Commercial Roofing Type - Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Simpson Unlimited is the BUR Roofing contractor in DC, MD, VA

What is Built-Up Roofing (BUR Roofing)?

You could say BUR Roofing Systems invented the game. Having been implemented for over 100 years, this is the most battle-tested system here or anywhere. Predominantly known for its redundancy — meaning its 4+ plies offer multiple layers of protection — and its brag-worthy high-puncture resistance and long-term weather and waterproofing, there’s no system more proven or reliable. There are a variety of different types, including smooth asphalt, ballasted, and cold built-up, each with its own applications, settings, and construction compatibilities.

Built Up Roofing, or BUR for short, has been around for over a century and is considered by many as the original roofing system. BUR roofs have long been a tried and true system in the industry for many years and will continue to stand the test of time for many years to come.

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So what exactly is BUR roofing? In the most literal way, it is a roofing system that is installed right on top of the structure of the building and “built-up” using many layers of roofing. A BUR roof relies on its redundancy to stay strong and sturdy. Other roofing systems like EPDM and TPO rely on a single-ply membrane which means they are made up of only one roofing material layer.

Advantages of Built-Up Roofing

BUR roofing systems have a lot of advantages over other commercial roof types. The largest benefit for a BUR roofing system being its extended lifespan. A well maintained BUR roof can last up to 40 years if taken care of properly, in comparison, most other commonly used roofing systems last around 20 years.

Another advantage of BUR roofs is the minimal amount of maintenance required on the roof. Due to the redundancy of the roofing layers, BUR roofing systems are much less likely to run into a leak due to a puncture than other roofs. Speaking of running, BUR roofs are one of the best at maintaining traction, so if your roof is prone to a lot of foot traffic, BUR will be one of your best choices for walking on.

Benefits of Built-Up Roofs

- - Flexibility in design and installation
  - Multiple layers, including up to five plies
  - 100+ year service record
  - Excellent waterproofing capabilities
  - Long service life
  - Extremely durable
  - Puncture and damage resistance
  - Excellent for foot traffic
  - Require less maintenance
  - 20+ year warranted roof systems available, including no dollar limit warranties

How are Built-Up Roofs Installed on Commercial Properties?

- - With traditional hot-applied built-up roofing, an asphalt kettle is required to heat and maintain the asphalt at its specified application temperature. Multiple plies of felt are mopped in an overlaying lap fashion (hence built-up), adhered to each other with black hot asphalt.
  - The top layer of a built-up roofing system can vary but typically includes either a modified bitumen cap sheet or a flood coat with gravel surfacing.
  - A modified bitumen cap sheet can appear as either granule surfaced cap (appearing to be much like the modified roofing products), a smooth cap with a protective coating (silver paint, or elastomeric roof coating), or a gravel surface.
  - Cold applied built-up roofing installations are applied in much the same manner as a hot-applied roof, but with cold-applied (usually asphalt-based) adhesive in lieu of hot asphalt.

Longevity

BUR systems are some of the toughest roofing systems out there thanks in large part to its multiple layer design. With this in mind, if you take care of your BUR roof with regular inspections and maintenance, your roof’s lifespan will be much greater than other single-ply systems. This longer lifespan comes at a price though, increased material and labor costs and a more invasive installation.

Built-Up Roofing Costs

BUR roofs do typically cost more than other major roofing types due to a few reasons. One of which is the fact that BUR installations have the need for special equipment, which increases the project cost. While BUR material looks like a cheaper option than other roofing materials at $40 for 300 sq ft, keep in mind that BUR systems require 5 layers of that material, thus resulting in the overall cost of the project being higher than other choices.

Built-Up Roofing Installation Options

As far as installation options go, choices for your BUR roof are pretty simple. Other roofing systems have many different options such as hot asphalt, self adhering and cold application based on certain factors like building type and budget. As far as BUR roofs are concerned, over 99% of all installations we perform are done using hot asphalt due to the low number of manufacturers offering other installation options.

Built-Up Roofing Repairs

Not indifferent to other roofing systems, damages to your BUR roof are not something to mess around with, they should be taken care of as soon as you can so that you don’t incur further damage. BUR systems typically require a more involved repair job, which leads to a more expensive project most of the time. But don’t let this keep you from calling as soon as you notice something wrong with your roof, as the repair cost will only increase the longer you wait.

All in all, a BUR roofing system may result in a more expensive upfront cost, but with the longevity these roofs have, your overall cost will be much lower than other roofing systems. Simpson has worked on countless BUR projects throughout the Virginia, DC and Maryland area, so you know you can count on us.

To learn some more about BUR roofs and if it is the right option for you, check out our blog post to find out all you need to know about these roofs!

The Unlimited Blog

BUR Roofs: Cost, Advantages, Repair, and More!
by Simpson Unlimited on July 27, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Built-up roofing, known more commonly as BUR, is widely considered the “original” roofing system. Having been around for over 100 years, it has been a reliable flat roof staple of the industry for as long as modern commercial roofing has been done!
Commercial Roof Repairs 101: How to Save Time and Money!
by Simpson Unlimited on May 28, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Owning and managing a commercial roof is a lot like owning a car; while the initial purchase is the biggest expense, getting the most out of it requires routine maintenance, proactive care, and, inevitably, repairs.
Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Roof Restorations in 2021
by Simpson Unlimited on April 9, 2021 at 10:45 am
Good news, building owners and managers: your roof may have more life in it yet! By conducting major repairs or applying a tried-and-true liquid applied roofing system “coating” to your existing roofing system, you can prolong the life of your roof by 10, 15, or even 20 years before needing a full replacement, while keeping maintenance costs and safety hazards low.
Commercial Roofing vs Residential Roofing: What's the Difference in Virginia?
by Simpson Unlimited on February 2, 2021 at 11:58 am
A roof is just a roof, right? Something to cover your head and keep the tenants, assets, or whatever else is inside safe and dry? How different can a commercial roof be from a residential roof, other than the types of structures they’re built on?
What is EPDM Roofing and How Much Does It Cost?
by Simpson Unlimited on December 18, 2020 at 3:00 pm
EPDM roofing, or more formally “Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer” roofing, is a type of single-ply roofing membrane that has remained a popular, time-tested staple of the commercial roofing industry since the 1960’s. EPDM is readily available and relatively straightforward to install, meaning less labor costs than other more complex roofing systems. Thanks to its traditional installation options and easy repairs/maintenance, it’s an economical roof option with lifespans that can exceed 30 years.

Commercial Roofing Type: Built-Up Roofing (BUR)