
Lyons Roofing installs, repairs, and maintains modified bitumen flat roofs for homes and commercial buildings in Phoenix and Tucson from our Phoenix office at 878 W Illini St. and our Tucson office at 895 W Grant Rd., serving Arizona since 1993. We work under AZ ROC# 348074, with general liability and workers compensation coverage on every project, and our crews install torch-down and cold-applied systems with the fire-safety protocols each method calls for. The BBB has awarded us its Ethics Award and an A+ rating, reflected in our active A+ BBB accreditation for our Phoenix office and A+ BBB accreditation for our Tucson office. Angi recognizes us as a top-rated, repeated Super Service Award winner through our top-rated Phoenix Angi profile and top-rated Tucson Angi profile. Thousands of verified five-star reviews appear on our Phoenix Google reviews and Tucson Google reviews. As an ARCA member in good standing, we meet the industry standards governing professional roofing in Arizona. Active leaks receive a 24/7 response, and every visit ends with photos and a written report. Call [phone] to schedule a free modified bitumen roof assessment.
Modified Bitumen Flat Roofing in Phoenix and Tucson: What Property Owners Should Know
Modified bitumen is asphalt that manufacturers blend with a polymer modifier, either a plastic (APP) or a synthetic rubber (SBS), and crews install in layers on low-slope roofs. NRCA’s Professional Roofing notes that these membranes typically go on as a two- or three-ply system and that they did not come into prominence as a roofing product in the United States until the 1980s.
Arizona puts that layered system to work every day. The Phoenix climate normals list a July average high of 106.5 degrees and an average low of 84.5, and the warmest night on record reached 97 degrees on July 19, 2023. The National Weather Service counts 111 days a year at or above 100 degrees in Phoenix, while Tucson’s normals show 68 such days, a July average high of 100.2 degrees, and a record warm low of 89 degrees.
Air temperature is not roof temperature, but the daily swing still drives thermal movement at every seam, flashing, and penetration. In May, the average daily high and low differ by 25 degrees in Phoenix and 30 degrees in Tucson.
Monsoon rain then tests the drainage. The City of Phoenix monsoon guidance puts the season between June 15 and September 30, and water that a flat roof cannot shed puts extra stress on seams and flashings. Our guide to the hidden consequences of ponding on a flat roof explains why.
| Local Factor | Phoenix | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Days at or above 100 degrees (1991 to 2020 normals) | 111 | 68 |
| May average high and low | 94.5 and 69.5 degrees | 91.8 and 61.8 degrees |
| July average high and low | 106.5 and 84.5 degrees | 100.2 and 76.3 degrees |
| Warmest night on record | 97 degrees (July 19, 2023) | 89 degrees (July 13, 2020, tied with July 22, 2006) |
| Annual rainfall (1991 to 2020 normals) | About 7.2 inches | About 10.6 inches |
This page covers the modified bitumen system itself, including how crews install it, which method fits which building, and what to expect from it in Arizona. For repair-only needs, see our residential flat roof repair and commercial flat roof repair.
Need a Modified Bitumen Roof Assessment in Phoenix or Tucson? Call Lyons Roofing
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Modified Bitumen vs. Other Flat Roof Systems in Arizona
Arizona flat roofs also use spray foam, TPO, PVC, and coatings, and each system behaves differently in heat and rain. The table compares them at a high level, and our guide to the best roof covering for a flat roof in Arizona goes deeper on foam versus modified bitumen.
| System | How It Goes On | Seams and Details | Where It Fits Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modified bitumen | Two or three layers of polymer-modified asphalt sheets, applied by torch or cold adhesive, or self-adhered | Lapped seams and flashed terminations that need careful sealing | Roofs with many details and penetrations, and owners who want a layered membrane that crews can patch and restore |
| Spray polyurethane foam | Sprayed in place and topped with a protective coating | A seamless surface with detail work at penetrations and edges | Irregular roofs and owners who want a seamless, insulating surface |
| TPO or PVC | A single-ply thermoplastic sheet, mechanically attached or adhered | Heat-welded seams | Large, simple roofs where reflectivity matters |
| Elastomeric coating | A liquid reflective layer over a sound roof | Restores the surface and does not replace a failed membrane | Sound roofs that need a refreshed surface |
For a closer look at the foam and single-ply choices, read our comparison of foam roofs and TPO on Arizona flat roofs.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Services We Provide in Phoenix and Tucson
Lyons Roofing installs and repairs modified bitumen systems for homes with flat or low-slope sections and for commercial buildings. The sections below explain each service and what happens on the roof.
