Commercial roofing systems should offer a long-term return on investment for the building owner in terms of cost-effectiveness, protection of building assets, and occupant safety. High-performance SBS-modified bitumen roofing systems are one type of commercial roofing system that offers these benefits, and, importantly, SBS-modified roofing systems have long been used in the commercial roofing industry.
In the 1960s, Siplast, in collaboration with Shell Chemical of Europe, pioneered the development of SBS-modified bitumen by modifying asphalt with SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), a synthetic rubber polymer. The result was an extremely durable elastomeric blend with exceptional elongation and recovery properties across a wide range of temperatures. This blend outperformed other asphaltic materials of the time, and this innovation led to the creation of SBS-modified bitumen roofing sheets with significantly enhanced flexibility and durability.
Since then, SBS-modified bitumen roofing systems have become one of the preferred and widely used multi-layer roofing systems, typically consisting of a base sheet and a cap sheet. It is commonly applied to low-sloped roofs on commercial or industrial buildings around the world.
Siplast's SBS-modified membranes, such as its Paradiene, Paratech and Parafor products, continue to deliver industry-leading performance when installed as part of a multi-ply system. Beyond product design, Siplast emphasizes critical manufacturing variables, such as blend time, blending temperature, formulation consistency, and the use of premium raw materials, all of which contribute to long-term membrane performance and roof system reliability.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of SBS-modified bitumen roofing systems.
1. Longevity of Multi-Ply Systems
The exceptional performance of SBS-modified bitumen roofing stems from its multi-ply design, typically consisting of a smooth-surfaced base ply and a granule-surfaced cap sheet. This layered approach provides built-in redundancy (layers are bonded to each other), which enhances long-term weatherproofing integrity and resistance to leaks, fatigue, and thermal stress.
Siplast's Paradiene, Paratech, and Parafor SBS-modified membranes are engineered for long-term synergy in multi-layer assemblies. For example, the premium Paradiene system pairs a high-strength base sheet with a durable cap sheet to deliver robust performance and long-term service life when properly designed, installed and maintained.
Membrane performance and longevity start with quality manufacturing. Controlled blend times ensure that SBS polymers are fully integrated into the asphalt, while optimized blending temperatures preserve polymer integrity. Siplast's consistency in formulation, raw materials, and process control results in a system that performs reliably over its life cycle.
2. Durability and Maintenance
SBS-modified bitumen membranes offer excellent puncture resistance, tensile strength, and the ability to withstand mechanical stress, which means they are appropriate for all roofing projects, and these properties make them ideal for roofs with heavy equipment, frequent foot traffic, or exposure to extreme weather. Their inherent durability and toughness also allow them to support pavers or other overburden in high-use rooftop environments.
Siplast's SBS systems are reinforced with fiberglass or polyester, or are dual reinforced with composite scrims.
If damage does occur, whether from mechanical impact or expansion and contraction at a roof penetration, SBS membranes are easy to repair using heat welding (i.e., torching), cold adhesives, or self-adhered patching methods. This ease of repair is a major advantage. Siplast's multi-ply SBS roof membranes offer excellent protection against external forces and typically require less maintenance over time, although biennial inspections are recommended For building owners, that means fewer disruptions and lower maintenance costs.
3. Life Cycle Cost
While installation cost matters, the total cost of ownership is what defines value in commercial roofing. Siplast's SBS-modified bitumen systems deliver strong ROI due to their long service life, minimal maintenance needs, and potential for repair, which reduces the need for tear-off and replacement.
The Paradiene system, for example, is part of Siplast's comprehensive roofing approach that supports long-term asset management with options for repair and re-roofing without tear-off. This flexibility can reduce the annual cost of ownership and is especially valuable for schools, healthcare facilities, and public institutions operating under tight budgets.
SBS-modified bitumen membranes with inferior asphalt or poorly integrated polymers may offer a lower upfront price, but they tend to degrade faster, leading to increased maintenance and earlier removal and replacement. Siplast's high manufacturing standards ensure our SBS-modified membrane systems remain cost-effective over the long term.
4. Flexibility and Ease of Installation
Unlike traditional asphalt-based roofing materials that can crack or become brittle, Siplast's SBS-modified membranes retain flexibility across a wide temperature range. This allows the membranes to absorb stresses from building movement and makes the membranes suitable for a variety of climates and installation conditions.
SBS systems offer installation versatility and can be applied via heat-welding (i.e., torching), hot asphalt, cold adhesive, mechanical fastening, or self-adhered techniques. Siplast membranes are engineered for jobsite efficiency: they lay flat, bond consistently, and behave predictably.
This ease of application minimizes installation errors, accelerates timelines, and reduces callbacks, providing confidence to contractors and peace of mind to building owners.
5. Weather and UV Resistance
Siplast's SBS-modified membrane systems are built to endure the elements. Their design and formulation offer superior resistance to UV exposure, water infiltration, and extreme temperatures, making them a dependable solution across nearly all climate zones.
Siplast's entire line of SBS-modified cap sheets* are granule-surfaced to provide UV-resistance and toughness.
Behind this performance is Siplast's technical precision: high-quality asphalts and SBS polymers are carefully blended at optimized temperatures to ensure consistency and performance. The result is a roofing system that withstands the full range of environmental stressors—season after season.
Performance That Lasts
When selecting a roofing system, true performance goes beyond what's printed on a specification sheet. At Siplast, every SBS-modified membrane reflects decades of innovation, rigorous testing, and proven reliability. Whether the project involves a hospital, data center, school, or public facility, Siplast's SBS-modified systems offer the durability of a multi-ply design, the flexibility to adapt to building movement and weather extremes, and the ease of installation and maintenance that owners and contractors demand.
Learn more about Siplast SBS-modified bitumen systems.
*Siplast's Veral sheets are the exception; Veral is a foil-clad.
