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COMMERCIAL ROOFING EXPERTS
Modified Bitumen Roofing Contractor In Shreveport, LA
Durable, multi-layer, and built for the demands of commercial and multifamily roofing. Hodge Roofing installs, repairs, and replaces modified bitumen roofing systems across the ArkLaTex region.
Serving commercial and multifamily properties across Louisiana, Texas, & Arkansas.
What is Modified Bitumen & Is it Right For your Property?
Modified bitumen is a multi-layer asphalt-based roofing system designed for flat and low-slope commercial roofs. Unlike single-ply membranes, modified bitumen is installed in multiple layers, typically a base sheet plus a cap sheet, which gives it a built-in redundancy that single-layer systems can’t match.
The two main types are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene). APP is typically torch-applied and offers excellent UV resistance. SBS is more flexible and can be cold-applied, torch-applied, or hot-mopped depending on the project requirements. Both deliver the same core advantage: a layered roofing system that keeps working even if one layer is compromised.
Modified bitumen handles high foot traffic better than most single-ply systems, making it the preferred choice for commercial roofs with mechanical equipment, rooftop HVAC units, or regular maintenance access. It also adapts well to complex roof geometries — penetrations, drains, curbs, and irregular shapes are easier to detail properly in a multi-layer system than with a single membrane.
Reflective cap sheets are available for both APP and SBS systems, offering improved energy efficiency for Louisiana’s hot summers while retaining all the durability benefits of the layered system.
Modified Bitumen Roofing at a Glance
| Membrane Type | Multi-layer asphalt-based system |
| Types | APP (torch-applied) • SBS (cold-applied, torch, or hot-mopped) |
| Typical Lifespan | 20–30 years |
| Layers | 2–3 layers — base sheet + cap sheet |
| Foot Traffic Tolerance | High |
| Surface Options | Granulated • Smooth • Reflective cap sheet |
| Installation Methods | Torch-applied • Cold-applied • Hot-mopped • Self-adhered |
| Energy Benefit | Reflective cap sheet available for improved UV resistance |
| Hodge Labor Warranty | 2 years on full installations |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Available on qualifying systems |
Modified Bitumen Roofing Services We Provide
Modified Bitumen Roof Installation
Whether you're reroofing a commercial building or installing a new system on a multifamily property, our crews handle full modified bitumen installations from tear-off through final walkthrough. We work with APP and SBS systems and select the right installation method — torch, cold-applied, or hot-mopped — based on your building's specific requirements.
Modified Bitumen Roof Repair
Blistering, surface cracks, seam failures, and flashing separations are the most common modified bitumen issues we see in the Shreveport market. Because the system is multi-layered, many issues can be repaired at the cap sheet level without disturbing the base sheet below. We offer free inspections to assess what your roof actually needs — no pressure.
Modified Bitumen Roof Replacement
When a modified bitumen system has reached the end of its lifespan or sustained damage beyond repair, we handle full replacement. We assess the existing substrate, address any structural or drainage issues, and install the new system to manufacturer specifications with a final quality walkthrough before we leave the jobsite.
Modified Bitumen Roof Inspection & Due-Diligence Evaluations
Buying or refinancing a commercial or multifamily property? Our pre-purchase inspections give you a documented assessment of the existing modified bitumen system's condition, estimated remaining lifespan, and any recommended repairs — in writing, before you close.
Which Roofing System is Right For Your Building?
Modified bitumen isn’t the right answer for every flat or low-slope roof, and if it’s not right for yours we’ll tell you that upfront. We install both modified bitumen and TPO because they solve different problems. The table below outlines when each system makes the most sense. If you’re not sure which direction to go, a free inspection gives us enough information to make an honest recommendation.
| Modified Bitumen | TPO | EPDM | |
| Best For | High-traffic roofs, re-roofing over existing systems, projects where layered redundancy matters | Commercial & multifamily flat roofs where energy efficiency is a priority | Low-slope commercial roofs; budget-sensitive projects |
| Membrane Type | Multi-layer asphalt-based system | Single-ply thermoplastic | Single-ply thermoset rubber |
| Surface Color | Black or granulated cap sheet (reflective cap available) | White — highly reflective | Typically black |
| Seam Method | Torch-applied or hot-mopped | Heat-welded | Adhesive or tape |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate (reflective cap sheet available) | High — reflects UV and heat | Lower — dark surface absorbs heat |
| Foot Traffic Tolerance | High | Moderate | Low |
| Layered Protection | Multi-layer — added redundancy | Single layer | Single layer |
| Typical Lifespan | 20–30 years | 15–30 years | 15–25 years |
| Louisiana Climate Fit | Excellent | Excellent | Fair |
We install both modified bitumen and TPO. If your project calls for TPO instead, visit our TPO Roofing page to learn more. Not sure which system is right for your property? Request a free inspection and we’ll give you a straight answer.