Modified Bitumen Roof Installation
A new modified bitumen roof starts with the deck and the layers beneath the membrane. The crew prepares the substrate, installs the base sheet, adds the cap sheet, and details the flashing, drains, and edges. Our residential roof installation and commercial roof installation cover how those projects run.
Torch-Down Application
Torch-down crews heat the membrane and the surface beneath it with an open-flame torch so the layers bond to each other. The method also adds fire risk, which is why the Phoenix Fire Code lists an operational permit for roof coverings applied with an open-flame device. A later section explains the permit and the safety steps.
Cold-Applied and Self-Adhered Systems
Cold-applied systems bond the layers with adhesive, and self-adhered sheets use a peel-and-stick backing, so neither needs an open flame. NRCA’s Professional Roofing lists a torch, asphalt, or cold adhesive among the installation methods and mentions peel-and-stick options, and one manufacturer notes that self-adhered membranes avoid torch application.
Our flat roof covering guide does not recommend using a torch on an occupied home, so cold-applied options are the usual choice there.
SBS and APP Membrane Selection
SBS membranes use a synthetic rubber modifier, and APP membranes use a plastic one. The choice depends on the roof, the attachment method, the surfacing, and the manufacturer’s approved system, and the comparison table later on this page shows how the two differ.
Modified Bitumen Repairs
Repairs address the failure that lets water in, such as an open seam, a cracked flashing, a blister, or a puncture. The crew finds the source, checks for wet insulation beneath the membrane, and repairs the area with materials compatible with the existing roof and the manufacturer’s requirements. Our article on 3 common flat roof problems shows the issues we see most.
Seam and Lap Repair
Seams and laps are the places where sheets overlap, so they take the stress when the roof expands and contracts. A Roofing Contractor maintenance article notes that open APP seams often result from improper torch application and that proper repairs require torch or heat welding of the seams, while SBS seam failures can result from improper bitumen application or inadequate adhesive coverage. Our post on preventing leaks in flat roofs covers the prevention side.
Drainage and Ponding Corrections
A flat roof has to move water to drains, scuppers, and gutters, and low spots hold water that wears the membrane. The crew checks slope and drain performance, clears blockages, and recommends corrections suited to the roof, from drain repairs to added drainage points or tapered insulation. Our guide to drainage solutions for flat roofs explains the options.
Flashing, Curbs, and Parapet Details
Terminations and details leak more often than the field of the roof. The crew inspects flashing at parapets, curbs, pipes, drains, and equipment supports, and rebuilds the details that show cracking or open edges. Our article on HVAC condensation lines and flat roof wear shows one way equipment details damage a membrane.
Recovering or Tearing Off an Existing Roof
Some modified bitumen systems go over an existing roof, and many projects call for tear-off instead. The deciding factors include the number of existing layers, trapped moisture, deck condition, and local rules. Our article on moisture testing before flat roof replacement explains why we check for wet insulation before choosing.
Solar Panels on a Modified Bitumen Roof
Solar and flat roofs work together when the mounting plan protects the membrane. The Department of Energy notes that roofs last anywhere from 20 to 50 years and panels about 25 to 30, so owners often restore or replace an aging roof before the panels go up. We coordinate the sequence with the solar company and flash each mounting point.
Inspections and Maintenance Programs
Modified bitumen performs best with scheduled inspections, and NRCA advises at least two a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Our residential roof inspections and commercial roof inspections cover that visit, and the Repair, Restore, and Maintain program schedules it for owners who want recurring care.
Emergency and Monsoon Damage Repairs
Active leaks after a monsoon storm get our emergency roofing service, which provides temporary protection until the permanent repair is ready. The crew documents storm damage with photos, which helps with insurance paperwork.
