There are certain physical properties that high-quality SBS-modified bitumen membrane systems (e.g., Siplast Paradiene 20/30 system) have that help enable it to maintain performance over decades of service on a roof. It starts with the asphalt blend, which drives some of the physical requirements for long term performance. The reinforcement combined with the upper and lower layers of SBS-modified bitumen determine the primary physical properties and performance characteristics of the sheet. In other words, what Siplast does prior to and during manufacture of the Paradiene 20 and Paradiene 30 sheets is a huge part of what leads to the roof's potential long service life. Of course, the installation, the design, and maintenance of the roof also play a big role. Assuming that those aspects are handled properly, it is the SBS-modified bitumen formulation combined with the reinforcement (i.e., the roof membrane) that composes the backbone of the system that sets up the installed roofing system for long-term success.
To understand Ultimate Elongation, it is important to understand the physical property called Elongation at Peak Load, and how it is measured. SBS membranes are tested to determine Elongation at Peak Load, which is the measured elongation when the reinforcement breaks. Membranes continue to stretch until the blend (i.e., the asphalt) breaks. Ultimate Elongation is when the asphalt breaks. Siplast P20 and P30 sheets have blends that continue to significantly stretch after the reinforcement breaks.
Cyclic fatigue is defined as the cyclic displacement of a modified bitumen membrane. To run a cyclic fatigue test, a modified bitumen system (i.e., a base sheet and a cap sheet) is adhered to a substrate that has a small gap. The substrate moves apart and together for a large number of cycles. High-performing SBS membranes can be cycled hundreds of times before failure, for both new and aged SBS membranes.
If Ultimate Elongation and Cyclic Fatigue are important physical characteristics for your building and long-term roofing requirements, including these physical requirements in your specifications can help ensure a high-performing and long-term roof system. The Siplast Paradiene 20/30 membrane system can help you meet demanding specifications that include Ultimate Elongation and Cyclic Fatigue.
Read the full paper and learn more about the importance of Ultimate Elongation and Cyclic fatigue:
Paradiene 20/30 SBS-Modified Bitumen Membrane Systems: The Importance of Ultimate Elongation & Cyclic Fatigue
Learn more about Siplast's SBS-modified Paradiene 20/30 products on our website.
