Built Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-Up Roofing Contractors Houston

There are plenty of roofing options to choose from when it comes to commercial roofing Houston. Built-up roofing, also referred to as BUR, is one of the most popular roofing solutions. Expert contractors in Houston always use it on low-slope roofs.

BUR became popular for the first time in the 1970s. This happened despite the fact that the roofing technique is a little more expensive than many of its rivals. Built up roofing also often requires more effort to install and maintain. So, is investing in this roofing system worth it? To be able to understand why BUR is popular, we need to consider its main components.

What Does Built Up Roofing System Consist of?

 This roofing technique is commonly known as tar and gravel roofing. This name denotes the main components of the roofing material that get layered on top of each other.

 Bitumen, which is applied ‘cold’ or ‘hot,’ forms the first layer. 

When this material is applied in its liquid state, we say it is ‘hot.’ But we talk about ‘cold’ when the layer is created using bitumen in its adhesive state, which is the most common method. It performs much better than ‘hot’ and hardly releases toxins during the application process.

The second layer of built-up roofs consists of ply sheets. A unique fabric that has organic material or fiberglass coats make up this part. The roofing can use many other alternating layers of ply sheets and bitumen.

But the topmost layer is different from all of them. It consists of small stones that are designed to provide a finished appearance and protect the roof from debris and natural elements. As you can see, built up roofing consists of multiple layers that make it durable.

What is the Lifespan of Built-Up Roofing?

Built up roofing system is designed to serve your roofing needs in varied climatic conditions. Its average lifespan is between 15 and 30 years, depending on the material used. BUR roofing can last for more than 40 years, especially if the construction is in a warmer region.

Some roofing materials have a longer life expectancy. Standing seam roofing is an example of a roofing system that can last for more than 40 years. We know that some roofing has a significantly longer lifespan. So, if longevity is your priority, you can consider the others. But before doing that, you need to think about the other attractive qualities of BUR.

Benefits of BUR

As we said in the beginning, this roofing system has been one of the most popular roofing techniques in Houston since the 1970s. Other than the admirable lifespan, there are great qualities that make it stand out in the marketplace. Here are the other noteworthy features that are attracting many people.

Easy to Maintain- We mentioned that installing and maintain built-up roofing requires a lot of effort. But if we compare it to roofing system like a shingle, we can conclude that it is relatively easy to maintain. If the roofing gets damaged, you can call your trusted contractor, and it will get restored in minutes at an affordable cost. All that the expert will do is to patch and replace some of the used materials.

Offer Protection against Fire- Some of the materials used to create the commercial roofing Houston are natural fire insulators. This particularly applies to the BUR roofing systems that use the ‘cold’ bitumen version. And ballasted asphalt in the topmost layer. So, if you use the roofing system and fire breaks out, you can expect these components to provide additional protection.

Is an Efficient Heating and Cooling System- The multiple layers that make up the roofing act as protection against the elements. You will find the roof useful in the summer or in warmer climates. As such, it helps to make your temperature control significantly more manageable.   

At this point, you may be interested in learning about the main downside of this roofing. The obvious one is that it is relatively expensive and requires a lot of time to install. If you are looking for the best roofing system, you are likely to find out rightly that the benefits are worth the effort, time, and the extra effort.

KSI Commercial Roofing Dallas Are Your Built Up Roofing Experts

Our competent experts here at KSI Commercial Roofing Houston can professionally manage all your built-up roofing needs. If you need a new installation, maintenance, roof repairs, or any other, we have you covered. We are experienced specialists in commercial roofing Houston and can help you to make the best roofing decision. Contact us for quality service or schedule a free estimate today.