What you need to know about Self-Adhered (SA) roofing

Over the last 15 years self-adhered (SA) roofing has made inroads with commercial roofing contractors due to its reputation for being cleaner, easier and safer to work with than other low slope roofing systems. Plus SA roofing can be used on both commercial and residential roofing projects.

An SA roofing membrane is typically composed of modified bitumen (aka Mod Bit) a product widely recognized for proven performance as a roofing material due to its waterproof and impact resistant properties. Mod Bit gets its name because it is made from bitumen (aka asphalt) that has been modified with other materials (rubber/plastic) in order to make it flexible. Mod Bit is also reinforced with materials such as fiberglass or polyester to increase its overall durability and to add strength to the system. SA membranes are manufactured in roll form, with a high grade commercial adhesive on one side. During the manufacturing process the adhesive is covered with a protective film that an installer later peels away to expose the adhesive.

Although some singly ply SA roofing systems exist, many roofing professionals prefer to install SA roofing as a multi-layer system. These layers offer redundant protection for the roof in general, and are particularity important for overlapping areas where seams may otherwise provide an avenue for moisture infiltration into the substrate.

New building codes and government regulations increasingly call for the use of SA products because SA is environmentally friendly and less hazardous to work with than ‘older’ low slope alternatives, such as layers of hot asphalt that are applied with mops, and layers of mod bit which are installed using either an open-flame propane torch or solvent-based adhesives.

Further, there are SA mod bit roofing products with high performing surface treatments available.  One example would be a surfacing which gives the system solar reflective properties that are proven to help to keep roofs cooler and lower building energy costs.

With the above in mind, it’s easy to see why SA roofing is fast becoming the product of choice for installers, specifiers, facility managers and building owners alike.