Description
StrataShield SA ALU VB & VB 950 – Self-Adhesive Aluminium Air & Vapour Control Membranes
StrataShield SA ALU VB and StrataShield SA ALU VB 950 are high-performance, cold-applied, self-adhesive bituminous air and vapour control membranes designed for use within multi-layer built-up roofing systems. Both products combine SBS-modified bitumen, an integrated aluminium foil layer and glass-fibre reinforcement to provide an effective airtight and high-resistance vapour control layer.
Designed for commercial and industrial roofing, these membranes are particularly suitable for profiled metal and plywood roof decks and buildings exposed to elevated humidity and moisture levels, including factories, swimming pools and gyms. Their self-adhesive backing allows installation without conventional torch application to the main membrane, helping reduce the need for hot works during installation.
The two grades offer different roll dimensions and declared performance characteristics. StrataShield SA ALU VB 950 provides a higher declared water vapour resistance, while the standard StrataShield SA ALU VB offers a wider roll format.
Key Features & Benefits
- Air and vapour control: Forms an airtight layer with high resistance to water vapour transmission.
- Cold-applied installation: Self-adhesive backing with removable siliconised release film.
- Aluminium foil layer: Integrated foil reinforcement contributes to the membrane's vapour resistance.
- Glass-fibre reinforcement: Provides reinforcement within the bituminous membrane.
- SBS-modified bitumen: Flexible bituminous formulation designed for roofing applications.
- Flame-free main membrane application: Installed by peeling away the release film and bonding to the prepared substrate.
- High vapour resistance: Standard VB has a declared Sd value of 1,320m; VB 950 has a declared Sd value of at least 1,990m.
- Airtight performance: Designed to form a continuous air and vapour control layer.
- Good tear resistance: Reinforced construction for roofing installation requirements.
- Low-temperature flexibility: Declared flexibility at -25°C for both grades.
- Elevated temperature resistance: Flow resistance of at least +90°C for standard VB and +85°C for VB 950.
- Multi-layer roof compatibility: Designed to form part of a built-up roofing system.
Available Membrane Grades
StrataShield SA ALU VB
The standard aluminium foil air and vapour barrier is a cold-applied, self-adhesive SBS-modified bituminous membrane with integrated aluminium foil and glass-fibre reinforcement.
- Roll width: 1.1m
- Available lengths: 20m and 40m
- Weight: 0.95kg/m²
- Minimum tensile strength: 750N/50mm
- Water vapour resistance: Sd 1,320m
- Flow resistance: At least +90°C
- Low-temperature flexibility: -25°C
StrataShield SA ALU VB 950
The VB 950 grade is a higher vapour-resistance option, also incorporating SBS-modified bitumen, aluminium foil and glass-fibre reinforcement. It is designed for high-performance air and vapour control within multi-layer roofing systems.
- Roll width: 0.95m
- Available lengths: 15m and 30m
- Weight: 1.01kg/m²
- Minimum tensile strength: 500N/50mm
- Water vapour resistance: Sd at least 1,990m
- Flow resistance: +85°C
- Low-temperature flexibility: -25°C
Suitable Applications
StrataShield SA ALU VB and VB 950 are designed for use as air and vapour control layers within suitable multi-layer roofing constructions.
- Commercial flat roofing systems
- Industrial roofing projects
- Built-up bituminous roofing systems
- Profiled metal roof decking
- Plywood roof decking
- Roofing systems incorporating thermal insulation
- Factories and industrial buildings
- Swimming pool buildings and other high-humidity environments
- Gyms and leisure facilities
- Commercial buildings requiring high-performance vapour control
Important: These products are air and vapour barriers, not exposed final roof waterproofing membranes. They should be incorporated into a compatible multi-layer roofing system and protected by the subsequent roof build-up.
Technical Performance Comparison
| Property | SA ALU VB | SA ALU VB 950 |
| Membrane construction | SBS-modified bitumen, aluminium foil and glass-fibre reinforcement | SBS-modified bitumen, aluminium foil and glass-fibre reinforcement |
| Roll length | 20m / 40m | 15m / 30m |
| Roll width | 1.1m | 0.95m |
| Weight per m² | 0.95kg/m² | 1.01kg/m² |
| Tensile strength (EN 12311-1) | 750N/50mm minimum | 500N/50mm minimum |
| Water vapour permeability (EN 1931) | Sd 1,320m | Sd at least 1,990m |
| Water vapour resistance (EN 1931) | 6,615 MNs/g | 9,973 MNs/g |
| Flow resistance at elevated temperatures (EN 1110) | At least +90°C | +85°C |
| Low-temperature flexibility (EN 1109) | -25°C | -25°C |
| Dangerous substances | None declared | None declared |
Technical note: Values above are taken from the respective manufacturer data sheets. The declared tensile strength and vapour resistance figures differ from those previously shown on this page. The manufacturer data sheets do not state a nominal membrane thickness, so no thickness figure has been included.
