What is Modified bitumen membranes Roofing?
Modified bitumen membranes are made by combining bitumen and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) a synthetic rubber family derived from styrene and butadiene. This technique transforms bitumen into a copolymer with much better elasticity, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, ageing stability, and a greater softening point while keeping bitumen’s legendary waterproofing properties. To construct the completed membrane, SBS modified bitumen is combined with reinforcing matting made of polyester, fibreglass, or a combination of the two. Modified bitumen sheets are suitable for both horizontal and vertical surfaces applications. These can be used with either a torch or a self-adhesive roofing system. Multiple layers of high-performance waterproofing protection are provided by the resulting system. To help you make the best decision for your roofing asset, we have compiled the key features of bitumen membranes to consider. Modified bitumen sheets have two primary polymer additives. They are:
1. Atactic Polypropylene
2.Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene
Atactic Polypropylene(APP):
Amorphous polypropylene, a polypropylene waste byproduct, is added to asphalt over a reinforcing layer to make APP. The reinforcement is a heavy spun bonded polyester mat. For the APP modified asphalt, the polyester mat provides the requisite durability and elongation stability. Eurobit provides an exceptionally durable roofing product which is easy to install and will provide long-term weathering performance.
The application of APP sheets to the substrate is done with a torch. Because the APP modifiers extend the asphalt without changing its basic characteristics, the APP membrane sheets can be torch applied.
Advantages of Atactic Polypropylene
- Outstanding resistance to positive water & vapor pressure
- Heat resistance
- Good dimensional stability under tension
- Accommodate structural movements because of flexibility
- High puncture and fatigue resistance
- High tensile and tear strengths
- Resistant to chemicals
Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene(SBS)
As an additive to the asphalt modification, SBS asphalt employs 10% to 15% of a rubber polymer called styrene-butadiene-styrene. When rubber polymer is mixed with asphalt, it undergoes an inversion phase, transforming from a compound to an isometric form. Many of the characteristics of rubber may be found in this type of modified asphalt, including excellent elongation capacity. SBS membrane sheets have the inert capacity to stretch and recover to its original shape when put over fibreglass reinforcement. Eurobit non-woven polyester reinforcement
provides superior tear strength, puncture resistance, low temperature flexibility, excellent tensile strength and dimensional stability.
Advantages of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene
- Resistance to positive water & vapor pressure
- Good dimensional stability under tension
- Excellent flexibility. Can accommodate high structural movements
- High puncture and fatigue resistance
- Excellent tensile and tear strengths
- High resistance against water borne chemicals
- Exhibits good low temperature flexibility
- Cost effective
- Guarantee is available for up to 25 years
- Durable—Specially formulated modified asphalt gives lasting performance.
- Resilient polyester mat core allows it to resist splits and tears due to its pliability and elongation characteristics.
Eurobit manufactures a wide range of modified bitumen membranes that may be created to fit your specific roofing requirements. Our Technical Managers are your single point of contact and are always available to assist you in finding the best combination for your requirements.