Have you heard of a built-up roofing (BUR) system for commercial buildings? These innovative roofing designs are becoming the industry standard for many commercial applications. They are durable, affordable, and will outlast most other roofing options within the same price range. If you’re considering re-roofing your commercial building, this may be the solution for you.
A built-up roofing system uses layers of asphalt and sheets of insulation to build a water, heat, and mold-resistant surface on your roof. Most BUR systems are built on top of a layer of polyisocyanurate insulation. Then, a layer of asphalt is poured over the base, and a play sheet (the layer of insulation) molded on top of the asphalt.
The insulation barrier is the most important layer of the BUR system, it prevents moisture from penetrating to the base and is layered over and over again with asphalt to create a thick, impenetrable barrier against corrosion. Once enough layers have been created, the roofing is capped with a flood coat of asphalt or in some cases a reflective coating. .
Redundancy – BUR roofing systems are redundant, which makes them exceptionally weather- and damage-resistant. If one layer is penetrated, the layers underneath still provide a barrier to rain, debris, and mold. This is a major benefit for buildings that are at risk to roof damage due to volatile weather or that are exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Energy-efficient – Many BUR systems include reflective cap sheets to reflect the sun’s rays and reduce heat absorbed into the building. This can help keep your energy costs low in the summertime and prevent roofing damage due to the UV rays. These roofing systems are also ideal for rooftop HVAC systems and solar panels, increasing your building’s energy efficiency.
Longevity – BUR systems have been in use for over 100 years. They are time-tested and typically last longer than shingle or tiled roofing. Because of this, many BUR systems have warranties that last upward of 20 years. Check with your manufacturer to learn about the warranty offers for your BUR roof, as well as your MaintenX specialists for how to maximize its lifespan through preventative care.
At MaintenX, we help our clients maintain their BUR systems to ensure they reach maximum lifespan and hold up to any weather condition. To learn more about our preventative maintenance services for roofing, contact your local MaintenX team today!
