Cold Applied Roofing History

Cold applied roofing was almost unheard of in the early 1900s, because widely used materials for commercial roofs were heat based. As new polymers were developed, cold applied roofing began to gain popularity.

Heat applied roofing materials had an inherent downside in that they needed to be heated to 500 degrees in kettles prior to application. The use of open fires and other work site dangers prompted the industry to find better roof construction techniques. With advances in polymers and adhesives, cold applied roofing techniques became more widely used for a majority of commercial projects.

Cold Applied Roofing Today

Within the last thirty years, cold applied roofing techniques have become the mainstay. By eliminating the use of superheated tars, job safety has improved, which was the main reason for the shift. The use of such materials allows contractors to ensure a safe job site and avoid common worker injuries caused by superheated roof tar.

With the use of new asphalt chemistry technologies, cold applied roofing materials are now one of the most extensively used varieties of roofing materials. Cold process materials are now available in a variety of grades and mixtures.

On the low-cost end of such roofing materials, most are made with specially designed tars and polymers which are fused together to harden as they dry. The high-end cold applied roofing materials have added compounds and rubberizing chemicals to help the roof flex while still protecting the building from leaks. The older varieties would dry solid and without give, cause them to crack after several years.

Those considering a low cost and safe way to apply roofing material should consider cold applied roofing materials if they have either a modified bitumen membrane system or a traditional, built-up roof.

Cold Applied Roofing Professionals

We are the cold applied roofing experts and our installers have the experience and training to take care of all your roofing needs. Contact us today to get more information about cold applied roofing and to recieve a free roofing quote for the installation, repair, or replacement of your roof.