Industrial Grade Protection

Built Up Roofing in Austin, Texas

Built Up Roofing System (BUR) is one of the popular options when it coms to commercial and industrial buildings with flat roofs. Built-Up Roofing (BUR) system, is known for its durability and longevit

Get Your Free Quote

What is a Built-Up Roofing System?

A built-up roof, or BUR, is a roofing system for flat or low-sloped roofs. It combines several layers of material built on top of each other. Built-up roofs are made from at least three materials: ply sheets, layers of bitumen or asphalt, and a surfacing material like stone or gravel. The modern BUR’s base is thick roof insulation with a cover board. On top of the board are alternating layers of bitumen and ply sheets, such as roof felt. The bitumen can be “cold,” which means an adhesive application, or “hot” applied with a torch. The top layer is a surface material such as small stones or gravel.  Some BURs, especially in commercial spaces, have a UV layer under them for heat resistance.

BUR systems can be installed on a wide range of buildings, including commercial and industrial.

BUR systems are a durable and long-lasting option for flat roofs industrial and residential.

How Does it Works?

A BUR system provides a durable, waterproof layer on top of a building. The layers of the BUR system work together to create a barrier that keeps water from penetrating the building. The base layer is first applied to the roof deck, and then each subsequent layer is applied on top of it, with each layer being adhered to the previous layer with hot asphalt or another adhesive material.The top layer of the BUR system is typically a layer of gravel or other materials that protect it from the elements. This layer also helps to reflect sunlight and prevent the roofing materials from becoming too hot, which can lead to premature aging and cracking.

What Are the Different Types of Built-Up Roofing?

Hot Built Up Roofing

The term “hot” refers to how the layers are installed. The asphalt layers are heated, so they liquefy and form a bond with the felt layers. In general, though, hot built-up roofing doesn’t perform as well as cold built-up roofing in extreme weather. The installation is generally more complex and weather-dependent.

Cold Built Up Roofing

With cold built-up roofing insulation, the asphalt layers are bonded with the felt layers with an adhesive. As a result, cold built-up roofing is more weather-resistant than hot built-up roofing, and there are no toxic fumes to worry about. Cold installation can also be done in virtually any weather, provided it’s not raining or snowing.

Ballasted Roofing

Ballasted built-up roofing is not installed using heat or any adhesive. Instead, the layers of asphalt and felt are kept in place with a top layer of heavy stones. The top-layer stones can be up to 2 inches in diameter and provide enough weight to keep all the layers in place.

Components of a BUR

The essential elements of built-up roofing have remained the same. While modern innovations and new materials have been introduced, your basic built-up roofing system will consist primarly of these components:

Asphalt Layers

High-grade bituminous asphalt or coal tar provides the core waterproof seal.

Reinforcing Felts

Fabric layers with fiberglass reinforcement for tensile strength and stability.

Surfacing Material

Gravel or reflective mineral coating to protect from UV and foot traffic.

Rigid Insulation

Optimized R-value thermal barrier for industrial energy efficiency.

What are the pros of a BUR system?

  • Lifespan: A built-up roofing system can last as long as 40 years.  That’s on the high end, though. A built-up roofing system’s average lifespan is more like 20-30 years.
  • Low Maintenance: Once your built-up roofing system is installed, it will need very little maintenance.
  • Fire-Resistant: One of the best things about built-up roofing is that the top aggregate layer makes it very resistant to fire.
  • Energy-Efficiency: Some built-up roofing systems can be outfitted with a reflective top layer that bounces UV rays off your building, keeping your building cooler in hot weather.
  • Weather Protection: Since there are no breaks in the layers of a built-up roofing system, it provides excellent leak protection.
  • Impact Resistant: The aggregate top layer of built-up roofing systems is very rugged and will not puncture easily.

What are the Cons of a BUR system?

  • Fumes from Hot Installation: If you opt for hot built-up roofing, you may be exposing your building to toxic fumes.
  • Ponding Water: Ponding water can build up on any flat roofing system, including built-up roofing. The roof can begin to sag if nothing is done about the ponding water. Sagging can lead to depression in that roof section, making it more likely that ponding will become an ongoing issue. 
  • Cost: Compared to other kinds of flat and low slope roofing systems, built-up roofing installation can be expensive.
  • Installation Complexity: BUR systems require specialized installation techniques, which can increase the cost and complexity of the installation process. Proper installation requires skilled workers who are trained in the specific installation methods and materials used in BUR systems.
  • Weight: Built-up roofing systems are relatively heavy, which can concern buildings with weight restrictions. Additional structural support may be required to accommodate the weight of the built-up roofing materials.
  • Environmental Concerns: Using hot asphalt in BUR systems can raise environmental concerns due to the emissions of toxic fumes produced during installation. Additionally, removing and disposing of a BUR roof at the end of its service life can be complicated and requires specialized handling and disposal techniques.

How can I repair a BUR system?

Suppose your BUR system fails at some point in its expected lifespan. In that case, there are repair options that may extend its longevity. Below are two primary repair options for your built-up roof system.

Silicone Roof Coating

Smooth built-up roof systems may benefit from a silicone coating. The primary appeal of silicone coatings is its low cost compared to other repair or replacement options. A silicone coating ranges between $2-$4 per square foot, which essentially cuts your expenses by more than half. However, you shouldn’t apply a silicone coating to a gravel BUR.

Spray Foam Roof Coating

Spray foam roof coatings minimize tear-offs while helping to maintain a seamless membrane. As a bonus, SPF-sprayed roofs become sustainable post-warranty.

Call Us Today to Get A Quote

A Built-Up Roof is a popular option for architects and building owners for its durability, widespread adoption by many roofers, and its energy efficiency. From the many roof substrates to choose from, built-up roofing should be on your shortlist.

512-952-7454
FREE QUOTE