Asphalt roofing systems are among the oldest and most reliable roofing technologies still in use today. Known for their strength, value, and weather resistance, asphalt roofs are a trusted choice for both residential and commercial properties across West Michigan. Asphalt roofing uses asphalt material as a waterproofing membrane, creating a durable barrier that protects against rain, snow, and wind — ideal for West Michigan’s mercurial climate. For commercial applications, asphalt roofing systems typically include two or more waterproofing layers, providing redundant and long-lasting protection. For homes, asphalt shingles deliver affordable style, energy efficiency, and dependable performance with minimal maintenance.
IKO's® heritage lies in high-performing roofing products that last. They are experts in performance because they’ve been honing it with a legacy of craftsmanship for the past 70 years.
IKO® roofing products don't just look exceptional - they perform exceptionally too. IKO® regularly commissions tests from highly-regarded labs like PRI Group and FM Global to ensure their systems are up to par with the latest standards.
With IKO®, innovation and creativity is everything. They were the first shingle manufacturer in the world to process their asphalt on-site in 1960, and began crushing and coloring their own roofing granules in 1988. Since then, IKO®has been a major player in asphalt roofing technology; they introduced polymer-modified asphalt shingles to meet Class 4 resistance ratings in 1997, and recently launched their patented ArmourZone technology to provide extreme nail pull-through resistance.
When you’re dedicated to high-performing products, you can’t afford to leave material quality to chance. That’s why IKO® controls nearly every step of the manufacturing process — so you get the best possible products at every stage of the roofing process from a brand you can trust.
One of the oldest application methods still used today, involves melting blocks of asphalt in a large kettle and spreading the melted asphalt on the roof with mops.
Using a torch, the installer will melt the asphalt on the underside of the membrane. This will allow the sheet to adhere to the substrate below.
The installer will attach the roofing membrane by applying a liquid adhesive with a tool such as a notched squeegee or an applicator gun to the substrate or previously applied layer of roofing material.
This fast growing asphaltic installation method involves rolling out a membrane and peeling the film backing to adhere the membrane. This method can increase the speed of installation over the other three methods and does not produce unpleasant odors.
BUR is the oldest of the current roofing technology and has been around for over a century. It consists of melting bricks of hot asphalt in a large metal kettle and using mops to apply that asphalt in-between a base sheet, ply sheets and lastly a cap sheet. Ply sheets and additional layers of asphalt can be added until the desired thickness has been reached. While cap sheets are very popular, they are not used on all jobs. Instead of using a cap sheet, some jobs are finished with a layer of gravel spread out over the last layer of asphalt.
ROOFS OF ESSENTIAL BUILDINGS THAT NEED TO STAY OPEN AND OPERATIONAL AT ALL TIMES.
BUR is a solution that has been used for over 100 years. The redundant applications allow for increased protection against damage and leaks.
Introduced in the 1970’s, SBS features asphalt that has been modified (thus called modified bitumen) with the polymeric material SBS. This synthetic rubber allows the SBS sheets to achieve greater elongation ratings than other asphaltic systems. SBS systems also have the widest range of application methods as they can be hot-mopped, cold-applied, heat-welded or self-adhered. A typical SBS system consists of two plies of roofing membrane. First, a ply of smooth-surfaced SBS base sheet is installed, usually over insulation or cover board. The system is finished with a granulated cap sheet applied over the smooth base/ply sheet. SBS membranes are classified by ASTM numbers, types and grades:
FOR ROOFS REQUIRING THE RELIABILITY OF ASPHALT WITH MORE FLEXIBLE APPLICATION METHODS AND LABOR AVAILABILITY.
Like APP, SBS can also be applied utilizing a torch (heat-welding). A CERTA (Certified Roofing Torch Applicator) certification is required for a roofer to use a torch. Many local ordinances also restrict the use of torches on roofs due to their risk as a potential fire hazard. Unlike APP, SBS can be applied in a variety of other ways including hot-mopped, cold-applied or self-adhered. Cold-applied applications are popular because they don’t produce as much odor as hot-mopped and do not require professional certifications like torching. Self-adhered is also a popular method because there is virtually no odor and it is typically faster to install.
Introduced first in Italy in 1965 and subsequently brought to the United States one decade later in 1975, APP features asphalt that has been modified (thus called modified bitumen) to include atactic polypropylene – a plastic that allows the roofing membrane to achieve durability in addition to protection against the damaging effects of UV rays and weather events.. APP is typically only applied via a torch – a key difference from SBS. Just like SBS systems, most APP systems will consist of two membranes, a smooth sheet and a granule cap sheet. However, APP sheets are typically installed over either a BUR base sheet or thermal barriers as many substrates cannot be directly torched to. APP sheets are also used to recover existing roof systems. APP membranes are classified by ASTM numbers, types and grades.
ROOFS THAT NEED THE RELIABILITY OF A REDUNDANT ASPHALTIC SYSTEM WITHOUT THE ODOR AND LABOR REQUIRED FOR HOT MOPPING.
APP is often used in smaller commercial roofing jobs, especially in urban areas. APP sheets are torched on to the surface below, therefore there is no need for a kettle, buckets or the inconvenience of getting asphalt onto the roof. In addition, APP systems typically consist of fewer plies than BUR jobs, allowing them to be installed faster and with a smaller labor force. Switching from a hot mopped application to a torch application will also reduce the odor around the work location allowing for more comfortable conditions for the workers and building occupants. A CERTA (Certified Roofing Torch Applicator) certification is required for a roofer to use a torch.
Although not a separate type of roof technology like BUR, SBS or APP, energy cap roofing membranes are factory coated white cap sheets that reflect sunlight away from the roof and meet ENERGY STAR guidelines.There is an EnergyCap™ cap sheet available for each of the roofing technologies mentioned above.
FOR BUILDINGS THAT REQUIRE ENERGY STAR® CERTIFICATION OR TO BE LEED® CERTIFIED.
Utilize an EnergyCap™ sheet with any BUR, APP, and SBS system for projects that require the reliability of asphalt roofing and Energy Star® and LEED® certified solutions.
In order to give you the best experience, please select an option below that best matches the location you need our products or services.
