Commercial building owners know that roofs do a whole lot more than just keep the rain out. It has to deal with extreme heat, sudden downpours, tornado-season winds, and even the occasional chunk of hail. Given the demand for durability, one of the popular choices is built-up roofing for businesses. At Maupin Roofing, we’ve installed a good number of BUR systems over the years, and we’ll discuss what we know about them (specifically, their pros and cons) so you can make the right call for your commercial property.
What Are Built-Up Roofing Systems (BUR)?
A built-up roofing (BUR) system is, as the name suggests, a roof that’s “built up” layer by layer. This system is mainly used on flat roofs and low-slope roofs (due to its continuous sealed surface), which are common on commercial buildings like office parks, warehouses, schools, shopping centers, and even older medical facilities.
Multiple layers of bitumen (AKA hot asphalt or tar) are alternated with reinforcing fabrics, such as fiberglass or organic roofing felt. This gets topped off with a layer of gravel or a UV-protective coating. Together, this forms a thick, waterproof barrier that can stand up well to extreme weather, daily wear, and foot traffic.
Main Parts of Built-Up Roofing Systems
Base sheet: This is applied first, right on top of the roof deck or cover board. This is your foundation layer.
Ply sheets: These are fabric-like layers soaked in bitumen that get laid down one after the other.
Bitumen layers: These can be hot-applied (e.g., liquid asphalt layers). Your roofer could also use cold-applied adhesive solutions instead of hot mopping asphalt. This is what binds the whole BUR system together.
Surfacing layer: This is the top layer. This can involve spreading gravel, using mineral granules, or applying a reflective coating that shields your roof from UV rays and foot traffic.
The Main Advantages of BUR Systems
Even though newer materials like TPO and PVC are getting a lot of buzz, modern BUR systems are still used all over Oklahoma for all the benefits that come with them.
1. Long-Term Durability
Built-up roofing systems are built to last. Since they’re made of multiple layers, BUR systems hold up well to foot traffic, hail, flying debris, as well as temperature swings. Even if the top layer gets damaged, the additional layers beneath will continue to protect your property.
It’s important to have a professional do the roof installation for you since they know how to properly apply the system’s redundant layers. And don’t skip maintenance. Make it a habit to clear debris, check flashing, and look for ponding water on the roof surface after big storms.
2. Excellent Waterproofing Protection
Because the system has multiple layers that are sealed, water has a hard time getting through. That’s a big plus in places like OKC, where spring rains can dump several inches of water overnight.
Something else to consider: make sure your drainage system is up to the task. Built-up roofing systems hold water well, but they still need proper draining to perform their best.
3. Fire Resistance
This is especially true if you go with a gravel-surfaced system. The rock layer can help prevent external fires from catching and spreading, like those caused by nearby sparks or rooftop mechanical failures. Fire resistance is ideal for commercial properties like restaurants, factories, or any commercial building with rooftop mechanical equipment.
4. Heat and Ultra Violet Protection
That top layer of gravel or reflective coating (e.g., mineral surfaced cap sheets and white coated cap sheets) blocks damaging UV rays and solar heat. That means your building stays a bit cooler during summer. Aside from helping the BUR materials underneath last longer, it also helps lower heating and cooling costs and is just great overall for energy efficiency.
The Downsides of BUR Roof Systems
As with any other roofing material, built-up roofing systems unfortunately do have downsides. Below is a look at the drawbacks (and how to deal with them).
1. It’s Heavy
All those layers add up. BUR roofing is heavier than almost every other roofing type. This is something to consider if you’re adding built-up roofing to an older building or retrofitting a roof that’s already showing signs of stress. You might need structural reinforcement before installing it.
Solution
Have a licensed roofer like our team at Maupin Roofing evaluate your building first. If your roof can’t handle the weight, there are lighter alternatives that might be better for your roof.
2. Complicated Installation Process
Installing BUR is labor-intensive. The process involves hot asphalt, large crews, and proper coordination and planning. That means longer installation times and potentially more disruption to your business.
Solution
Schedule the install during off-hours or slow seasons. And of course, work with a company that knows how to manage projects with minimal disruption. Maupin Roofing provides commercial roofing in OKC, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a free quote.
3. Leak Detection Can Be Difficult
If a leak develops, it might not show up right where the water is getting in. Since BUR has multiple layers, water can travel between them before you ever see it inside the building. You might need a roofing professional with infrared or moisture-scanning equipment to pinpoint the issue.
Solution
We recommend getting roofing maintenance at least once a year and/or after major storms or weather events. This way, our roofers can identify potential leaks and repair them properly before they cause bigger problems.
Built Up Roofing Systems (BUR) vs. Other Roofing Materials in Oklahoma City
There are many commercial roofing systems to choose from. Which one is more cost-effective? Which systems are low maintenance? Which ones can bounce off the sun’s rays and lower energy costs?
We put together a side-by-side breakdown of how built-up roofing systems stack up against other commercial roofing systems commonly used in Oklahoma. You can use it to narrow down your choices on what roofing system might work best for your specific building and business.
Roofing Type | Lifespan | Strengths | Weaknesses | Great for… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) | 20-30 years | Tough, waterproof, flexible | Heavy, tricky to install | Warehouses, factories, large flat roofs |
Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems | 15-20 years | More flexible, easier to install than BUR | Slightly less durable over time | Schools, small offices, retail |
TPO | 20-30 years | Energy efficient, heat-welded seams | Can fail at seams if not installed right | Restaurants, mixed-use buildings |
PVC | 20-30 years | Strong against chemicals and grease | Higher upfront cost | Kitchens, labs, facilities with exhaust vents |
Is a BUR System a Good Fit for Your Business?
Thinking of replacing your existing roof with BUR? Or perhaps you’re building a brand new property and looking for the best roofing system. Consider these as you make your decision:
Yes if…
You have a big building with a flat or low-slope roof
You’re okay with a slightly longer installation process for better durability
You want long-term waterproofing with minimal or low maintenance
No if…
Your building can’t support the weight
You’re on a tight timeline, or can’t shut down part of your operation during installation
You need a greener or more flexible material (in that case, TPO or PVC might be a better match)
Still Unsure? Maupin Roofing Can Help
We’ve worked on all kinds of commercial buildings across Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. We know what holds up to the weather here, and we explain your roofing options based on your actual needs.
Our team installs, repairs, and maintains other roofing types like TPO, EPDM, and metal. If you’d like, give us a call or fill out our callback form on our website so we can give you some professional advice (and free quotes).
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