APP bitumen membrane roof roll sheet waterproofing insulation felt

APP bitumen membrane

What is APP membrane?

APP bitumen membrane is a type of roofing material that is commonly used in the construction industry. APP stands for “Atactic Polypropylene,” which is a type of thermoplastic material that is added to the bitumen during manufacturing to improve its properties. APP bitumen membrane is a flexible, waterproof material that is designed to protect roofs and other surfaces from the elements. It is made by combining bitumen, a petroleum-based material, with APP, which makes it more resistant to heat and aging.

How apply APP membrane?

APP bitumen membrane is typically installed by rolling it out onto the roof surface and then heating it with a torch to activate the adhesive and bond it to the substrate. The overlapping seams are then sealed to create a continuous, waterproof layer. Some benefits of APP bitumen membrane include its durability, resistance to UV radiation and extreme temperatures, and ease of installation. It is commonly used in low-slope roofing applications, such as on flat or gently sloping roofs. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing APP bitumen membrane, as it involves the use of high heat and requires proper safety precautions. It is also important to ensure that the substrate is clean and dry before installation to ensure a proper bond.

Who is founder APP?

APP membrane was first noted in Italy by Romolo Gorgato in 1967 and was usable in Holland and Great Britain by the mid-1970s. By the mid-1980s, it had approximately 90% of the market in Italy and 60% of France and Norway. These membranes support remarkable tensile strength with maintaining their significant flexibility even in the coldest habitats. They can form a uniform matrix within the asphalt. This increases the bitumen’s achievement by enhancing its UV resistance, increasing its flexibility at low temperatures, and developing its flow resistance at high temperatures.

Plasticity and durability

Actually it has better durability, plasticity, resistance to low temperature, high temperature and ageing. Also with some kinds of them which are used for roofing purposes (coated with a tenancy blend of asphalt and atactic polypropylene), constructors nowadays have an adequate condition of application by heat welding. These membranes are about twice as thick as a traditional BUR cap sheet.

Application of APP bitumen membrane roll sheet

The application of APP bitumen membrane involves several steps. Here is a general overview of the process:
  1. Surface Preparation: The surface to which the membrane will be applied should be clean and dry, free of debris, dust, and loose material. Any rough spots or irregularities should be smoothed out.
  2. Primer Application: A bitumen primer is usually applied to the surface to improve the adhesion of the membrane to the substrate.
  3. Membrane Installation: The membrane is unrolled and positioned onto the surface. The end laps are usually a minimum of 3 inches and the side laps are a minimum of 4 inches. The membrane is then cut to size and rolled back to allow for the application of the adhesive.
  4. Adhesive Application: A propane torch is used to heat the membrane and the substrate, and then a layer of adhesive is applied to the substrate using a trowel or spray equipment. The membrane is then rolled back into position and pressed down onto the adhesive.
  5. Seaming: The overlapping seams between adjacent sheets of membrane are then fused together using the propane torch to activate the adhesive and create a strong, waterproof bond.
  6. Edge Finishing: The edges of the membrane are usually finished with a termination bar or flashing to create a watertight seal around the perimeter of the roof.

Installation of roll sheet

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing APP bitumen membrane, as the exact procedures may vary depending on the specific product and application. Safety precautions should also be taken when working with open flames and hot surfaces.

Roofing felt rools

The term “APP roof membrane” refers to a type of roofing membrane that is made from modified bitumen. APP stands for “atactic polypropylene,” which is a type of thermoplastic material that is added to the bitumen to enhance its performance properties.

APP roof membranes are typically used in low-slope or flat roofing applications and are known for their excellent resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, water, and other environmental factors that can cause damage to roofs over time. They are also highly flexible, making them well-suited for use in areas that experience extreme temperature fluctuations or other types of weather extremes.

