
The Cap Sheet is the layer that goes on top of the base sheet and it covers and protects the layers below it, helping to extend the life of the roof and avoiding leaks. A cap sheet is created from several layers of materials including asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt, also known as bitumen is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or may be a refined product; it is a substance classed as a pitch. Until the 20th century, the term asphaltum was also used. The word is derived fr…
What is a cap sheet roof?
- Galvanized roofing sheet: costs from $150 to $350
- Aluminum roofing sheet: costs from $150 to $600
- Zinc roofing sheet: costs from $600 to $1,000
- Polycarbonate: costs from $0.90 to $1.65
- PVC roofing sheet: costs from $4.00 to $7.00 with installation. ...
- Fiberglass roof sheet: cost from $2 to $4 with installation.
What is SBS cap sheet?
What is SBS cap sheet? LIBERTY™ SBS Self-Adhering Cap Sheet. A durable, modified bitumen membrane designed for use as a waterproofing membrane and reinforced with a polyester mat, which is coated with a polymer-modified asphalt. Read rest of the answer. Likewise, what is a cap sheet?
What is a TPO roofing sheet?
- Installation of a TPO Roofing System. TPO roofing is installed in a single membrane application without multiple layers. ...
- TPO Roofing Costs. ...
- Working With a Louisville Roofing Contractor. ...
What is sheet roofing?
- It is also the most durable, making it a good option in a variety of climates.
- Copper does not need to be coated and is therefore left to age to a natural patina.
- Copper is available in modular and standing seam panel options. Depending on the climate, copper can last up to 200 years when properly installed.

What's a cap sheet?
A cap sheet is a building material used in built-up roofing, or BUR. BUR applications are used for flat roof surfaces, and consist of several layers of material designed to create a watertight surface. Each layer includes asphalt or tar-coated layers of fiberglass mats.
How do you use a cap sheet roof?
0:001:20Low-Slope Roof Self-Adhered Cap Sheet Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition the cap sheet flat and align it with the leading edge of the roof. Once the sheet is inMorePosition the cap sheet flat and align it with the leading edge of the roof. Once the sheet is in position remove the first of the two split release films.
What is a base and cap roof?
Low Slope Base and Cap Sheets. Base and cap sheets are a form of sbs rubber or modified bitumen, using a self adhering sheet to create a roofing system for a low slope roof.
What is a cap sheet flat roof?
Torch applied roofing is a flat roof covering solution that involves three layers of modified bitumen (felt) melt-welded onto the roof surface and each other with the use of a blowtorch to create an impenetrable, waterproof seal.
Are cap sheets waterproof?
What is a roofing cap sheet? Roofing felt also known as reinforced bitumen membranes (RBMs) comes in many types and for every budget. They are an effective way to waterproof flat roofs of various buildings such as residential, commercial, retail, education and health care.
How long does a cap sheet roof last?
Even with basic maintenance, SA membranes can last at least 20 to 30 years, and they are easy to repair should any problems occur.
How do you cut a cap sheet?
0:071:07Low-Slope Self-Adhered Cap Sheet Flashing Outside Corner Detail ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a knife with a hook blade to make the first relief cut make the cut in an upward angle and roundMoreUse a knife with a hook blade to make the first relief cut make the cut in an upward angle and round out the edges.
What is cap sheet membrane?
Self-adhesive cap sheet membrane composed of SBS modified bitumen with a high performance glass mat reinforcement. The surface is protected by granules, while the underface is covered with a split-back release protection film.
What is TPO roofing?
Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.
What is EPDM roofing?
EPDM is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is used worldwide. EPDM is available in both black and white and is sold in a variety of widths and thicknesses.
What is granulated cap sheet?
The cap sheets are surfaced with a bright-white, highly reflective granule that's both durable and energy efficient. The granule mitigates solar heat and provides additional comfort to the interiors of the buildings it protects.
What is modified bitumen cap sheet?
Used in low slope roofing such as built-up roofing (BUR) or modified bitumen roofing, a cap sheet is used to create a water-tight surface. Constant exposure to wind and weather can cause a BUR roof to become brittle and crack, then water can seep into the cracks, eventually working into the interior of the building.
What is cap sheet roofing?
Cap sheet roofing is a particular method that allows our team of roofing professionals to install a water-tight surface on low slope roofing. This is commonly used on modified bitumen roofing and built-up roofing, two very common commercial applications. At Central Roofing Company, we understand that a well-installed roof can make all the difference to the success of a business. We handle the roofing so you can deal with more important things, like running your company.
What is cap sheet?
A cap sheet is often created using asphalt or tar-coat over fiberglass layers. Several layers of these materials are combined and then coated with another strong material, such as mineral granules, in order to provide a protective layer. This provides the otherwise fragile material with strength and durability. The mineral surfacing is often light colored, a choice made usually for its ability to reflect heat and reduce heating and cooling costs.
What is a roofing cap sheet?
