What Makes Built-up Roofs an Excellent Choice for Waterproofing and Weather Protection

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A roof is one of the most important assets of a property. It protects us and our valuable belongings from wind, hail, hurricanes, heat and other environmental elements. A poorly installed roof composed of low-quality material can easily get damaged when the weather turns harsh.

Strong winds and tornados, which are common in most parts of the US, blow away shingles, rips metal sheets apart and cause severe damage. Thus it becomes crucial to have a durable roof that can stand the test of time.

With so many roofing options available in the market and the new ones in development, it becomes quite challenging to decide which one is the best for a commercial building. Some roofs are affordable but lack durability. At the same time, there are others that look stylish but come with a hefty price tag. If you’re unsure about the best roofing solution for your commercial property, seeking advice from a trusted CT roofing company can help you navigate the options and make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and performance expectations

However, there is one type of roof that has always been a popular choice for commercial businesses across the US and that is Built-up Roofing. Keeping the buildings intact for several years, Built-up roofs or commonly referred to as BUR roofs, are tough, durable and cost-effective. 

So, What are Built-Up Roofs?

Built-up roofs are created with multiple layers of bitumen alternating with piles of reinforcing felts. The BUR roofs are covered with a gravel application, a mineral cap sheet and finally a weather-resistant coating. If Built-up roofs are directly applied to roof decks or insulation, they are generally considered to be ‘fully adhered.’ They can last up to several years with easy maintenance. A general layering system of a BUR roof in bottom to top order is:

• Deck Surface
• Roof Insulation
• Bitumen (Could be Asphalt, Tar & Gravel)
• Cover Board
• Ply Sheet or Mineral Cap Sheet
• Reflective Roof Coating

So, the material and application technique used to render strength to BUR roofs, making them an ideal choice for commercial roofing. You can add more layers for extra durability.

BUR Roofs- Solid Solution For Extreme Weather And Water Leakage

Waterproofing: With BUR roofing, you don’t need to waterproof your building. Several layers of bitumen and durable materials prevent water ingression. Moreover, by providing adequate slope during the installation, the top-layer does not allow the water to sit; it goes directly into the gutter. So, it’s a perfect waterproofing solution.

Durability: The tar and gravel used as bitumen in BUR roofs can withstand high foot traffic. It even allows the membrane to stay intact and create a durable surface. While building the roofs, you must ensure that the felts and other materials should adhere to the ASTM International standards. 

UV Protection: Built-up roofs are an excellent solution for UV protection and making the building energy-efficient. The reflective coating material reduces the risk of UV rays and maintains the optimal temperature inside the building. So, you can considerably save on your energy bills and ensure a comfortable work environment for the staff.

Fire Resistant: If you have used Ballasted asphalt as bitumen in the Built-up roofing system, then your roofing will have high resistance against fire and winds as it is a fire retardant material. What’s more? It gives an excellent surface finish, making your flat roof functional and impressive.

Require Low Maintenance: A BUR roof built 50 years ago will deliver the same performance as it was new with minimal maintenance. Built-up roofs are easy to repair and come within a budget. They can last up to 100 years, making them an excellent choice for commercial and industrial buildings. 

Hence, when it comes to durability, affordability, safety and energy efficiency, BUR roofs are the best option to go with. So, discuss your requirements with experienced professionals from top companies in your area and get a durable and efficient roofing system today.