Built-up roofing (BUR) is a very common type of commercial roofing that is used with low-slope rooftops to provide high levels of protection at an affordable cost. It is made by layering the top of the roof with “built up” layers of bitumen (an asphalt-like substance) and durable fabrics. The stop is then often layered with an aggregate like gravel. If you see a roof covered with small stone or gravel pieces, it’s probably a built-up roof.
But why do businesses choose this type of roof, and why would it be a good idea for your building? Here are the most important benefits you should know about.
Sun Protection
A built-up roof is particularly good at protecting rooftops from the elements. Sun radiation especially won’t be a problem because the rays can’t pierce those multiple layers to cause damage to anything beneath. Overall, built-up roofing works particularly well in sunny, warm climates for this reason.
Fire Resistance
The asphalt layers of the built-up roof make it particularly durable when it comes to fire resistance. This makes it very easy for these rooftops to meet any local or insurance requirements for fire protection – while also making it less likely that a fire will develop on the roof.
Customization
These rooftops also allow for a surprising amount of customization. Owners can usually choose how many layers a built-up roof has, adjust the amount of protection the roof provides, and the cost of the installation. There are also different bitumen layers that owners can choose, including layers that offer extra fire protection if necessary, or layers that are more environmentally friendly. This makes built-up roofing a popular choice across many different types of businesses and budgets.
Thanks to the protective layers and the aggregate surface, built-up rooftops need very little maintenance. Basic inspections to make sure that the aggregate layer is still doing its job is often all that is needed.
Easy to Take Care Of
Thanks to the protective layers and the aggregate surface, built-up rooftops need very little maintenance. Basic inspections to make sure that the aggregate layer is still doing its job is often all that is needed. Occasionally, ripples or cracks can form in the top layers, but these are easy to repair compared to some of the repairs that other types of roofs require.
Potential Reflective Surfaces
The aggregate layer or similar top layer of the roof can be light in color and highly reflective. This naturally reflects sunlight, which means that less thermal energy is absorbed by the roof. That, in turn, means that your building’s HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to remove heat in the warmer months, which can help you save on energy bills.
Can Last Longer
Built-up rooftops don’t always last longer than other types of roofs, but they can! This depends a lot on the climate: The sun and water resistance that the roof provides make the roof more durable in certain climates.
Do you have any more questions about built-up roofing and if it might be a good choice for your business? Does your built-up roof need any particular repairs? Let us know! Contact Rosie’s Roofing, a reliable roofing company today and ask us your question or schedule a visit
