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What is modified bitumen roofing?

ARMA says "A modified bitumen roofing system is composed primarily of polymer-modified bitumen reinforced with one or more plies of fabric such as polyester, fiberglass or a combination of both." (read 2026-11-03).

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What this means for your home project

  1. ARMA says "Always consult manufacturer’s application recommendations before specifying or installing a particular product." (read 2026-11-03). Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.
  2. ARMA says "Check with the manufacturer to determine requirements for primer type, application rate, and drying time." (read 2026-11-03). Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.
  3. ARMA says "While the typical minimum temperature range for application is 40-50°F, consult the specific manufacturer for recommendations for material storage and handling during colder weather application." (read 2026-11-03). Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.
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What are Modified Bitumen modifiers? How do they work?

ARMA says (read 2026-11-03): “SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modifies the asphalt by forming a polymer network within the bitumen.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03. “SBS gives the bitumen rubber-like characteristics and improved resistance to aging and weathering.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03. “APP (Atactic Polypropylene) is a thermoplastic polymer which forms a uniform matrix within the asphalt.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.

What are reinforcing plies? What are they made of?

ARMA says (read 2026-11-03): “While modified asphalt provides the primary waterproofing characteristics of these membranes a reinforcing ply adds strength and puncture resistance.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03. “Polyester has excellent elongation, tensile strength and recovery.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03. “Glass fiber resists flame penetration and provides excellent tensile strength and dimensional stability.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.

How do I choose the roofing system that works best for a particular job?

ARMA says (read 2026-11-03): “The combination of asphalt, modifiers and reinforcements determines the characteristics of a specific modified bitumen membrane.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03. “Many self–adhesive modified bituminous membranes are evaluated using test methods in ASTM D5147, as are other modified bituminous sheet materials, and may meet the physical properties of asphalt base sheets or modified bitumen sheet material standards such as ASTM D4601, ASTM D1970, ASTM D6162, ASTM D6163, ASTM D6164, and CSA A123.23.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.

How is Modified Bitumen roofing applied for maximum performance?

ARMA says (read 2026-11-03): “Most SBS-modified bitumen sheets are either set in hot mopping asphalt, torch-applied or adhered with cold-process adhesives.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03. “Because there are no kettles or torches required, installation of self-adhesive membranes may be less disruptive to building occupants.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.

What drives modified bitumen cost?

ARMA says (read 2026-11-03): “Labor saving application without the added complications of torching, mopping, or liquid adhesives is one of the primary advantages of self-adhesive membranes.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03. “Cold temperatures may stiffen sheet materials, reduce the curing or flash-off rate of adhesives, diminish the effective bonding of self-adhesive materials, and cause mopping asphalts to cool prematurely.” Source: ARMA, read 2026-11-03.

Sources

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