Low-slope commercial APP and SBS roofing membranes

From the very beginning, Polyglass has led the industry in the development of high-quality modified bitumen roofing. That legacy continues today as we offer a large selection of modified bitumen roofing products and accessories designed to accommodate a wide range of commercial and residential roofing applications.

Our APP and SBS membranes not only afford outstanding protection, durability, and roof life expectancy, but are also environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, non-abrasive, UV-resistant, and visually pleasing.

Explore our modified bitumen products below.


What is Modified Bitumen?

To understand what modified bitumen is, we must first introduce its predecessor — the traditional bituminous roof.

Commonly known as built-up roofs (BUR), these roofs were made with roofing felts and several mopped layers of hot asphalt, surfaced with gravel.

While BUR was the standard low-slope commercial roof for over 100 years, the roofing industry was forever changed with the invention of modified bitumen.

Modified bitumen is made by adding polymers to the asphalt and combining that with a fiberglass or polyester reinforcement. The result is an impermeable roof membrane.

Primarily used on flat or low-slope roofs, modified bitumen can either be installed as a two-layer system (base and cap layers) or as part of a multi-layered system.

Modified bitumen roofing provides superior weatherproofing protection and durability compared to conventional asphalt built-up roofing (BUR).

It is highly flexible and tear-resistant, easy to repair when damaged, and holds up well against a wide range of temperature changes without losing integrity.

When applied over an insulation layer, modified bitumen also affords excellent energy efficiency, potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars per year in heating and cooling costs.

Polyglass APP and SBS Membranes

Polyglass offers two main types of modified bitumen membranes — atactic polypropylene (APP) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS).

APP Membranes

Polyglass provides a broad range of base, interply, and cap APP modified bitumen roofing membranes constructed with premium Atactic Polypropylene resins. Superior polyester and/or fiberglass reinforcing are incorporated to offer exceptional tensile strength, puncture resistance, and flexibility.

These membranes are bottom surfaced with polyethylene burn-off film, to provide our contractors with a product that satisfies specified roofing assemblies employing heat welding, torch, or self-adhered applications.

Cap sheets have a granulated top surface which enhances the membranes’ UV resistance.

SBS Membranes

Polyglass uses a proprietary formulation for our SBS compound, and the highest quality asphalt, polymers, and modifiers.

Membranes are reinforced with polyester and/or fiberglass mats offering superior flexibility, excellent tensile strength, and dimensional stability.

The final product provides a highly durable roofing membrane, able to sustain a variety of environmental conditions over time.

 

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is modified bitumen installed?

    Polyglass SBS and APP membranes are available in a variety of installation methods to best suit your application.

    SBS installation methods:

    • ADESO® self-adhered
    • Heat welded or torch applied
    • Cold process applied
    • Hot asphalt applied
    • Mechanical attachment

    APP installation methods:

    • ADESO® self-adhered
    • Heat welded or torch applied
  • How long does a modified bitumen roof last?

    With proper installation, care, and maintenance, modified bitumen roofing has an average life expectancy of 20 years or more.

  • What is ADESO?

    ADESO is a revolutionary self-adhered technology offered by Polyglass on many of our APP and SBS membranes. Using a combination of patented features, ADESO technology enables the manufacture of dual-compound membranes with a true APP or SBS formulation on the top weathering side and a powerful self-adhered formulation on the bottom layer, providing superior adhesion without the need for additional adhesives.

  • What kind of project support services do you offer?

    At Polyglass, we back our product offerings with expert consulting, knowledgable technical support, and unmatched customer service throughout your project. Our expert support services include roof design analysis, pre-bid budget assistance, technical services, and progress inspections throughout your project. In addition, our website offers extensive product information and educational resources, and our Polyschool course offerings offer even more detailed instruction on the best ways to install and use Polyglass products.

  • Which is better — modified bitumen or single ply?

    Unlike single ply membranes such as EDPM, TPO, and PVC, modified Bitumen multi-ply systems provide several layers of defense. When properly installed, modified bitumen membranes have a stable thickness throughout its life, while single-ply membranes have annual thickness loss due to weathering.

  • Which modified bitumen system is best for my roof?

    Polyglass offers an expansive product line designed to provide excellent coverage for virtually any challenge you may have with your roofing application. From our reflective “cool roof” Polyfresko products to the Velociflex technology of Polyfresko, to our Polar base and cap sheets specially formulated for cold-weather installation, we’ve got a product combination to suit your needs. For technical questions regarding which systems are best for your project, reach out to our team of experts.

Why Polyglass?

Polyglass® is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified, leading manufacturer of modified bitumen roofing and waterproofing membranes and roof coatings for low- and steep-slope applications. We are an industry leader in self-adhered underlayments that are specially designed to help contractors save time and labor costs.

Utilizing the most technologically advanced manufacturing process in the industry, Polyglass operates six state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities — five in North America and one in Italy that serves all of Europe.

As a company that prides itself in innovative and quality roofing products that exceed the needs and expectations of its customers all around the world, we offer roofing contractors the following benefits:

  • An extensive line of underlayments and other roofing products that allow for custom-designed solutions for unique construction challenges and environmental conditions
  • Outstanding technical support and project assistance
  • The most trusted warranties in the industry
  • A registered contractor program and a wide array of contractor resources, including instructional videos to Polyschool courses.
  • The ability to earn points and redeem prizes for every Polyglass purchase with Club Premio

Our team of experts is here to help you choose the best underlayment products for your next project. Get in touch with our team today.

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