BUILT-UP ROOFING (BUR)
People have been using Built-Up Roofing for more than 100 years, but the material has seen many improvements since its inception. With greater methods of insulating, Built-Up Roofing systems offer advanced energy efficiency with multiple options.
About Built-Up Roofing
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) has many advantages over other roofing systems and is the top choice for low-slope or flat roofs. With alternating layers of reinforcing fabric and asphalt (bitumen), finished with a layer of stone or gravel aggregate, Built-Up Roofing has a surface that is continuous and sealed with no seams or edges, allowing it to more effectively block water from seeping in.
Three Components of Built-Up Roofing
Built-Up Roofing consists of three parts:
(1) First, the bitumen/asphalt material, which can either be melted to a liquid state and applied “hot,” or may be sprayed on or applied as an adhesive while “cold.”
(2) The second component is made up of ply sheets, which are fabric mats reinforced with fiberglass or polyester and applied on top of the asphalt. These ply sheets are generally a standard 36 inches wide. Typical Built-Up Roofs contain about four layers of asphalt and three layers of ply sheets.
(3) The third component protects the roof from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Over time, sun damage can cause shrinking and cracking which deteriorate roofing materials. However, the final layer of a Built-Up Roof consists of fine gravel or small stones overlaying a layer of asphalt. This top layer provides a finished look and prevents damage from the sun and other hazards such as flying and falling debris. This also makes the roof fire-resistant.
Benefits of Built-Up Roofing
The multiple layers of insulation and protection afforded by Built-Up Roofing ensure you have protection against the most extreme weather conditions all year round. This type of roofing system is low maintenance, easy to repair, compatible with all types of roof decks, and withstands high roof traffic.
Built-Up Roof surfaces can be optionally coated with reflective paint or other reflective materials to increase resistance to UV radiation. This can reduce heating and cooling costs and makes Built-Up Roofing an energy-efficient option.
A Built-Up Roofing system using hot asphalt may require torch-applied installation. Martin Roofing’s expert team of installers have the knowledge and experience to get the job done safely.
Some of the different BUR systems we install include the following:
- Coal tar pitch
- Asphalt
- Cold process
- Torch applied