Torch-Down, Cold-Applied, and Self-Adhered: How the Three Methods Compare
The attachment method changes the schedule, the fire precautions, and what the building can tolerate during the work. The table summarizes the three methods.
| Method | How the Layers Bond | Fire and Safety Considerations | Where It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torch-down | An open-flame torch heats the membrane and the surface so the layers bond | Operational fire permit in Phoenix, an extinguisher on the roof, and documented fire-safety protocols | Buildings where the crew can control the work area and keep combustibles clear |
| Cold-applied | Cold adhesive bonds the layers | No open flame on the roof | Occupied homes and buildings, and roofs near combustible materials |
| Self-adhered | A peel-and-stick backing bonds the sheet | No open flame on the roof | Roofs and details where no open flame is acceptable |
Manufacturers approve specific methods for specific membranes, so the method follows the membrane and the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and we confirm both in the written scope.
SBS vs. APP Modified Bitumen: Which Fits an Arizona Roof?
Both membranes start as asphalt with a polymer. NRCA’s Professional Roofing describes APP-modified bitumen as modified with plastic and SBS-modified bitumen as modified with a form of synthetic rubber. The manufacturer Polyglass says in its APP versus SBS comparison that SBS membranes are elastomeric and tolerate much lower temperatures, while APP membranes are plastomeric and melt at higher temperatures.
| Feature | SBS | APP |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer modifier | Synthetic rubber (styrene-butadiene-styrene) | Plastic (atactic polypropylene) |
| Flexibility | Elastomeric, so more flexible | Plastomeric, so stiffer once applied |
| Temperature behavior | Lower melting point, and tolerates much lower temperatures | Melts at higher temperatures, which gives a more fluid consistency |
| Common attachment methods | Heat welding, hot mop, cold adhesive, self-adhering, or mechanical attachment | Heat welding or self-adhered |
| Where the manufacturer points each one | Ideal for cold-weather areas | Used more often on smaller roofing areas because it flows more easily |
| Seam repair (trade guidance) | Bitumen application, cold adhesive, or torch application | Torch or heat welding of the seams |
| UV and surface care (trade guidance) | Less sensitive to ultraviolet light than APP, though surface wear shows as cracking and, in extreme cases, alligatoring | Needs a protective surface coating for long-term UV protection |
The temperature, attachment, and roof area rows come from a manufacturer’s published comparison, and the seam and surface rows come from a Roofing Contractor maintenance article, so the data sheet for the specific product always has the final word.
Phoenix and Tucson see far more heat than cold, so the cold-weather tolerance that makes SBS a fit for cold climates carries less weight here than the surfacing, the manufacturer’s approved system, and the quality of the installation. We select the membrane for the building and list the product, the attachment method, the surfacing, and the UV protection plan in the written scope.
Common Modified Bitumen Problems on Arizona Roofs
- Open seams and laps, often traced to improper torch application or inadequate adhesive coverage
- Water ponding in low spots, which stresses the membrane and the flashings
- Surface wear, including granule loss, cracking, and in extreme cases alligatoring on aged surfaces
- Blisters or raised areas in the membrane, which a moisture survey helps explain
- Cracked or open flashing at parapets, curbs, and penetrations
- Punctures and scuffing from foot traffic and equipment service
- UV and heat aging, especially where a surface coating has worn away
Repair, Restore, or Replace a Modified Bitumen Roof
NRCA’s Professional Roofing notes that crews can restore most asphalt systems at the end of their service lives, which is why the decision starts with an assessment and not a default replacement. The table shows how the findings point to a recommendation.
| What We Find | Typical Recommendation | What You Receive |
|---|---|---|
| Isolated damage on an otherwise sound membrane | Targeted repair | Photos and a written repair scope |
| A sound membrane with a worn or faded surface | Cleaning and a reflective coating; see our guides on how often to reseal a flat roof and recoating or replacing | A restoration scope and a surface preparation plan |
| Wet insulation, widespread open seams, or repeated leaks | A moisture survey, then section replacement or full replacement | Moisture findings and a replacement scope |
| A roof at the end of its service life | Tear-off and replacement, or a recover when the existing roof allows it | A written system recommendation and schedule |
Modified Bitumen Maintenance Calendar for Arizona
The monsoon sets the calendar for flat roofs the same way it does for pitched roofs. The table lays out a yearly plan that matches NRCA’s twice-a-year guidance to Arizona’s seasons.
