Categories: Roofing

What Makes Built-Up Roofs Unique

Low-sloped roofs, also commonly called flat roofing systems, are not all made the same. There are many different types of flat roofs you can choose from for your building and each of these options has its advantages. One of the most widely used flat roofing systems is known as BUR.

BUR stands for built-up roofing. It uses asphalt as its primary layer of defense against the elements, reinforced further with an aggregate top like stone or gravel for enhanced protection. BURs are an economical choice for many commercial properties. Read on as our experts at Chase Roofing LLC show you the in’s and out’s of this versatile roofing system.

How BURs Are Installed

Unlike other flat roofing systems, BUR’s require less roof repair and maintenance. Built-up roofing takes its name because of the way it’s installed on a roof. Layers of different materials are used to “build up” the roof. These layers are composed of bitumen or asphalt, a reinforcing fabric and rigid insulation. They are often alternated with each other. This means, if the topmost layer is degraded, the layer underneath can take its place and your roof remains protected the whole time.

Types of BUR

There are two types of built-up roofing systems and they are differentiated by the way they are installed. “Hot-applied” BURs use melted asphalt to cover the roof. This layer is almost liquefied at the time of installation and is used to cover different surfaces no matter their texture. “Cold-applied” BURs, on the other hand, use blocks of asphalt in lieu of melted asphalt.

Managing BURs

Like most types of roofing, BURs need regular maintenance and roof and gutter repair to ensure their performance. While BURs are more resilient than other materials, they can still be prone to some of the common problems associated with flat roofs.

Learn more about the benefits of built-up roofing with the help of our professionals at Chase Roofing LLC. Give us a call at (757) 872-0700 or fill out our contact form and request a free estimate today. We serve building and property managers in Newport News, as well as other surrounding areas in VA.

Jose Lomeli

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