Built-up roofing (BUR) is a traditional and reliable roofing system known for its durability and strength. Comprising multiple layers of asphalt or tar and reinforcing fabric, BUR creates a thick, weather-resistant barrier for your home. This roofing method is particularly valued for its resistance to harsh environmental conditions, including heavy rain, high winds, and UV exposure. Often used in commercial and flat-roof applications, built-up roofing offers excellent waterproofing and long-term performance. Its layered construction not only provides added protection but also enhances your home’s longevity, making it a popular choice for properties needing robust, low-maintenance roofing solutions.
What Is A BUR Roof Made Of?
A built-up roof, commonly known as a “tar and gravel” roof, features a surface finished with bitumen and embedded gravel or other coarse materials. Typically, these roofing systems include three or four layers, which consist of a base sheet, a fiber sheet, and one or two layers of bitumen. This multi-layered approach ensures a strong and durable roof that can withstand various environmental conditions. The gravel or coarse materials provide additional protection and help to extend the lifespan of the roof. Built-up roofing is a proven method for achieving a reliable and resilient roofing solution for your home.
The History Of BUR Roof Systems
Built-Up Roofing, or BUR, emerged in the mid-1800s as a revolutionary roofing system. It involves applying multiple layers of asphalt between ply sheets or felts over the roof deck and insulation. This system proves highly effective across various geographic areas and climates. Historically, BUR was among the first flat roofing solutions used in construction. The iconic image of a roofer spreading black tar on a roof reflects a nostalgic part of roofing history. Due to its nature, BUR roofing was originally limited to flat surfaces, as tar would slide off sloped ones. Over time, the technology evolved from using tar and paper to refined asphalts and felt, significantly enhancing BUR performance.
Advantages Of BUR Roofing
- Built-up roofing features multiple layers for outstanding durability and resistance to wear and tear. Its design provides strong protection against fire, wind, and hail, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.
- With regular maintenance, a built-up roof can endure for over 20 years. This long-lasting solution ensures dependable protection for your home.
- Built-up roofs are simple to maintain and offer robust resistance to punctures. Their durability ensures they stay in excellent condition with minimal effort.
- Built-up roofs offer a sleek, polished appearance for your building, free from the visible seams of other materials. This seamless design enhances both aesthetics and durability, providing a clean, professional finish.
Disadvantages Of BUR Roofing
- Alligatoring often occurs in BUR roofs, leading to small cracks due to asphalt shrinkage. If not repaired, these cracks can expand into larger splits in the roof membrane.
- Blistering occurs when soft bubbles form in the roof’s membrane due to trapped moisture. To fix this, professionals must locate and eliminate the water source before removing and patching the blistered areas.
- Ridges typically form due to thermal expansion of roofing materials or separation between insulation and the roof deck. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent significant damage and prolong the lifespan of your roof.
What Is The Lifespan Of Built-up Roofs?
A built-up roof typically lasts between 15 to 30 years. However, with proper maintenance and a mild climate, it can last up to 40 years. Several factors can shorten the lifespan of a BUR. Cold, snowy climates and air conditioning units on the roof can reduce its durability. Pooling water also contributes to its deterioration. To extend the life of a BUR roof, it’s crucial to maintain proper drainage. Address pooling water issues promptly to prevent damage. Regular inspections and timely repairs are key to maximizing the longevity of your built-up roofing system.
To ensure the longevity of your built-up roofing (BUR), it’s crucial to inspect it at least twice a year. During these inspections, look for any cracks that might indicate structural issues. Check for signs of pooling water, which can lead to leaks. Blistering on the surface often suggests moisture trapped underneath. Examine split joints carefully, as they can compromise the roof’s integrity. Frequent inspections aid in the early detection of these problems, enabling prompt fixes. By maintaining a consistent inspection routine, you protect your home from potential damage and extend the life of your BUR system.
What Is The Price Of A BUR Roof?