| Time of Year | Purpose | What the Visit Focuses On |
|---|---|---|
| April to early June, before the monsoon | Prepare the roof for storms | Drains, scuppers, seams, laps, flashing, and penetrations |
| After a strong storm, as needed | Find storm effects early | Ponding, punctures, lifted flashing, and debris |
| October, after the monsoon | Check what the season did | Surface wear, granule loss, coating condition, ponding marks, and open seams |
| Any time a leak or stain appears | Diagnose the source | Leak tracing, moisture check, and a repair scope |
Permits, Fire Code, and Safety for Modified Bitumen in Phoenix and Tucson
Torch-applied roofing needs a fire-code permit in Phoenix. The Phoenix Fire Code, the City’s 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments effective February 17, 2026, lists “application of roof coverings with the use of an open-flame device” among the hot work operations in Section 105.5.25 that need an operational permit.
The Phoenix code builds on the 2024 International Fire Code, and NRCA’s summary of those requirements for roofers adds two related rules from the model code. At least one 3-A 40-B:C-rated fire extinguisher must stay on the roof during any roofing operations, and accumulations of combustible waste, including roof tear-off material, may not remain on a roof.
The Tucson Fire Department’s operational permit application lists Hot Work Operations and Open Flames and Torches among its permit types, so we confirm the fire permit requirement with the local fire code official before any torch work in Tucson or any other city.
City building permit rules sit alongside the fire permit. The City of Phoenix’s residential permit guide, revision 2/20, lists re-shingling and re-tiling with the same material as work that needs no permit and does not list modified bitumen. The City of Tucson’s permit exemptions says replacing roofing with the same type needs no permit when the job leaves the structure alone and the property sits outside a Historic Preservation Zone, and it calls for a permit on structural roof work such as sheathing, decking, joists, or trusses.
Commercial projects often follow separate commercial permit rules, so we confirm the building and fire requirements for your address and handle the paperwork.
Crews on a flat roof also work under OSHA’s fall protection standard for roofing on low-slope roofs. It covers roofing work with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above a lower level, and it calls for a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system, or a warning line system combined with one of those or a safety monitoring system.
Before you sign any roofing contract, check the contractor’s license on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors site.
What to Gather Before a Modified Bitumen Assessment
- Roof age, the number of existing layers if you know it, and any past repair or coating records
- Leak locations and dates, with photos of ceiling stains
- Warranty papers and the name of the last roofing contractor
- The location of rooftop equipment, drains, hatches, and any solar array
- Access details, such as roof hatches, ladders, and lift access
- Whether people occupy the building during work, which affects the choice between torch-down and cold-applied methods
- Any HOA, landlord, or property manager approvals the project needs
Our Modified Bitumen Roofing Process
- Free Assessment and Written Report. We inspect the roof, check drainage, flashing, and seams, photograph the findings, and recommend repair, restoration, or replacement.
- Moisture Check and Written Scope. For roofs with a leak history, we check for wet insulation, and then write a scope that names the membrane, the attachment method, the surfacing, and the details.
- Permits and Scheduling. We confirm building and fire permit requirements, coordinate occupants, equipment shutdowns, and solar crews, and set the schedule.
- Substrate Preparation. The crew removes or repairs the old roof as the scope requires, repairs damaged deck and insulation, and prepares clean, dry surfaces.
- Membrane Installation. Crews install the base sheet and cap sheet by the approved method, with the fire precautions that method requires.
- Details, Drains, and Flashing. We seal laps, flash parapets, curbs, and penetrations, and test drainage.
- Final Inspection and Records. We walk the roof with you, photograph the finished work, and deliver warranty documents and a maintenance plan.
