Repair Systems — 01
Torch-on bitumen modified sheet membranes
Technical product reference for torch-applied SBS and APP modified bitumen sheet membranes used in balcony, terrace, podium, and flat roof waterproofing. Covers system classification, base and cap sheet selection, brand comparisons, and key application requirements for Australian Class 2 strata buildings.
What are torch-on (torch-applied) bitumen membranes?
Torch-on membranes are pre-formed modified-bitumen sheets melt-bonded to the substrate and to each other with a gas torch, normally built up in layers — a base/intermediate sheet plus an exposed cap sheet. The bitumen is modified either with APP (plastomeric — heat- and UV-tolerant) or SBS (elastomeric — better low-temperature flexibility), and reinforced with polyester and/or glass fibre. Selection turns on the layer role (base vs cap), APP vs SBS, reinforcement and thickness/weight, whether the cap is UV-exposure rated, and the Class 2 (NCC) test evidence to AS 4654.1.
Class 2 (NCC) — balconies, roofs & podiums: specify only a sheet with current Australian test certification (see the “Class 2 / NCC tested” field on each card). EN/CE marking is a European mark, not an Australian certification.
Product Reference
Individual products — one card each — scroll to view all
ARDEX Australia
ARDEX WPM 150
APP modified-bitumen torch-on base/cap sheet
ARDEX WPM 150 is a 3.0 mm APP (atactic polypropylene) plastomeric modified-bitumen torch-on membrane reinforced with polyester, used as a base or cap layer in multi-layer external waterproofing systems. BRANZ tested to AS 4654.1 (report DC13305-004). Supplied ≈35 kg rolls.
ARDEX Australia
ARDEX WPM 185
APP modified-bitumen torch-on mineral cap sheet (UV)
ARDEX WPM 185 is a 4.0 mm APP modified-bitumen torch-on capping membrane reinforced with combined polyester and fibreglass, mineral-finished (slate grey or white) for UV-exposed use as the final layer of a multi-layer system. BRANZ tested to AS 4654.1 (separate grey and white reports). Supplied ≈36 kg rolls.
Sika Australia
SikaShield P24 PE Argo 3 mm
APP modified-bitumen torch-on base sheet (sand)
SikaShield P24 PE Argo 3 mm is a 3.0 mm (±0.2) APP modified-bitumen torch-on base sheet reinforced with non-woven polyester dimensionally stabilised with glass fibre, sand-finished on top (to weld the overlying layer) with a polyethylene foil underside, flexible to 0 °C. The AU page cites EN 13707 / CE; a named Australian AS 4654.1 certificate was not shown on the page.
Sika Australia
SikaShield P44 MG Fidia 4.5 kg/m²
APP modified-bitumen torch-on mineral cap sheet (UV)
SikaShield P44 MG Fidia 4.5 kg/m² is an APP modified-bitumen torch-on cap sheet reinforced with glass-fibre-stabilised non-woven polyester, finished with mineral granules (top) for permanent UV exposure and a polyethylene film underside, used as the exposed cap of a multi-layer system. The AU page states AS 4654.1-2012 approval for external above-ground use, with a test certificate available on request.
Tremco CPG Australia
Tremco TREMproof Torch 3000
APP modified-bitumen torch-on base sheet
Tremco TREMproof Torch 3000 is a 3 mm APP modified-bitumen torch-applied base sheet reinforced with a non-woven polyester mat, for multi-layer external waterproofing systems (1 m × 10 m rolls). The page states it is tested to AS 4654.1; a named test certificate was not cited.
Soprema
Soprema Sopralene Flam 180 AR
SBS modified-bitumen torch-on cap sheet (granule)
Soprema Sopralene Flam 180 AR is an SBS elastomeric modified-bitumen torch-on (heat-weld) cap membrane with a 180 g/m² non-woven polyester reinforcement, granule-protected top surface and a thermofusible film underside. CE marked to EN 13707; a named Australian AS 4654 certificate was not shown — confirm the current Australian TDS/availability.
