Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen roofing systems have been in use in Europe since the 1960’s and were introduced in the United States in the 1970’s.  Modified bitumen roofing systems are asphalt based systems installed on flat or low-sloped roofs.  Modifiers are added to the asphalt to give it rubber or plastic qualities. 

Modified bitumen roofing comes in rolls which are available with a granulated or smooth top surface.  These systems can be installed with a torch, cold adhesives, hot mopping, or using self-adhering sheets.  At MBA Roofing, we prefer to use self-adhering modified bitumen because it provides a clean and effective application without fumes. 

Types

Types

The two types of modified bitumen roofing are SBS and APP.

SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene)

  • SBS modifiers give asphalt a rubber-like quality. 
  • SBS is typically installed with cold adhesives, hot mopping, or self-adhering sheets.

APP (Atactic Polypropylene)

  • APP modifiers give asphalt a plastic-like quality.  
  • APP is typically installed with a torch or self-adhering sheets.