Why Phoenix and Tucson Property Owners Choose Lyons Roofing for Modified Bitumen
| What We Offer | What It Means for Property Owners |
|---|---|
| A+ BBB Ethics Award, Phoenix roofing office | BBB Ethics Award winner, A+ rated, independently verifying honest, professional service |
| A+ BBB Ethics Award, Tucson roofing office | Both Arizona locations hold active A+ BBB accreditation and Ethics Award recognition |
| Top-rated Phoenix Angi profile, Repeated Super Service Award | Super Service Award recognition across the Phoenix metro for consistently high-quality roofing |
| Top-rated Tucson Angi profile, Repeated Super Service Award | Award-winning service recognition across both our Phoenix and Tucson roofing markets |
| Phoenix Google reviews, thousands of verified 5-star ratings | Among the most-reviewed roofing contractors in Arizona based on verified customer feedback |
| Tucson Google reviews, verified 5-star ratings | Consistent 5-star feedback from customers in both Arizona markets |
| ARCA member in good standing | Compliant with ARCA standards for installation, safety, and professional roofing conduct in Arizona |
| GreenSky financing available | Flexible financing options for property owners managing roofing project budgets |
| Licensed Under AZ ROC# 348074 | State-verified license, active and in good standing, verifiable at roc.az.gov |
| Fully Bonded and Insured (GL + Workers Comp) | Zero liability exposure for property owners, every project fully covered |
| In Business Since 1993, 30+ Years | Three decades of experience with Arizona roofing systems in extreme desert conditions |
| Manufacturer Certified Installers | Work performed to manufacturer specifications, helping protect material warranties |
| Free Inspections and Written Assessments | Know the condition of your roof, in writing, before any commitment is required |
| 24/7 Emergency Response | Available any time for roof leaks on homes and commercial buildings across our Arizona service area |
Modified Bitumen and Flat Roof Resources
- Why Arizona homes have flat roofs: the design logic behind flat roofs in the desert
- How flat roofs differ from pitched roofs: drainage, materials, and maintenance compared
- Do flat roofs always leak? An Arizona roofer answers: what causes flat roof leaks
- Do low-slope roofs require ventilation?: attic and cavity airflow on low-slope roofs
- How to maintain your flat roof in Arizona: a care checklist for owners
- Residential roof maintenance: recurring care for homes
- Commercial roof maintenance: programs for commercial properties
Areas We Serve for Modified Bitumen Roofing
- Flat Roofing in Gilbert, AZ: flat roof services for Gilbert property owners
- Flat Roofing in Chandler, AZ: flat roof services for Chandler property owners
- Tucson Roofing Company: roofing services throughout Tucson
- Oro Valley Roofing Company: roofing services in Oro Valley
- Mesa Roofing Company: roofing services for Mesa properties
- Scottsdale Roofing Company: roofing services in Scottsdale
- Tempe Roofing Company: roofing services throughout Tempe
- Glendale Roofing Company: roofing services in Glendale
- View All Areas We Serve
Schedule a Modified Bitumen Roof Assessment With Lyons Roofing
AZ ROC# 348074 | Fully Bonded and Insured | 24/7 Emergency Response | 602-638-3135 (Phoenix) or 520-900-1442 (Tucson)
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“Lyons Roofing did a great job recoating my flat roof, replacing my flat porch roof, and redoing two small tiled sections. Fair price, excellent communication, and top-quality work.” — Randy Williams
“We’re absolutely satisfied with how promptly and efficient the installation and quality of work were for the installation of our new roof. And there were no surprises; the site was cleaned up daily.” — Petra Rhein
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Frequently Asked Questions: Modified Bitumen Flat Roofing in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ
What is modified bitumen roofing, and where does Lyons Roofing install it in Arizona?
Modified bitumen is asphalt blended with a polymer modifier, either a plastic (APP) or a synthetic rubber (SBS), and installed in layers on flat and low-slope roofs. Lyons Roofing installs and repairs modified bitumen systems on homes and commercial buildings in Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding Arizona communities, using torch-down and cold-applied methods.
Is Lyons Roofing licensed, insured, and qualified for modified bitumen flat roof work in Arizona?
Yes. Lyons Roofing holds Arizona Registrar of Contractors license AZ ROC# 348074, which anyone can verify on the state’s licensing site, and carries general liability and workers compensation insurance on every project. We have served Arizona property owners since 1993, hold active A+ BBB accreditation at both offices, and respond to roofing emergencies 24/7.
What is the difference between SBS and APP modified bitumen?
Both are asphalt-based membranes with a polymer modifier. SBS uses a synthetic rubber, which makes the membrane more flexible, and APP uses a plastic, which stiffens the membrane once it is on the roof. One manufacturer’s comparison notes that SBS tolerates much lower temperatures and has a lower melting point, while APP melts at higher temperatures. Arizona roofs face heat and UV more than cold, so we select the membrane, surfacing, and attachment method together for each building.
How does modified bitumen compare with spray foam roofing for Arizona flat roofs?
