Hot mopped roofs offer a low cost and relatively effective alternative to shingled roofs. They are composed of layers of hot asphalt and roofing felt, and they are usually topped with gravel or a cap sheet. The top layer is intended to reduce the asphalt melted by the sun and to improve the appearance of the roof.
Hot mopped roofs are not permitted by some building codes as melting asphalt releases fumes. Many jurisdictions only permit it during certain times of the year. Homeowners are advised to consult their Houston roofing company, which will certainly know the laws regarding hot mopping in the area.
Roofers installing a hot mop roof will first nail cant strips on the corners of the roof. Homeowners will observe that roofers take great care nailing on the parapets, chimneys and curbs. These features require greater precision when applying the cant strips.
Next, the roofers will install the rosin paper. The rosin paper's purpose is to protect the roof from the layers of asphalt and provide a base for the installation of roofing felt. Roofers generally use staple guns instead of nails for this step as the rosin paper is too thin for nails.
Roofing experts from Houston Restoration Services of Houston would be happy to answer any questions you have about storm damage or commercial roofing.
The roofing company will have a large "kettle" of asphalt ready to be applied to the roof. The asphalt is extremely hot by this point, and the workers will take great care in transporting it from the kettle to the roof. Generally, the asphalt is taken from the kettle and placed into a special bucket before being taken onto the roof.
Once the bucket of asphalt is on the roof, the workers will mop it onto the surface using special, heavy duty roofing mops. The observant homeowner will note that the workers will mop the lowest portions of the roof first. They do this because asphalt on the higher parts of the roof tends to drip downward.
The layering of the roof is very important. It must be done properly, or the roof will not serve its purpose. A layer of asphalt must be installed first, and a layer of roofing felt will be added after that. This order is preserved throughout the roof. Most hot mop roofs have three such layers of asphalt and felt. This is sufficient to stand up to the elements.
Roofers will put either gravel or a cap sheet on top of the third layer. This protects the roof from the sun. Many homeowners prefer the cap sheet as it is more attractive.