Ready to talk through your options?
Or call us directly at (318) 946-8093.
Why Modified Bitumen Works Well in Louisiana's Climate
Louisiana’s subtropical climate puts specific demands on commercial roofing systems — and modified bitumen has been meeting those demands reliably for decades. Its multi-layer construction means that even if the cap sheet sustains surface damage from a hail event or storm debris, the base sheet below continues providing protection while repairs are arranged. That redundancy matters in a market where severe weather isn’t a question of if, but when.
The torch-applied APP systems we install develop a seamless bond at laps and flashings that holds up through the thermal expansion and contraction cycles the ArkLaTex sees across seasons. High humidity and sustained UV exposure, the two factors that accelerate single-ply membrane degradation in this region, are both well-handled by a properly installed modified bitumen system.
For commercial buildings and multifamily properties with rooftop HVAC equipment, modified bitumen’s high foot traffic tolerance is a practical advantage. Service technicians accessing rooftop units year-round on a TPO membrane can cause surface damage over time; on a granulated modified bitumen cap sheet, that same traffic leaves the system intact.
If energy efficiency is the top priority, a reflective aluminum or white granule cap sheet brings the system’s performance closer to TPO while retaining all the durability advantages of the layered construction. We’ll help you weigh the tradeoffs during a your inspection.
Why Property Managers & Building owners choose Hodge Roofing
We specialize in commercial roofing, multifamily roofing, and roof coatings — it’s not a side service we offer alongside residential work. Our crews are experienced with the specific demands of occupied buildings: staging materials without disrupting tenants, maintaining a clean and safe jobsite throughout the project, and completing re-roofs efficiently so your property isn’t exposed any longer than it needs to be.
- BBB Accredited · A+ Rating · Since 2021 — the only top-rated roofing contractor in the Shreveport market with active BBB Accreditation
- GAF Certified Contractor — factory-trained and certified to install GAF roofing systems with qualifying warranty coverage
- 14+ Years in Business — serving commercial and multifamily clients across the Ark-La-Tex since 2011
- Honest assessments — if your TPO roof needs a repair and not a replacement, we’ll tell you that
- We don’t disappear when the job is done. We stand by our work and we maintain lasting relationships with out clients. When you choose Hodge Roofing your choosing a partner who will be there to help you maintain your property year after year.
| State | License Type | License # |
| Louisiana | Residential | 06499 |
| Louisiana | Commercial | 72317 |
| Arkansas | Commercial | 0425270325 |
| Oklahoma | Commercial | 80006463 |
| Alabama | Commercial | 59512 |
What Property Managers Say About Hodge Roofing
I've had the opportunity to work with Hodge Roofing and his team on a professional level as he has re-roofed several apartment properties in the East TX area I manage. Murry and his team is honest, straight forward, dependable and most importantly Murry stands behind his work which is a rare commodity in today's environment.
Here at our Northern Complex with Haley Residential they contracted Hodge Roofing to re-finish 17 buildings and I honestly couldn't say I have seen work and ethics any better and they set a new standard.
Hodge Roofing is amazing! I have had the pleasure of working with Murray and his team on multiple projects. Their teams are professional and do an amazing job. They kept the site clean and we had no complaints from our residents!
Ready to talk through your options?
Or call us directly at (318) 946-8093.
What to Expect: Our Modified Bitumen Roofing Process
Free Inspection & Estimate
We start with a thorough roof inspection to assess the existing system, identify any substrate or drainage issues, and give you an honest written estimate. No obligation.
Scope & Material Selection
We walk you through APP vs. SBS options, installation methods, cap sheet choices, and manufacturer warranty coverage so you can make an informed decision before any work begins.
Tear-Off & Substrate Preparation
We remove the existing roofing material, inspect and repair the substrate as needed, and address any drainage issues before the new system goes down.
Modified Bitumen Installation
Our crews install the base sheet and cap sheet to manufacturer specifications. All laps, seams, and flashings are sealed and inspected for integrity before we move off the roof.
Final Walkthrough & Documentation
We perform a final quality inspection with you or your property manager, document the completed installation, and provide warranty paperwork for both labor and materials.
Modified Bitumen Service Area
Hodge Roofing provides TPO roofing installation, repair, and replacement for commercial and multifamily properties throughout:
Louisiana: Shreveport, Bossier City, Stonewall, Benton, Haughton, Ruston, Natchitoches, and surrounding areas
Texas: Marshall, Longview, Tyler, Texarkana, and East Texas
Arkansas: Texarkana AR, El Dorado, and surrounding communities
For large-scale commercial and multifamily projects, we travel throughout Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama. Contact us to discuss your specific project location.
