Reinforced Roof Edging for Modified Bitumen: What You Need to Know

If you’ve got a flat or low-slope roof—especially one with a modified bitumen system—you know how critical waterproofing is. But here’s something that often gets overlooked:

The edges of your roof are the most vulnerable part of the entire system.

And if they’re not properly reinforced, you’re asking for trouble—especially here in Columbus, where wind, rain, ice, and UV exposure can test your roof year-round.

Let’s break down why reinforced roof edging matters and how The Roof Champion of Columbus gets it done right.

What Is Modified Bitumen Roofing?

Modified bitumen is a durable, layered roofing system often used for flat or low-slope roofs. It comes in rolls and is applied using heat or adhesives. Think of it like a hybrid between old-school built-up roofing and newer single-ply membranes.

It’s tough—but it still needs help at the edges.

The Weak Link: Roof Edging

Roof edges are where:

• Water runs off

• Wind tries to lift the membrane

• Ice dams form in winter

• UV exposure hits hardest

Without reinforced edging, the membrane can peel, crack, or delaminate—leading to costly leaks and structural damage.

What Is Roof Edge Reinforcement?

Reinforcement at the edge includes:

• Metal drip edges (usually galvanized or aluminum)

• Base ply and cap sheet overlaps sealed properly

• Termination bars or edge securement

• Reinforced bitumen membranes that wrap the edge

The goal is simple: Lock everything down tight and prevent water or wind from getting underneath.

Best Practices from the Field

At The Roof Champion of Columbus, here’s how we handle modified bitumen edges:

• We use haag-certified installation techniques and follow ARMA and NRCA guidelines.

• We terminate the membrane with a double-reinforced edge wrap, then install metal edging that is sealed and fastened every 4–6 inches.

• All metal is installed with continuous beads of mastic, mechanical fasteners, and heat-welded overlaps where needed.

• Where required by code or manufacturer, we reinforce the edge with additional membrane strips or liquid flashing compounds for extra protection.

If your current roof is missing this, that’s a red flag.

Why It Matters in Columbus, Ohio

Modified bitumen roofs in Columbus see:

• Heavy rains in spring and summer

• Snow and freeze-thaw cycles in winter

• Wind uplift risk during Midwest storms

Without reinforced edging, moisture can sneak in, saturate your insulation, and damage your decking. Once that happens, you're looking at major repairs—or full replacement.

Real Story: A Reinforcement Rescue in Worthington

We worked with a homeowner in Worthington who had a modified bitumen roof installed just 6 years ago. The membrane looked fine—until we inspected the edges.

There were no termination bars. The metal edging was lifting. Water had gotten underneath and rotted the plywood at the perimeter.

We reinforced the entire edge with:

• New treated plywood

• Two-ply modified bitumen layers

• Primed and fastened metal edge flashing

That roof is now watertight, wind-resistant, and good for the long haul.

Is Your Modified Bitumen Roof Edge Reinforced?

If you’re unsure, we’ll check it for free. Edge issues are not always visible from the ground—and by the time you see a stain on the ceiling, the damage is already done.

📞 Call Travis Haessly at (614) 639-3422
Or schedule your inspection at www.roofchampcolumbus.com

FAQs

How do I know if my modified bitumen roof has edge reinforcement?
Look for metal edging at the perimeter. If it's loose, missing, or there's visible bubbling or cracking near the edge, you may have a problem.

Can I add reinforcement to an existing roof?
Yes. In many cases, we can install termination bars, additional membrane layers, and new edge metal without a full replacement.

Is reinforced edging required by code?
In most commercial or low-slope applications, yes. The 2021 IBC references secure termination and edge detailing as critical for wind uplift performance.

We Don’t Quit. We Fight. We Win.

At The Roof Champion of Columbus, we believe that every detail matters. And edge reinforcement isn’t optional—it’s protection you can’t afford to skip.