Built-up roofing (BUR) typically costs between $3.50 and $7 per square foot, including installation. Although the roofing material itself is affordable, labor costs significantly influence the overall price. Factors affecting the final cost include the quality of materials, the roof’s slope, and your geographical location. Understanding these variables can help you better estimate the expense of installing a BUR system.
Which Is Better, A Modified Bitumen Roof Or A BUR?
Modified bitumen is an asphalt product enhanced with additives like rubber or plastic and reinforced with fiberglass. Available in roll form, it can be applied to roofs using heat, adhesive, or self-adhesive membranes. This material is both flexible and waterproof, making it an excellent choice for flat and low-sloped roofs. Its versatility ensures reliable protection against weather conditions, enhancing the durability and performance of your roofing system. Modified bitumen provides an effective solution for various roofing needs, combining ease of installation with long-lasting resilience.
Similar to BUR, modified bitumen can be installed in multiple layers or just two. However, modified bitumen is more DIY-friendly, whereas BUR typically needs professional installation. This difference makes modified bitumen a more accessible option for homeowners looking to handle their roofing projects themselves. In contrast, BUR’s installation complexity usually necessitates the expertise of a trained roofing professional. Despite the ease of application with modified bitumen, both systems offer robust protection for your home. The choice between them will depend on your specific needs and whether you prefer a DIY approach or professional help.
Built-up roofing systems generally offer a longer lifespan compared to modified bitumen. However, both materials are durable and effective for flat and low-sloped roofs. Each option has its strengths, so choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. To make an informed decision, it’s best to consult with an experienced contractor. They can assess your structure and recommend the most suitable roofing solution for your situation.
Conclusion:
Built-up roofing (BUR) provides a time-tested, durable solution for homes, offering impressive strength and weather resistance. Its multi-layered construction ensures robust protection against harsh conditions, including heavy rain, high winds, and UV exposure. BUR is particularly effective for flat and low-sloped roofs, making it a preferred choice for many commercial and residential properties.
Understanding the composition of BUR roofs, including their bitumen and gravel layers, helps appreciate their durability. Additionally, the evolution of BUR from its historical use to modern applications highlights its long-standing reliability. Despite its advantages, BUR does come with potential drawbacks like alligatoring, blistering, and ridging, which require regular maintenance to address.
The lifespan of a BUR roof can extend up to 40 years with proper care, emphasizing the importance of routine inspections. When comparing BUR with modified bitumen, both offer robust protection, but the choice often depends on specific needs and professional advice.
FAQs:
- What are the main benefits of built-up roofing?
Built-up roofing (BUR) offers durability, long-lasting protection, and excellent resistance to harsh weather conditions. Its multi-layered structure provides strong waterproofing and can extend the lifespan of your roof significantly. BUR is also low-maintenance and can improve energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight. - How much does built-up roofing typically cost?
The cost of built-up roofing ranges from $3.50 to $7 per square foot, including installation. Prices can vary based on material quality, roof slope, and geographical location. While the material itself is affordable, labor costs are a significant factor in the total expense. - What is the typical lifespan of a built-up roof?
A built-up roof generally lasts between 15 to 30 years. With proper maintenance and in a mild climate, it can last up to 40 years.To increase the lifespan of your BUR system, it is essential to perform timely repairs and routine inspections. - What are the common problems with built-up roofing?
Common issues with BUR include alligatoring (cracking due to asphalt shrinkage), blistering (moisture bubbles), and ridging (thermal expansion). These problems can be addressed with regular maintenance and prompt repairs to prevent further damage. - How does built-up roofing compare to modified bitumen?
Built-up roofing typically has a longer lifespan compared to modified bitumen and offers robust protection against various weather conditions. Modified bitumen is often more flexible and easier to install, making it suitable for DIY projects. The choice between BUR and modified bitumen depends on your specific needs and whether you prefer professional installation or a DIY approach.
