In our recent posts, we walked readers through the features and benefits of Johns Manville EPDM , TPO and PVC membrane roofing. As we continue our series on commercial membrane roofing systems available from Johns Manville, we turn our attention to their SBS membrane roofing. SBS accounts for nearly 25 percent of the low-slope roofing market in the U.S. according to the 2014–2015 NRCA Market Survey. SBS is even more popular in Canada and Europe for low-slope roofs due in part to its ability to handle harsh climates and the origin of modified bitumen membranes in Europe. Johns Melville describes their SBS membrane as “a premium modified bitumen engineered specifically for elasticity.” The redundancy that comes with SBS roofing by design translates into greater protection from the elements. Building Enclosure explains redundancy as “the duplication of critical components or functions with the intention of increasing reliability of the system, usually in the form of a backup or fail-safe mechanism.” Keep reading for more about this roofing system.
Basics and Benefits
Building Enclosure reminds readers that bitumen has a rich history in its natural form “to waterproof everything from boats to bathtubs to buildings” and describes SBS-modified bitumen as “essentially asphalt that has been enhanced to provide better long-term performance as a protective roofing material.” As for the benefits of SBS roofing, here are a few highlighted on the Johns Manville website and elsewhere:
- Customization with glass, polyester and composite reinforcements
- Wide variety of application methods (cold applied, heat weld, self adhered, mechanically fastened and hot applied)
- Ability to “withstand even the harshest environments”
- Building Enclosure states SBS roofs “provide some of the best waterproofing protection a building can receive”
Installation and Options
Professional Roofing magazine reports, “when SBS-modified bitumen products were introduced in the United States during the late 1970s, a majority of U.S. roofing contractors were installing built-up roof systems.” Although installation via hot asphalt felt more familiar, we have learned that “other interply bonding choices—solvent-based adhesives, heat welding and heat-activated self-adhesives—offer higher performance.” With any roofing system, installation is critical. At Bone Dry, we offer a full-service commercial roofing department able to handle an array of roofing projects (any size and complexity). We invite you to browse our project gallery and bios to review our qualifications and experience.
Application Methods
- Hot applied
- Cold applied
- Heat weldable
- Self adhered
- Fully adhered
Products and Accessories
Before making product recommendations, the Bone Dry team will carefully review the specifics of your project and budget. Johns Manville SBS roofing products include DynaBase, DynaBase HW, DynaBase PR, DynaClad, DynaClad Copper, DynaFast 180 HW, DynaFast 180 S, DynaFast 250 HW and more (complete list on the JM website). Accessories include CR Roofing Granules for reflectivity and durability and Granules to boost adhesion.
Make sure you partner with the best roofing company in your area. Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Charleston, SC, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in St. Simons, Bone Dry Roofing, locally owned and operated in Athens, GA. You can contact us today to discuss your SBS membrane roofing needs at 1-855-BONEDRY.