Installation Instructions
1. Substrate Preparation
- Ensure the substrate is dry, sound and suitable for bonding.
- Remove dust, oil, grease and other contaminants.
- Apply StrataPrime SA to the substrate before installing either membrane.
- Allow the primer to dry before commencing membrane application.
- Check the suitability of the substrate and the complete roof build-up before installation.
2. Membrane Application
- Unroll the membrane and position it accurately alongside adjacent rolls and the profiled decking.
- Align the membrane before removing the release film.
- Peel back one end of the siliconised release film.
- Press the exposed adhesive edge firmly onto the prepared substrate.
- Continue unrolling the membrane while progressively removing the release film.
- Ensure the membrane is properly bonded and positioned throughout the installation.
- Follow the manufacturer's requirements for laps, junctions and detailing.
3. Laps and Cold Weather Installation
At installation temperatures below 10°C, the manufacturer requires membrane laps to be pre-heated using a hot-air welding gun. This is an important installation requirement even though the main membrane is self-adhesive and cold-applied.
Installation should follow the manufacturer's recommendations, relevant roofing standards and the NFRC Safe2Torch guidance.
4. Insulation Bonding and Protection
- Where insulation is to be bonded over the membrane, carry out a peel-bond test first.
- Protect the membrane from UV exposure and site traffic as soon as possible.
- Do not leave the installed membrane exposed for longer than two weeks.
- Ensure the subsequent roofing layers are compatible with the vapour barrier.
StrataPrime SA – Required Primer
Both StrataShield SA ALU VB and VB 950 require the substrate to be primed with StrataPrime SA before membrane application. The primer must be allowed to dry before the membrane is installed.
StrataPrime SA is available in different pack sizes. Select the appropriate primer quantity for the substrate and project requirements.
Important Product Considerations
- Primer is required: Do not install either membrane directly onto an unprimed substrate.
- Dry substrate: The surface must be dry, clean and free from oil, grease and dust.
- Not an exposed roof finish: Both grades are designed as air and vapour barriers within multi-layer roofing systems.
- UV protection: Protect from prolonged direct sunlight and do not leave exposed for more than two weeks.
- Site traffic: Protect the membrane from damage and site traffic as soon as possible.
- Cold weather laps: Below 10°C, pre-heat laps using a hot-air welding gun.
- Chemical compatibility: Hydrocarbons, oils and greases may loosen the membrane and should be avoided.
- Insulation bonding: Conduct a peel-bond test before bonding insulation over the membrane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is StrataShield SA ALU VB used for?
It is a self-adhesive air and vapour barrier designed for use within multi-layer built-up roofing systems. It helps control air leakage and water vapour transmission through the roof construction.
What is the difference between StrataShield SA ALU VB and VB 950?
The two products have different roll widths, lengths and declared performance values. The standard VB has a 1.1m width and an Sd value of 1,320m. VB 950 has a 0.95m width and a higher declared Sd value of at least 1,990m.
Which product has the higher vapour resistance?
StrataShield SA ALU VB 950 has the higher declared water vapour resistance, with an Sd value of at least 1,990m compared with 1,320m for the standard VB.
Does StrataShield SA ALU VB require a primer?
Yes. The manufacturer specifies StrataPrime SA for substrate preparation before installing the standard VB membrane. The primer must be allowed to dry before application.
Does StrataShield SA ALU VB 950 require a primer?
Yes. StrataShield SA ALU VB 950 also requires the substrate to be primed using StrataPrime SA before installation.
Can these membranes be used on metal decking?
Yes. The manufacturer identifies profiled metal decking as a suitable application, subject to the specified substrate preparation and installation requirements.
Can these membranes be used on plywood decking?
Yes. Both products are identified for use on plywood decking within suitable multi-layer roofing systems. The substrate must be dry, clean and primed before installation.
Can the membrane be left exposed?
No. The manufacturer advises protecting the membrane from UV exposure and site traffic as soon as possible. It should not be left exposed for longer than two weeks.
Can the membrane be installed in cold weather?
The membranes have a declared low-temperature flexibility of -25°C. However, this is a product performance test, not an installation temperature rating. At installation temperatures below 10°C, laps must be pre-heated using a hot-air welding gun.
Can insulation be bonded directly over the membrane?
Insulation may be bonded over the membrane as part of a compatible roofing build-up. The manufacturer specifically recommends conducting a peel-bond test before bonding insulation.
Technical Downloads
Download the current manufacturer technical data sheets for full specifications and installation requirements.
StrataShield SA ALU VB & VB 950 – UK Supply
Clever Shield Coatings UK supplies StrataShield SA ALU VB and VB 950 air and vapour control membranes, together with StrataPrime SA, for commercial and industrial roofing projects throughout the UK.
For product availability, roll quantities and trade enquiries, contact our team on 01268 472358.
Clever Shield supplies products but does not design or specify roofing systems. Customers must confirm the suitability of the complete roof build-up and follow the latest manufacturer technical data sheets, installation instructions and relevant industry guidance.
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