Spray foam goes on as a liquid that expands into a seamless surface with a protective coating, while modified bitumen is a layered sheet system with lapped seams and flashed details. Foam suits irregular roofs and owners who want a seamless, insulating surface, and modified bitumen suits owners who want a layered membrane that crews can patch and restore. Our flat roof covering guide compares the two in more detail.
How does modified bitumen compare with TPO for an Arizona flat roof?
TPO is a single-ply thermoplastic sheet with heat-welded seams, and modified bitumen is a multi-ply asphalt system that typically goes on in two or three layers. The right choice depends on the building, the roof traffic, the details, and the existing deck, and we compare both in writing during the assessment.
What are the base sheet and cap sheet in a modified bitumen roof?
The base sheet is the lower layer that bonds to the substrate, and the cap sheet is the top layer that carries the surfacing, such as mineral granules or a reflective finish. NRCA notes that these membranes typically go on as a two- or three-ply system, and the plies work together to shed water and resist wear.
How is a torch-down modified bitumen roof installed?
The crew prepares a clean, dry substrate, installs the base sheet, and then heats the cap sheet and the surface beneath it with an open-flame torch until the asphalt softens and the layers bond. Seams, laps, and flashing details get extra attention, and the crew follows fire-safety protocols throughout, including the operational permit that the Phoenix Fire Code lists for roof coverings applied with an open-flame device.
What is cold-applied modified bitumen, and when is it preferred?
Cold-applied modified bitumen bonds the layers with adhesive instead of heat, so no open flame touches the roof. Owners often prefer it for occupied homes, buildings with combustible materials nearby, and details where torch work adds risk. Self-adhered sheets with a peel-and-stick backing are another no-flame option from some manufacturers.
Is torch-down roofing safe for an occupied home?
Torch-down work carries fire risk, so it follows strict safety steps: the crew keeps a fire extinguisher on the roof, controls the work area, and handles the permit that Phoenix lists for open-flame roofing. Our flat roof covering guide does not recommend using a torch on an occupied home, so cold-applied systems are the usual choice there.
Does modified bitumen roofing need a permit in Phoenix or Tucson?
Torch-applied roofing needs an operational fire permit in Phoenix, where the fire code lists application of roof coverings with an open-flame device among its hot work operations. The Tucson Fire Department lists hot work operations and open flames and torches among its operational permit types. City building permit rules differ: Tucson says replacing roofing with the same type needs no permit when the job leaves the structure alone and the property sits outside a Historic Preservation Zone, and the Phoenix residential permit guide does not list modified bitumen. We confirm both the fire and building requirements for your address.
What causes modified bitumen roofs to leak in Arizona?
Most leaks start at seams and laps, flashing and terminations, penetrations, and low spots where water ponds. Heat and UV age the surface over time, and punctures from foot traffic or equipment service can open the membrane. An assessment traces each leak to its source before we recommend a repair.
How does UV exposure affect modified bitumen roofs in Arizona?
Ultraviolet light and heat wear the asphalt surface over time, so granule loss, cracking, and in extreme cases alligatoring show up first on aged roofs. A Roofing Contractor maintenance article notes that SBS sheets are less sensitive to ultraviolet light than APP sheets, though both can degrade, and it indicates that APP membranes need a protective surface coating for long-term UV protection. NRCA adds that reflective cap sheets are a popular choice on modified bitumen roofs. We check the surfacing at every visit.
How long does a modified bitumen roof last in Arizona?
Lifespan depends on the system, the surfacing, drainage, traffic, and maintenance, so we do not promise a single number. Well-drained, maintained roofs last longer than ponded or neglected ones, and NRCA notes that crews can restore most asphalt systems at the end of their service lives. Our assessment describes the roof’s actual condition and what to expect next.
What is the maintenance schedule for a modified bitumen roof in Arizona?
NRCA advises inspecting roofs at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall, and after severe weather. In Arizona, we tie those visits to the monsoon, with one before June 15 and another after September 30, and each visit clears drains, checks seams and flashing, and looks for ponding and surface wear.
Does Lyons Roofing repair modified bitumen roofs?
Yes. We repair modified bitumen roofs, including open seams, cracked flashing, blisters, punctures, and storm damage after the monsoon. Each repair starts with finding the source of the water, checking for wet insulation, and using materials compatible with the existing membrane and the manufacturer’s requirements.
How does Lyons Roofing repair seams on a modified bitumen roof?
