Built-up roofing (BUR), often known as built-up roofing systems, has a long history. These roofing systems are commonly seen on flat-roof buildings, but due to their intricacy, they require the skills of commercial roofing professionals to install them. Nevertheless, they have been a mainstay of flat and low-sloped roofing systems for decades. They are a good alternative for building owners looking for a long-lasting, resilient roofing system at a reasonable price. BUR is a series of panels that are adhered to the roof with adhesives, then bitumen and asphalt are applied, and gravel is laid over the felt board to create a leak-free environment for the structure’s users. When purchased reasonably, a BUR can give up to 40 years of life in any form, depending on climate and other conditions. At Integrity Roofers, we would like to educate you on this beautiful roofing system by describing the advantages a building owner can reap when determining the necessity for a BUR.
Common Materials Used for BUR
A BUR system consists of three components: reinforced fabric consisting of felt or ply that comes in sheets for installation, bitumen or asphalt that seals the sheets to the roof, and a layer of gravel to finish the procedure. The following materials will be utilized for the BUR installation in a standard installation.
- Asphalt
- Bitumen
- Cold adhesive
- Fibreglass
- Pearlite
- Organic compounds
- Gravel
- Stone
How Long Does a Built-Up Roofing Last
As previously stated in this essay, depending on specific variables, a BUR can last up to 40 years. However, living in a frigid climate like the Yukon, you may see a roof endure for 15 years because BUR is somewhat susceptible to intense cold. Another thing to consider is the installation contractor and the number of sheets installed on the roof. If the contractor installing the BUR is inexperienced, your roof may not survive as long as you had planned. And, when it comes to adding sheets to the top, more is always better; utilizing more than a layer or two of BUR materials increases the protection of your building against weather and leaks.
Built-Up Roofing Repairs
Maintenance expenditures are always close to the mind of a business building owner, and when you consider how the roofing system is installed, you may ask if it can be fixed. We expect value when we invest money, and while a BUR roof will not last forever, it may be restored under specific conditions. The amount of the roof’s damage is a mitigating element in determining whether it should be repaired or replaced. If you don’t do regular maintenance and minor repairs on your roofing system, you’re setting yourself up for a pricey roof replacement because you cut corners on upkeep. Consider roof damage in this manner: the type and degree of damage to the roof will lead you to select your plans while reviewing the roofing system. You should never attempt a DIY repair on a BUR system; instead, use a reputable roofing professional. UV radiation, direct strikes from hail or fallen branches, inclement weather/climate, and faulty installation are all factors that can cause damage to a BUR. Open joints, blistering, waves, and cracks that develop over time are all common repairs on a BUR. To fix loose joints, place concrete under the joint, apply pressure to make it stick, and you’ve got one answer. Another option is to add another layer of felt to the roof, secured with nails and contact cement. A roofing contractor will make an incision in the bubbled-up area to repair a blister, releasing the gas pressure. The felt piece in question will then be removed from the roof, roofing cement put to the open region, and a bit of felt applied to close the gap. This process will be repeated to ensure a secure roof seal. Undulations or waves are simple repairs that will be straightforward to implement. Waves are frequently caused by faulty installation because the glue was not correctly set. The fix is to smooth out the area of the roof where the wave is by adding extra sealant and substrate. Roofing will break with time, and little can be done to stop it. On the other hand, a roofing contractor can quickly repair a crack. They clean the area and apply a coating of cement, then a layer of sealant, followed by a layer of bitumen or asphalt as the final layer of protection.
Cost of Installing & Replacing BUR
Generally, BUR roofing is done on a square-foot basis and is influenced by various criteria. The cost and type of materials utilized will affect the overall cost. The higher the expense – and improved longevity – the better the materials used. The prices will be lower if less expensive materials are utilized, but the roofing system’s lifespan will be reduced. Now we’ll discuss labor: how big is the roof being covered, and how many workers will be needed to install it? But, even before considering installation costs, remember that ripping off a roof generates a large amount of debris that must be disposed of. That is the contractor’s obligation, and the charges will be passed on to the consumer. Your local county or municipality regulates the disposal rates, so research before committing. Roof removal and disposal fees might exceed a new roof’s installation and material costs, so bear this in mind when planning your new BUR.
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