The terms 'hot mop' and 'cold-applied' refer to different installation methods for flat roofing systems:
Hot Mop: A traditional method for built-up roofing (BUR) systems, where hot asphalt is applied to the roof deck, followed by layers of felt or fiberglass. The hot asphalt acts as an adhesive and sealant, creating a waterproof membrane.
Cold-Applied: Refers to flat roofing systems that do not require heating the adhesive or sealant during installation. This category includes modified bitumen systems (applied with torches or cold adhesives), single-ply membranes (mechanically attached or adhered), and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing.
Cold-applied systems are often preferred for their ease of installation, faster curing times, and reduced safety risks associated with handling hot asphalt.