Soprema
Soprema Sopralene Flam 250 S
SBS modified-bitumen torch-on sheet (sand)
Soprema Sopralene Flam 250 S is an SBS elastomeric modified-bitumen torch-on (heat-weld) sheet with a heavy 250 g/m² non-woven polyester reinforcement for high puncture resistance, sand-finished for use within a multi-layer system. Confirm the current Australian TDS, thickness and AS 4654 certification.
IKO
IKO Armour Cap
Modified-bitumen torch-on mineral cap sheet
IKO Armour Cap is a polyester-reinforced, mineral-finished modified-bitumen torch-on cap sheet for the UV-exposed layer of a multi-layer roofing/waterproofing system. Confirm the exact Australian product grade, thickness and AS 4654 certification with the current IKO Australian distributor.
IKO
IKO Armourbase Pro
Bitumen-polyester base / underlay sheet
IKO Armourbase Pro is a lightweight bitumen polyester-based sheet faced with polypropylene film on both sides, used as the base/underlay layer of a multi-layer system. Confirm the exact Australian product grade, fixing method, thickness and AS 4654 certification with the current IKO Australian distributor.
Nuralite
Nuralite NP250
SBS modified-bitumen torch-on membrane
Nuralite NP250 is an SBS modified-bitumen torch-on waterproofing membrane for roofs, decks, gutters and parapets. Nuralite's Nuraply 3PM torch-on range is CodeMark-certified (CM70032); confirm the specific NP250 grade, thickness and its current Australian certification with Nuralite / Nurajack Australia.
Polyglass / Mapei
Polyglass Polybest
APP modified-bitumen torch-on membrane
Polyglass Polybest is an APP modified-bitumen torch-on waterproofing membrane (Polyglass is part of Mapei; distributed in Australia via Mapei / Parchem). Confirm the exact grade (base or mineral cap), thickness and current Australian AS 4654 certification before specifying.
System Comparison
Torch-on bitumen membranes — confirm all selections against the current manufacturer TDS before specifying.
Scroll the table sideways to see every column →
SBS vs APP, and base sheet vs cap sheet
SBS vs APP modified bitumen
- SBS (elastomeric) — rubber-modified — higher elongation and flexibility — better cold-weather performance — the dominant specification in Australian balcony and residential waterproofing
- APP (plastomeric) — plastic-modified — harder, more rigid — better UV and heat resistance in some formulations — commonly used in hot climates and flat roof applications
- For most Australian strata balcony remediation, SBS is the standard specification — confirm the required formulation with the principal or waterproofing consultant
Base sheet + cap sheet — two-layer system
- Base sheet — applied directly to the primed substrate — provides the primary waterproofing layer and the bonded interface with the concrete
- Cap sheet — applied over the base sheet — provides UV protection, surface finish, and the final weatherproof layer — mineral-faced cap sheets can be left exposed
- Two-layer systems provide redundancy at lap seams — the most robust specification for Class 2 balcony remediation
- Single-layer systems may be permitted in some applications — confirm against the project specification before substituting
Fire safety and applicator licensing — mandatory requirements
- Torch-on application requires a licensed gas torch waterproofing applicator — this is not a system that can be applied by an unlicensed contractor
- A fire watch is mandatory during and after torch application — an approved fire extinguisher and fire watch person must be present throughout application
- On occupied strata buildings, a fire management plan must be prepared and approved before commencement — the principal, building manager, and fire authority must be notified where required
- Torch application must not occur adjacent to flammable materials, combustible substrates, gas lines, or penetrations without specific fire protection measures in place
- Do not specify torch-on systems in locations where naked flame is prohibited by building management, strata by-laws, or fire safety orders without confirming compliance first
- A hot works permit may be required for application in strata buildings — confirm with building management and the principal before scheduling application
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Final product selection must be confirmed against the current manufacturer technical data sheet, project specification, substrate condition, exposure level, drainage, required finish, NCC requirements, AS 4858 requirements, and applicator licensing and fire safety obligations. Torch-on modified bitumen application requires a licensed applicator and fire management plan on occupied strata buildings. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional engineering or waterproofing consultant advice.