Environmental Impact

Polymer modification of the bituminous roofing material had a major environmental impact, by increasing the roofs lifetime, reducing the number of layers required, and reducing the use of liquid bitumen and traditionally associated noxious emissions because of overheating.

The roofing felt is a minor element of the total environmental impact of a building, but despite that, pressure will continue to improve the components' environmental performance. Further weight optimisation through a further reduction in the number of applied layers together with enhancements of the material itself will be one environmentally-appropriate approach.

Close proximity of "green space" is another important improvement of the environment that becomes possible. The use of new materials allows the construction of reliable and long lasting green roofs with plants and trees growing in a soil layer on top of the roof.

Photo courtesy of Siplast