5 min
Why Choose Bitumen Technology?
SOPREMA’s bitumen technology has been proving its durability since 1908. It is by far the most reliabletechnology in the industry. Most of SOPREMA’s waterproofing membranes are manufactured with SBS modified bitumen and include polyester, glass mat or composite reinforcement. Our experienced research and development team created and refined these membranes, and their unique superior-quality composition makes them exceptionally durable and strong.
Water repellent, long-lasting, bitumen has been the material of choice for waterproofing requirements since antiquity. Bitumen is a natural, noble material that remains on the cutting edge of technology to this day.
SOPREMA’s research and development centres have always striven to optimize the mechanical properties of bituminous waterproofing membranes in order to give them unequalled durable resistance.
Bitumen is said to be an elastomer when it is modified by synthetic compounds or styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymers. The quality of SBS-modified bitumen is determined by the properties of the added elastomers and the formulations used in the mixture.
The benefits of elastomeric bitumen:
- Excellent elasticity and flexibility
- Stable properties at high and low temperatures
- Excellent adhesion to the substrate
- Reliable and solid waterproofing for joints
- Durability
Two Different Types of Walls, Two Different Products
Several factors must be taken into account when selecting an air-barrier membrane for a wall design. The main purpose of an air barrier is to prevent air leakage through the building envelope. Uncontrolled air circulation can cause heat loss, resulting in high energy costs, and increases the risk of condensation and mould growth in the assembly.
The SOPRASEAL line includes all SOPREMA membranes which act as air and vapour barriers for walls. They deliver lasting performance and play a key role in waterproofing the building envelope. Make sure you choose the right air barrier membrane for your wall design.
SOPRASEAL STICK VP
SOPRASEAL STICK VP is a self-adhesive vapour-permeable air-barrier membrane with a tri-laminated polypropylene complex on its surface.
Used in wall construction, it stands out due to its unmatched adhesive properties. Its width and self-adhesive underface, which is protected by a silicone release film, make it very easy to install. It can be used on most building surfaces such as masonry, concrete, wood, and gypsum.
- Better adhesive properties than competitive products
- No primer required
- UV exposure up to 180 days
- Self-sealing membrane ensuring continuous waterproofing
This product is adapted for the type of wall that we call a “hybrid wall”, where insulation is in wall cavities and on the cold side of the permeable air barrier. Insulating materials are added in the cavity between studs, thus moving the dew point inwards. In this assembly, the vapour barrier and air barrier functions are separated. The installation of SOPRASEAL STICK VP is recommended when constructing these walls because this membrane offers good protection against air leaks and water infiltration into the building envelope and allows the diffusion of water vapour.
SOPRASEAL STICK 1100 T
SOPRASEAL STICK 1100 T is a self-adhesive air/vapour barrier membrane for walls composed of SBS modified bitumen and a tri-laminated woven polyethylene facer. It is also used as a masonry and through-wall flashing membrane, as well as a waterproofing membrane at openings and transitions.
- Excellent adhesion to various substrates
- Ideal for sprayed polyurethane foam insulation
- Easy, fast and economical to install
- Self-sealing membrane ensuring continuous waterproofing
This product is adapted for the type of wall called a “wall with a continuity of the insulation”. In this case, the whole structure of the building is kept on the warm side, which greatly reduces thermal bridges. This wall is the most energy efficient and provides considerable confort to the occupant. The installation of SOPRASEAL STICK 1100 T is recommended when constructing these walls because this membrane is resistant to air leaks, water infiltration and diffusion of water vapour.
