SBS rubber is flexible and has the memory to return to its original form. The addition of SBS rubber to asphalt increases the flow characteristics and improves the low-temperature flexibility and fatigue resistance of roofing asphalt. The end product is a high-performance, 2-3 ply system. Flexibility of application method: Cold Adhesive Hot Asphalt Self Adhesive Ease of Maintenance Compared to single ply membranes, which are applied in one layer of 40-80 mils thickness, SBS modified systems are applied in 2-3 ply applications, ranging from 220 mils to 300 mils thickness. The redundancy of multiple layers reduces the chance of workmanship error and increases the ability to withstand traffic and numerous penetrations within the roofing system. SBS Modified Asphalt Roofing Systems utilize a minimum of Two layers (smooth & Granulated) in constructing the Flashing. Unlike single ply roofs which only have one layer of 40-80 mils thick in their flashing the superior construction gives the flashing more ability to withstand movement and temperature fluctuation. Source:http://www.mbtechnology.com/advantages-of-sbs/
Buildings today incorporate lighter-weight structural materials than those built years ago. Contemporary roofing systems should, therefore, have the ability to withstand the increased substrate movements and deflections. Durability of the roof can be assured through good planning and by the correct specification and installation of the waterproofing system.
Asphalt is still the best-known waterproofing material. However, it has poor aging characteristics, becomes brittle in cold weather, is fluid in hot weather, and has little resistance to fatigue. Elastomeric compounds such as SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) substantially improve these properties. SBS rubber is flexible and has the memory to return to its original form. The addition of SBS rubber to asphalt increases the flow characteristics and improves the low-temperature flexibility and fatigue resistance of roofing asphalt. The end product is a high-performance, 2-3 ply system. Some of the advantages of the system are:
Heat Welded
Ideal for areas where it is impractical to use hot asphalt (e.g., hospital, schools, and high-rises).
Minimizes the presence of any odor during the project.
The most economical way to apply the membrane. Better suited for new construction and larger projects.
Ideal for projects where above installations are not feasible.
Unlike single ply membranes which need to be maintained by “authorized contractor”, SBS Modified Asphalt membranes can easily be maintained by in house maintenance staff.
SBS Modified bitumen performs even after 10,000,000 cycles of fatigue testing, while blown bitumen and APP modified bitumen fail in the early stages.