Way Up on the Roof

If your building is in need of a new flat roof, a built-up roofing system is a good choice. Your building may have an old BUR system now that's near the end of its life, and if so, you already know the advantages of this type of roofing. However, you may not know what to expect with the installation process. Here's a quick look at decisions to make when getting a new BUR system installed.

Decide If The Old Roof Needs To Come Off

Your roofer can advise you about putting a new BUR system over the old one, or if the old roof has to come off. It might be possible to cover the old roof unless there are already multiple layers on it. There are advantages to tearing off the old roof down to the deck, even though it's more work. This lets the roofer check the condition of the deck and replace damaged decking, and it gives the building all-new materials, which means your roof should last longer.

Decide If You Want Added Insulation

Built-up roofs by themselves provide good insulation, but you may want to ask your roofing contractor about adding additional insulation and if it's necessary. If you choose insulation, the insulation boards are put down as a base layer for the roofing fabric to make your building a little more energy efficient.

Choose Hot Or Cold Application

BUR systems are traditionally applied with hot asphalt. The layers of the roof are built using felt or fabric topped by hot asphalt that's mopped over the fabric. This process is repeated for as many layers as needed for your type of roof. The cold application works the same way, but instead of using hot asphalt, the plies are covered with cold adhesive.

While the hot method is traditional and has decades of proven use, the hot asphalt creates a strong odor that you might want to avoid if your company will be operational while the new roof is being applied.

Choose The Gravel Topping

A top layer of gravel is put on a built-up roof to block UV rays from the fabric and asphalt and to provide protection against foot traffic. The gravel also makes the roof attractive if you have a taller building that looks out over the flat roof of a smaller building. Your roofing contractor will explain the options for the gravel layer so you can have some input if appearance is important to you.

Once your new built-up roofing system is installed, it should last for many years without the need for much maintenance. Foot traffic shouldn't affect it, which is beneficial if your HVAC is on the roof and is serviced regularly. However, it's still a good practice to check the roof routinely and get repairs if they're needed so extensive water damage doesn't affect your building.

Talk to built-up roofing contractors to learn more.