MOD BIT HISTORY AND USE

SPEAKER: Bruce Hall

This program introduces modified bitumen roofing systems, covering the material’s historical origins, evolution, and modern applications. Participants will gain a basic understanding of how bitumen is modified into high-performance roofing products, including membranes, mastics, and emulsions. The course also highlights common challenges in today’s systems—such as cracking, granule loss, and lap failure—equipping attendees to better assess and address potential performance issues.

Objective 1:    Modified bitumen roof background – gain a basic concept of the natural state of bituminous material related to roofing history.

Objective 2:    Modified bitumen roof systems in their earliest formation and design up to the modern era.

Objective 3:    Modified bitumen roof process – understanding the general building blocks of how bitumen is modified from the original product and transformed into usable basic materials and high-performance modern roof membranes, mastics and emulsions.

Objective 4:    Modern modified bitumen roof system challenges in the 21^st century – increased awareness of modified bitumen roof system issues that can lead to premature failure (cracking, granule loss and lap failure).