Polymer-modified bitumen sheet membranes
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Material and system description
Polymer-modified bitumen or modified bitumen (MB) sheet membranes were developed
in Europe in the early 1960s and have been in use in the U.S. since the mid 1970s.
Polymer-modified roof membranes are composed of reinforcing fabrics that serve as
carriers for the hot polymer-modified bitumen as it is manufactured into a roll
material. MB roof system membranes are composed of multiple layers, much like BUR
membranes. MB roof systems typically are installed as a two-ply system and almost
always are fully adhered.
There are two types of MB roofing membranes:
- SBS polymer-modified bitumen membranes commonly are installed in hot moppings of
asphalt (similar to BUR systems) or cold adhesive. Some SBS modified membranes are
self adhering; that is, they contain an adhesive backing.
- APP polymer-modified bitumen membranes typically are heat-welded or torch-applied.
Consumers should be cautioned that NRCA does not recommend torch-applying a modified
bitumen membrane sheet directly to a wood deck.
Generally, APP modifiers impart a "plasticized" quality to asphalt, and SBS modifiers
impart a "rubberized" quality to asphalt. MB membranes and
EPDM, a thermoset membrane, often are confused by consumers because of colloquialisms
used by roofing contractors. MB and EPDM membranes are sometimes called "rubber
roofs."
Surfacings for MB membranes include aggregate surfacing, mineral surfacing, metal
foil-laminate surfacing and smooth liquid-applied surfacing.
Photo of a mineral-surfaced MB roof system
A roof system composed of a built up roof membrane with 2 plies or 3 plies and a
polymer-modified bitumen membrane cap sheet is commonly referred to as "hybrid"
system. NRCA considers this type to be a polymer modified bitumen membrane system.
Material standards
NRCA does not make any recommendations about which MB products or manufacturer to
use; however, NRCA does recommend that MB meet standards established by ASTM International.
APP polymer modified bitumen products:
- ASTM D6222, "Standard Specification for Atactic Polypropylene (APP) Modified Bituminous
Sheet Materials Using Polyester Reinforcements"
- ASTM D6223, "Standard Specification for Atactic Polypropylene (APP) Modified Bituminous
Sheet Materials Using a Combination of Polyester and Glass Fiber Reinforcements"
SBS polymer modified bitumen products:
- ASTM D6162, "Standard Specification for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) Modified
Bituminous Sheet Materials Using a Combination of Polyester and Glass Fiber Reinforcements"
- ASTM D6163, "Standard Specification for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) Modified
Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Glass Fiber Reinforcements"
- ASTM D6164, "Standard Specification for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) Modified
Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Polyester Reinforcements"
- ASTM D6298, "Standard Specification for Fiberglass Reinforced Styrene Butadiene
Styrene (SBS) Modified Bitumen Sheets with a Factory Applied Metal Surface"
Warranties
When purchasing a new roof system, there will be two warranties to consider. First,
there will be the manufacturer's warranty. In general, these warranties cover defects
in the manufacture of the roof membrane. Please read
NRCA's consumer advisory bulletin addressing roofing warranties
for more information. Once the project is complete, be sure the contractor provides
you with a certificate for your records.
Second, the roofing contractor will provide you with a warranty covering his workmanship.
Typically, this will cover installation and related issues. The warranty should
contain what items are covered and what will void them. Many contractors offer one
year or two years of coverage; however, there is no industry standard.