Ready to talk through your options?
Or call us directly at (318) 946-8093.
Modified Bitumen : Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a modified bitumen roof last?
A properly installed modified bitumen roof typically lasts 20 to 30 years — generally longer than most single-ply systems at the same price point. The multi-layer construction is a big factor: even as the cap sheet weathers over time, the base sheet below continues providing protection. Regular inspections and prompt cap sheet repairs are the most reliable way to reach the upper end of that lifespan range.
What are the two types of modified bitumen and what's the difference?
The two main types are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene). APP is a stiffer, plastic-modified asphalt typically installed by torch — it offers excellent UV resistance and is well-suited to Louisiana's hot summers. SBS is a rubber-modified asphalt that stays more flexible in cold temperatures and can be installed by torch, cold adhesive, or hot mopping. Both deliver the same multi-layer durability; the right choice depends on your roof's specific conditions, geometry, and access requirements. We'll make a clear recommendation after a free inspection.
What's the difference between modified bitumen and TPO?
TPO is a single-ply thermoplastic membrane — white, reflective, and heat-welded at the seams. Modified bitumen is a multi-layer asphalt-based system with higher foot traffic tolerance and built-in redundancy through its layered construction. TPO has a stronger energy efficiency advantage due to its white reflective surface. Modified bitumen is the stronger choice when the roof sees regular foot traffic, has complex geometry with many penetrations, or when layered redundancy is a priority. We install both and will tell you honestly which one fits your building. Visit our TPO Roofing page to compare both systems side by side.
What is alligatoring and is it a sign I need a new roof?
Alligatoring refers to a pattern of surface cracking on a modified bitumen roof that resembles reptile scales. It's caused by the asphalt in the cap sheet drying out and losing its flexibility over time. Mild alligatoring across isolated sections can sometimes be addressed with a roof coating or targeted cap sheet repairs. Widespread alligatoring covering most of the surface typically signals that the asphalt has oxidized beyond repair and the system is approaching end of life. Whether it warrants repair, coating, or full replacement depends on the extent of the cracking, the condition of the base sheet below, and the age of the system — we can give you a straight answer after a free inspection.
Can a roof coating be applied over a modified bitumen roof to extend its lifespan?
Yes — and it's one of the most cost-effective options when a modified bitumen roof is structurally sound but showing surface wear. A silicone or acrylic roof coating applied over a solid modified bitumen system can significantly extend the roof's service life, improve energy efficiency by adding a reflective surface, and provide a seamless waterproof layer over the existing membrane. The key qualifier is that the existing substrate must be sound and moisture-free — a coating applied over a compromised substrate traps problems rather than solving them. We'll assess whether your roof is a good candidate during a free inspection. Visit our Roof Coatings page to learn more about the silicone and acrylic systems we install.
What's the difference between torch-applied and cold-applied modified bitumen?
Torch-applied modified bitumen uses an open-flame torch to heat and bond the membrane during installation — it creates an extremely strong bond and is the most common method for APP systems. Cold-applied modified bitumen uses adhesives or self-adhering membranes instead of heat, which is required when open flames aren't permitted due to fire code restrictions, wood deck substrates, or facilities with flammable materials nearby. SBS systems are more commonly cold-applied. The performance difference between the two methods is minimal when installed correctly — the choice is driven primarily by your building's specific conditions and local code requirements. We'll determine the right method during the scoping process.
Do you offer warranties on modified bitumen roofing?
Yes. Hodge Roofing provides a 2-year labor warranty on all full modified bitumen installations. Manufacturer material warranties are available depending on the system selected — coverage terms vary by manufacturer and system type. Extended warranties covering both labor and materials are available on qualifying projects. We'll walk you through all warranty options during the scoping process so you know exactly what coverage you're getting before work begins.
Is modified bitumen a good choice for roofs with heavy foot traffic?
Yes — it's one of modified bitumen's strongest advantages over single-ply systems. The granulated cap sheet surface is significantly more resistant to punctures, scuffs, and compression damage from foot traffic than TPO or EPDM membranes. For commercial roofs with rooftop HVAC equipment that requires regular service access, or multifamily properties where maintenance teams access the roof frequently, modified bitumen holds up better over time under that kind of use. If heavy foot traffic is a factor for your roof, it's one of the first things we'll consider when making a system recommendation.
Ready to Talk About Your Modified Bitumen Project?
Whether you manage a multifamily property, own a commercial building, or are preparing for a pre-purchase due-diligence evaluation, Hodge Roofing is ready to help. We offer free inspections and written estimates with no obligation.
Or call us directly at (318) 946-8093.