We clean the area, remove loose granules and debris, and reseal the open seam or lap with torch, heat, or adhesive methods that match the existing membrane. Trade guidance notes that proper repairs to APP seams call for torch or heat welding, and that SBS seam failures can result from improper bitumen application or inadequate adhesive coverage. We also look for the cause, such as ponding or movement, so the seam does not reopen.
How does Lyons Roofing address ponding and drainage problems on a modified bitumen roof?
We check slope, drains, scuppers, and low spots, clear blockages, and recommend corrections suited to the roof, such as drain repairs, added drainage points, or tapered insulation during a replacement. Water that stands on the roof stresses the membrane and flashings, so we document where water collects and how long it stays.
Does Lyons Roofing provide emergency modified bitumen repair?
Yes. Active leaks, including leaks after a monsoon storm, get an emergency response at any hour, with temporary protection in place until the permanent repair is ready. Our emergency roofing service page explains the process.
Can modified bitumen be applied over an existing flat roof?
Some modified bitumen systems can go over an existing roof, and many projects call for tear-off instead. The deciding factors include the number of existing layers, trapped moisture, deck condition, weight, and local rules. We check for wet insulation first, because a new membrane over a wet roof hides the problem.
How does Lyons Roofing prepare the substrate before modified bitumen installation?
We remove or repair the old roof as the scope requires, repair damaged deck and insulation, and prepare clean, dry, smooth surfaces for the base sheet. Debris, moisture, and loose material can weaken the bond, so substrate preparation gets its own line in the written scope.
What flashing materials does Lyons Roofing use with modified bitumen roofing?
We flash with modified bitumen flashing membranes matched to the roof system, along with metal edge and counterflashing details and the sealants the manufacturer approves. The written scope lists the flashing materials for each detail, such as parapets, curbs, pipes, and drains.
Can modified bitumen roofing be used on a sloped surface?
Modified bitumen is a low-slope system, and steeper roofs usually use tile, shingles, or metal instead. Manufacturers publish slope limits for each product, so we confirm the roof’s slope and the manufacturer’s limits before recommending the system.
Can modified bitumen roofing be combined with spray foam or a coating for improved performance?
In some cases, yes. A sound modified bitumen roof can take a reflective coating that restores the surface, and crews can sometimes restore a failing roof with spray foam after a moisture survey shows the substrate is dry. Both choices depend on the roof’s condition, so we assess first and explain the options in writing.
Does modified bitumen roofing work with solar panel installations in Arizona?
Yes, with planning. Each mounting point needs flashing, and the roof under the array should have enough remaining life, because the Department of Energy notes that panels last about 25 to 30 years, similar to a roof. We coordinate the sequence with the solar company and flash every mounting point.
Does Lyons Roofing install modified bitumen on both homes and commercial buildings?
Yes. We install and repair modified bitumen on homes with flat or low-slope sections, such as additions, patios, and flat-roof homes, and on commercial buildings. Commercial projects often add coordination with property managers and building occupants.
Does Lyons Roofing inspect modified bitumen roofs for insurance purposes?
Yes. We document the roof with photos and a written report that owners can share with an insurance company. We do not decide coverage, and the carrier makes that determination.
What warranties are available on modified bitumen installations from Lyons Roofing?
Our installations carry a workmanship guarantee, and the membrane manufacturer’s warranty applies when the system and installation meet the manufacturer’s requirements. We put the terms in writing before work begins and explain what each warranty covers and any maintenance conditions.
What affects the estimate for a modified bitumen roof in Phoenix or Tucson?
The estimate follows the scope: roof size, the number of layers to remove, deck and insulation repairs, the membrane and attachment method, the number of drains, curbs, and penetrations, access, and permit requirements. We assess the roof, document the findings, and give you a written scope with the estimate before any work begins.
What questions should Arizona property owners ask before hiring a modified bitumen roofing contractor?
Ask for the AZ ROC license number and verify it on the state site, ask which membrane, attachment method, and surfacing the proposal uses, and ask how the crew handles fire safety and permits for torch work. Ask about moisture checks, drainage corrections, written warranty terms, and who will be on site each day.
How do I schedule a modified bitumen roof assessment with Lyons Roofing?
Call the number on this page or request an assessment online. We ask about the roof type, its age, leak history, and access, and then we schedule a visit in the Phoenix or Tucson area.