The Layman’s Guide: Why Built-Up Roofing Is A Decision You Won’t Regret

For the uninitiated, built-up roofing technically translates to long-lasting wear. It is ordinarily considered secure because of its capacity for heavy-duty resistance. It is also commonly known as BUR. The systems contain many alternating coats of bitumen and strengthening fabrics that will then finish the membrane. It was first discovered in the 1970s and has only gained popularity since then.

The Main Components Of The System

The roof deck, the insulation, membrane, vapor retarder, and surfacing material are the main elements of a BUR system. The roofing membrane is at the core of the roofing system. It consists of bitumen and multiple reinforcing plies of roofing.

Let’s break that down. Bitumen refers to the waterproofing agent, usually sourced through open pit mining, which is used between two roofing plies. They could be an output of a coal cooking process or a petroleum refining asphalt. Meanwhile, reinforcing plies are roofing sheets that are coated with asphalt which are installed in three layers to reinforce the roofing membrane.  For the reinforcing fabric, manufacturers typically use organic and fiberglass mats. As for the surfacing layer, fiberglass, asphalt, and aluminum coatings are used. 

The roofing membranes can be shielded from solar radiation by embedding gravel in the bitumen and applying a surface coating.

The Installation Process

A BUR System is fully adhered to when it is installed on a roof deck. A base sheet could also be fixed onto the roof to create a flat and safe workspace. The property managers can use 3-5 ply roofs to meet their requirements. The alternating layers of bitumen and reinforced fabric are applied. The outermost layer usually consists of rock or stone, that guards the underlying layers against UV rays, heat, cold, or unreasonable wind damage. A last layer of gravel is added on certain occasions, for aesthetic value. 

Why It Works: The Benefits Of A BUR System

Because of their dependability and endurance, Built-up roofing systems seem to have become the go-to choice for people over the years. Their reputation and goodwill have increased over time due to its proven success. The following are the advantages of installing a BUR System:

• Exceptional For The Economy

There are other competitive roofing systems in the market but they don’t match up very well with the assumed service life of BUR System. This makes the BUR System a solid investment.

• Multi-Layer Protection

The multiple layers of bitumen and the felts are capable of giving reliable protection. This watertight barrier causes the roof to be effective against strong winds and fire. 

• A Better Thermal Protection

A BUR System has an incredible resistance to the conduction of heat in the interior and exterior of a structure. This is also extremely helpful by considerably reducing heating and cooling costs. 

• Fire Resistance

This kind of system meets very stringent fire requirements. This ensures sufficient conventional resistance against unruly wind conditions. 

4. Tips To Achieve Maximum Performance

The following are some tips to apply the BUR System for the best possible performance:

• The plies must be bonded securely by applying delicate and uniform layers of bitumen. The membrane system is fused with the proper adhesion of the waterproof system.

• The bitumen should be heated to the proper temperature – also known as Equiviscous temperature for correct mopping. Every batch of bitumen must be labeled with the EVT.

It would be fair to say that there is an intense amount of detail that goes into a BUR System. It is vital to pay attention to its intricacies to achieve a long-lasting result. Since the roofing membrane is particularly indispensable to the system, any flashings, curbs or walls that prevent it must be looked after. After all, it is in the owner’s interest to look after his/her roof and do it with the most competent available system!