Modified Bitumen Systems by RGP

Modified Bitumen roofing is a type of roofing that is an evolution of asphalt roofing. It is made from asphalt and a variety of rubber modifiers and solvents. There are several ways of connecting pieces of this material. In a heat application process the seams are heated to melt the asphalt together and create a seal. There is also hot-mopped application, similar to how conventional built-up roofs are installed. Cold-applied adhesives and self-adhesive membranes are two of the more recent options. This material is also referred to as APP, SBS, and SEBS.

Modified Bitumen is a type of membrane roofing, and some of the advantages of membrane roofing over asphalt flat roofing systems are as follows. In asphalt and gravel application, it can be very difficult to create a proper seal at all seams and connection points. This can cause many roofs to leak early in its lifespan, and require much more maintenance. When installed correctly, newer materials are either seamless, or have seams as strong as the body. This eliminates much of the leakage concerns associated with flat roofing systems. Repairs for asphalt and gravel roofs can be hard, mainly because it is difficult to locate the exact point of a leak. Newer systems can be patched relatively easily, and breaks and leaks are easier to locate. Originally asphalt roofing required a layer of gravel above it for two reasons.

First, asphalt with direct exposure to sunlight degrades much faster, mainly due to the expansion and contraction throughout a day, and also the damage created by UV rays. Second, asphalt needs weight above to hold it down, because it sits on the top of a building, instead of being attached to it. Each of the three newer types of membrane roofing systems contain materials that resist expansion and contraction, as well as reflect much of the UV rays. Also, because these membranes either lack seams or have strong seams, what expansion and contraction does occur does not create leaks and breaks at these seams. These newer roofing systems are also attached directly to the top of a building, which eliminates the need for excess weight above.

RGP frequently uses modified bitumen membranes from GAF. Here are the different types of modified bitumen membranes from GAF.

The Ruberoid Torch Smooth Membrane

The RUBEROID® TORCH SMOOTH membrane is a tough, resilient modified bitumen membrane manufactured to stringent GAF specifications. Its core is a strong, resilient, non-woven polyester mat that is coated with weather resistant, APP polymer modified asphalt. The membrane is available with a smooth surface. RUBEROID® TORCH SMOOTH MEMBRANE is designed for new roofing and reroofing applications as well as flashings. RUBEROID® TORCH SMOOTH MEMBRANE is also an ideal product for repairs of built-up roofing membranes or other modified bitumen systems.

Advantages

Typical system guarantees available for up to 15 years, select system constructions available with up to 20 year guarantee coverage
Cost effective — the installed cost of RUBEROID® Torch Smooth Membrane is less than most single-ply systems on the market today
Lightweight — installed roof designs weigh less than 2 pounds per square foot
Resilient — RUBEROID® TORCH SMOOTH MEMBRANE’s polyester mat core allows it to resist splits and tears due to its pliability and elongation characteristics
Durable — specially formulated modified asphalt for lasting performance
RUBEROID® TORCH SMOOTH MEMBRANE is backed by GAF, a company with over 100 years in the roofing business.

Ruberoid Torch Granule Membrane

Tuberoid Torch Granule by RGP

The RUBEROID^® TORCH GRANULE membrane is a tough, resilient modified bitumen membrane manufactured to stringent GAF specifications. Its core is a strong, resilient, non-woven polyester mat that is coated with weather resistant APP polymer modified asphalt. RUBEROID^® TORCH GRANULE MEMBRANE is designed for new roofing and reroofing applications as well as flashings. RUBEROID^® TORCH GRANULE MEMBRANE is also an ideal product for repairs of built-up roofing membrane or other modified bitumen systems.

Advantages

Typical system guarantees available for up to 15 years, select system constructions available with up to 20 year guarantee coverage
Cost effective — the installed cost of RUBEROID® TORCH GRANULE MEMBRANE is less than most single-ply systems on the market today
Lightweight — installed roof designs weigh less than 2 pounds per square foot
Resilient — RUBEROID® TORCH GRANULE MEMBRANE’s polyester mat core allows it to resist splits and tears due to its pliability and elongation characteristics
Durable — specially formulated modified asphalt for lasting performance
RUBEROID® TORCH GRANULE MEMBRANE is backed by GAF, a company with over 100 years in the roofing business.

Liberty Modified Bitumen Self-Adhered Membranes

Liberty™ SBS Mechanically Attached Base Sheet

Liberty Modified Bitumen by GAF

Liberty™ SBS Mechanically Attached Base Sheet is a durable, modified bitumen membrane designed and manufactured to meet industry and code requirements. The product is designed for use as a base membrane for self-adhered roof systems and is reinforced with mat, which is coated with a polymer-modified asphalt. Liberty™ SBS Mechanically Attached Base Sheet is approved with a proprietary film surface that assures a good bond for self-adhered membranes. System guarantees are available for up to 20 years. Liberty™ Systems are applied without torches, open flames, hot asphalt, or messy solvent-based adhesives and are suitable for primed for many substrates. Liberty™ SBS Mechanically Attached Base Sheet should be applied to a plywood deck or other nailable surfaces and mechanically fastened using Drill-Tec™ Screws according to applicable specifications.

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