Built up Roof: Should You Install One?

Feb 9, 2023

WRITTEN BY:

Viking Contractors

CATEGORY:

Uncategorized

POSTED ON:

February 9, 2023

UPDATED ON:

May 10, 2024

Got Questions?

One-size-fits-all roofing doesn’t exist, so choosing a roofing type that accommodates your property is crucial. If it’s flat-roofed, you might consider installing a built up roof. But what is BUR roofing or built up roofing? We can tell you about this roof type at Viking Contractors LLC.

What Is a Built up Roof?

A built up roof, also known as BUR, is one of the most common roofing systems suitable for flat or low-pitch roofs. It’s a bit complex, as it’s made up of layered fabric panels. They’re usually three to five layers, known as pliers. Their main components are waterproof bitumen, ply sheets, and surfacing materials.

Workers start with a layer of insulation and add hot or cold bitumen. Then, they install ply sheets, which are exclusive built up fabrics that they bond to the roof with fiberglass or organic materials.

Finally, they cover them with a protective layer of aggregate materials (like gravel or stones). This multi-layered roofing system offers your property solid protection against the elements.

Although the installation process may seem complicated, you can count on Viking Contractors LLC to do it right. Our experience allows us to install a long-lasting flat roof for you with premium materials. To contact us, call our number (612) 567-5522, email us at info@vikingcontractorsllc.com, or fill out our online form.

Why Install Built up Roofing?

When you install a built up roof membrane, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

Impressive Longevity

Built up roofs have an impressive lifespan that varies between 15 and 40 years. If done right, that’s 25 to 40 years before replacing your built up roof (with minimal maintenance needed).

That’s because it’s multi-layered, and each layer or plier gives your flat roof an extra five years! It’s worth saying that other variables impact the longevity of your built up roof. For instance, cold climates can undermine it.

Weather Resistance

The construction of built up roofs makes them weather-resistant. With several layers of insulation, even if the weather impacts the top layer, several others will protect your property.

They contain coal tar or tar, which rarely catches fire. The aggregate-coated fiberglass gives them durability. There’s also a tightened bitumen layer to prevent water from seeping into your house. Not to mention, the reflective coating reflects the sun’s rays away from your property, lowering its internal temperature.

As a result, your house will have protection against harsh weather conditions (including strong winds and hail storms), water penetration, fires, and UV rays.

Easy Maintenance

One of the main advantages of built up roofs is the little maintenance required. After all, they’re installed in large sheets with a lower profile than shingles. Their material is less prone to damage, minimizing the maintenance costs required and rendering these roofs practical.

Low Costs

Built up roofs are affordable roofing systems. They have reflective coatings, which protect your roof against UV rays and contribute to keeping the house cool. This way, you won’t be charged hefty electricity bills. Also, their low maintenance plays into their cost-effectiveness.

What Are the Types of Built up Roofing?

Our professionals can visit your property to help you determine the right type of built up roof system. The main built up roof types are:

Cold

Cold built up roofs have higher performance levels than hot ones. To install them, workers apply or spray them with a squeegee. They cool bitumen and use it as an adhesive. This installation method doesn’t emit toxic fumes and makes your roof weatherproof.

Hot

Built-up roof by professional workers insulating rooftop with bitumen membrane.

The installation method for hot built up roofs is tricky. It requires an experienced team, as it involves working with heated materials. To elaborate, our team heats bitumen and liquefies it.

Basalt Asphalt

Basalt asphalt built up roofs feature heavy stones as a surface layer, keeping your roof in position. Accordingly, the roof membrane doesn’t need to be adhered to or anchored in the roof structure.

Although people might be skeptical of these built up roofs and worry that strong winds can expose the decks, this type involves a dense coat and huge stones and gravel, along with plates and fasteners, where needed. So, there’s no need to worry about unnecessary movements.

What Are the Materials for Built up Roofs?

There are various materials used in those roof types, the most common being:

  • Stone
  • Gravel
  • Asphalt
  • Fiberglass
  • Bitumen
  • Pearlite
  • Cold adhesive
  • Organic fabric compounds

Get Your Built up Roofing Installed Now!

As you’ve concluded, this installation job calls for industry experts. With Viking Contractors LLC, you have years of expertise and guidance at your fingertips. Call our number (612) 567-5522, email us at info@vikingcontractorsllc.com, or fill out our online form. We’ll help you decide if built up roofs are right for you and take care of the installation process.

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