In recent years, interest in cold process roofing systems has grown steadily as installers seek to reduce liability while improving productivity. Cold-applied systems reportedly make up 10 percent of the built-up and modified bitumen roofing systems installed in the United States. Cold-applied systems' share of the asphaltic market is only expected to grow as conventional asphaltic systems are impacted by a number of factors including a desire by building owners to reduce exposure to fumes during installation, as well as a need to improve installation economics.
Within the United States, cold-applied systems entered the market in the 1960s, providing an alternative to conventional built-up technology. The appeal of the product's technology was centered on both its composition and its handling characteristics. The composition of the cold-applied mastic product most commonly included asphalt and solvent. Installers were able to apply the product with a brush, squeegee or spray equipment. This opened up new applications that would previously have been impossible with a conventional asphaltic system.