Differences of SBS and APP bitumen membrane

SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) and APP (Atactic Polypropylene) are two types of modified bitumen materials that are commonly used in roofing applications. While both SBS and APP membranes offer improved performance over traditional bitumen, there are some key differences between the two:
  1. Material Composition: The primary difference between SBS and APP membranes is the type of modifier used to enhance the bitumen. SBS membranes are made with a synthetic rubber called Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, while APP membranes use a thermoplastic polymer called Atactic Polypropylene.
  2. Flexibility: SBS membranes are more flexible than APP membranes, which makes them better suited for colder climates where the membrane needs to be able to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. APP membranes are stiffer and better suited for warmer climates where excessive flexibility can lead to sagging or deformation.
  3. Installation: SBS membranes can be installed using a variety of methods, including torch-applied, cold-applied, and self-adhered. APP membranes are typically installed using torch-applied or cold-applied methods.
  4. Cost: SBS membranes are generally more expensive than APP membranes, due to the higher cost of the SBS modifier.

Price of bitumen APP membrane

Bitumen membrane price is depend on technology of producing plus wall thickness of the sheet and weight per M2 also packing and outside and inside material. Base on today price of bitumen and raw material bitumen APP membrane roof roll waterproofing sheet FOB price is : 1MM WT 0.55USD/M2 2MM WT 0.95USD/M2 3MM WT 1.5USD/M2 4MM WT 1.9USD/M2

Packing and dimension of APP Bitumen membrane roof roll sheet

1MM WT 15000M2 per 20ft container 2MM WT  10000M2 per 20ft container 3MM WT  6500M2 per 20ft container 4MM WT  5000M2 per 20ft container Top side of roof membrane could be
  • Aluminium foil
  • Granule 3 color
  • Sand 3 color

Modified membrane

Modified APP bitumen membranes are typically applied by torching them onto the roof surface, which creates a watertight seal. They can also be self-adhering or applied with cold adhesive. These membranes are available in various thicknesses and colors to suit different roofing applications.

Roll sheet made up of the following components

APP membrane is made up of Bitumen. Bitumen is a kind of waterproofing and road building substance that has been used in various forms. A waterproofing membrane is a thin layer of water-tight material that is put over a surface. This layer is extended and does not permit water to pass through it. We can use these membranes over terrace slabs and balconies, in concrete water tanks, in swimming pools, beneath and around basements and also over landscaped concrete decks. Actually by adding other materials to the bitumen, companies can provide a longer-lasting, more durable product – giving it either plastic or rubber properties. Modifying bitumen makes it qualified to resist a wide temperature range, and remarkable weather proofing. The most general modified bitumens are APP membranes!

UV protection of rolls

Bitumen membranes can be susceptible to damage from UV radiation over time, which can cause them to become brittle and lose their waterproofing properties. To protect against this, manufacturers may incorporate UV stabilizers and other additives into the bitumen membrane during production. One common type of bitumen membrane with UV protection is APP (Atactic Polypropylene) modified bitumen membrane. APP polymers offer superior UV resistance compared to other bitumen membrane types. These membranes are typically coated with a layer of reflective mineral granules or a special coating that provides additional UV protection. Additionally, regular maintenance of the bitumen membrane, such as cleaning debris and ensuring proper drainage, can help to prevent the accumulation of water and other debris on the surface, which can accelerate the breakdown of the membrane over time. Overall, choosing a bitumen membrane with UV protection and taking steps to maintain it can help to extend the lifespan of the membrane and protect against damage from UV radiation.

How should membrane be stored?

APP membrane should be stored in a vertical situation and during transportation handling should be continued in the same position and also they should be escaped stacking any materials on the rolls. We should assure that stocked packets are kept away from heat origins and ultra violet rays. Any keen gadget or membrane damaging operations should be kept out of the application surface due to defeat leakages.

Specification and data sheet of APP bitumen waterproofing membrane

Test Item Test Method Unit Requirement
Resistance to static loading EN 12730
Initial Reflectivity ASTM C1549 0.86
Emissivity ASTM C1371 0.84
After 3 years Longitudinal ASTM C1549 0.86
Emissivity ASTM C1371 0.84
Resistance to static load EN 12730 kg ≥ 20
Tear resistance EN 12310 N 350
Foil exposure test ASTM G90 Years 10
Thickness mm 3-5
Length EN 1848-2 m 10
Width EN 1848-2 m 1
Straightness EN 1848-2 mm/10m ≤ 20
Solar Reflection index (SRI) ASTM E1980 98 (±2)

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Specification of APP bitumen membrane roll sheet