Polymer Modified Shingles

What is SBS Polymer Modification?

To explain the benefits of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) Polymer Modified shingles we must first understand Oxidized Asphalt shingles. Asphalt in its raw state, also called Flux, has a melting point of roughly 80°F to 100°F which is a problem for using on a roofing surface that can reach 180° and up regularly. You would not want your roof dripping hot asphalt off the eaves like a popsicle drips on your hand in the summer sun.

To combat the low melting point of raw asphalt it needs to be oxidized. This is a process of heating Flux to around 500°F for several hours while air is blown into it. This process is a give and take, to achieve the higher melting point post-oxidizing, you give up some life expectancy, elasticity, and increase the brittleness. The result is a higher melting point yes, but a shingle that is much more susceptible to damage and has a shorter life expectancy.

Why is it a benefit to the shingles on my roof?

SBS Polymer Modification has a similar process but instead of using high heat and air over a long period, a lower temperature and the addition of polymers are used to alter the melting point. The result of this is a much longer life expectancy, greater impact resistance, greater pliability, and elasticity in all temperature ranges. This is crucial during installation because shingles that use Oxidized Asphalt can easily crack if mishandled and result in a leak down the road, however SBS shingles can literally be rolled up and not crack.

At Roof HQ we believe in and offer Malarkey Roofing Products because they use polymer modification in their entire line of architectural and designer shingles. This puts them in a league of their own because competitors either do not offer an SBS Polymer Modified shingle at all or only offer it in their most expensive models. Malarkey was the first to offer an SBS Polymer Modified shingle in 1986.

Additional benefits include, “superior shingle strength”¹ because “shingles with polymer modified asphalt are more resistant to tear and nail pull-out compared to traditional oxidized asphalts, reducing the risk of shingles blowing off in high winds.”¹ Polymer Modified shingles also hold onto their color granules better which helps the shingle last longer because the granules are what protect the internals of the shingle from the elements.¹ Another is greater impact resistance, this is a huge benefit because hail damage is a major concern with oxidized shingles however SBS Modified shingles are much more resistant to impact damage because of their increased pliability. Lastly, Malarkey uses upcycling! Upcycling diverts car tires and plastic bottles from landfills and incorporates them in the modification process of their shingles. So, when having a Malarkey shingle installed on your home you are helping protect our environment and reduce landfill waste. “Each roof diverts the equivalent of 5 rubber tires and 350 plastic milk jugs from the landfill.”²

If you have any questions or are interested in having a Malarkey Roofing Products shingle installed on your roof by Roof HQ in the Boise Idaho or surrounding Treasure Valley Idaho area, please contact us here.