Roofing felt also known as reinforced bitumen membranes (RBMs) comes in many types and for every budget. They are an effective way to waterproof flat roofs of various buildings such as residential, commercial, retail, education and health care.
What are they made of?
The manufacture of roofing felt is a continuous process which consists of three core components:
Surface Protection
Most roofing felt cap sheets require surface protection to prevent the membrane being damaged during installation or in service by pedestrian traffic or by the damaging effect of UV rays.
Methods of applications
Cap sheets can be installed using several methods and all construction detailing and specification should conform to UK Building Regulations. Relevant Code of Practice and British Standards should also be used for guidance.
Summary
As well as understanding what constitutes a good roofing cap sheet it is important to take into consideration the following factors when specifying and installing roofing felt membranes (RBMs).
How many sheets are needed for a low slope roof?
A low-slope roof will be covered with a minimum of two sheets: a base sheet and a cap sheet. The base sheet provides waterproofing and a top surface that can bond with the cap sheet. The cap sheet provides colour, protection from fire, ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection and resistance to mechanical abuse. The base sheet and cap sheet must be ...
What is ARMA roofing?
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is an excellent resource with a number of educational articles regarding the proper installation of roofing products. IKO is an active member of ARMA and encourages you to read “ Choosing the Right Installation Method for Your Low-Slope Asphalt Roofing System .”
What is a BUR base sheet?
While these systems only have one base sheet, they will have multiple components. The base sheet in a BUR system can be made of felt, fiberglass or polyester.
What is a fiberglass base sheet made of?
It is made of fiberglass or reinforced polyester, or composite reinforcement and is saturated/coated with modified bitumen asphalt. This is asphalt enhanced with plastic or rubber polymer. Base sheets are surfaced with heat-weldable film, sand or a release film depending on the application requirements.
Can Iko base sheets be used with asphalt?
Base sheets in BUR systems can be impregnated with unmodified asphalt, or they may be impregnated with modified bitumen, a high-performance asphalt. IKO can provide guidelines for you to choose which base sheet is best for your application depending on the expected life of the roof.
How many sheets are needed for a low slope roof?
A low-slope roof will be covered with a minimum of two sheets: a base sheet and a cap sheet. The base sheet provides waterproofing and a top surface that can bond with the cap sheet. The cap sheet provides colour, protection from fire, ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection and resistance to mechanical abuse. The base sheet and cap sheet must be ...
What is a low slope roof made of?
It is made of fiberglass or reinforced polyester, or composite reinforcement and is saturated/coated with modified bitumen asphalt. This is asphalt enhanced with plastic or rubber polymer. Base sheets are surfaced with heat-weldable film, sand or a release film depending on the application requirements. A low-slope roof will be covered ...
What is ARMA roofing?
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is an excellent resource with a number of educational articles regarding the proper installation of roofing products. IKO is an active member of ARMA and encourages you to read “ Choosing the Right Installation Method for Your Low-Slope Asphalt Roofing System .”
What is an overlay board?
Overlay cover board: Cover boards are components that can add hail and other mechanical resistance to a well-engineered roofing system. Base sheet: Your deck type needs to be considered when selecting a base sheet. For example, a lightweight concrete or nailable deck may need a venting base sheet.
Can Iko base sheets be used with asphalt?
Base sheets in BUR systems can be impregnated with unmodified asphalt, or they may be impregnated with modified bitumen, a high-performance asphalt. IKO can provide guidelines for you to choose which base sheet is best for your application depending on the expected life of the roof.

What Is A Roofing Cap Sheet?
What Are They Made of?
- The manufacture of roofing felt is a continuous process which consists of three core components: 1. Reinforcement base 2. Modified bitumen (impregnating the base) 3. Protective finish
SBS Modified Bitumen
- SBS (styrene butadiene styrene)
- Behaves more like ‘rubber’
- Able to cope with greater ranges of temperature whilst maintaining superior flexibility, so will better cope with movement avoiding splitting over time
- Use less heat to install than APP (quicker installation)
Surface Protection
- Most roofing felt cap sheets require surface protectionto prevent the membrane being damaged during installation or in service by pedestrian traffic or by the damaging effect of UV rays. Suitable protective methods include: 1. Minerals and stone chippings surface 2. Reflective coatings 3. Aluminium or copper finish
Methods of Applications
- Cap sheets can be installed using several methods and all construction detailing and specification should conform to UK Building Regulations. Relevant Code of Practice and British Standards should also be used for guidance. Typical method of applications: 1. Torch applied 2. Pour and roll (less popular nowadays); using heated and melted bitumen as an adhesive to adhere the roo…
Summary
- As well as understanding what constitutes a good roofing cap sheet it is important to take into consideration the following factors when specifying and installing roofing felt membranes (RBMs). Cap Sheet Selection – Check List: 1. Check the product credentials such as weight, fire performance and 3rd party certifications 2. Its method of application 3. Look for meaningful gua…