Built-Up Roofing
Built-Up Roofing in Atlanta and College Park
Built-up roofing, known as BUR, is a type of commercial roofing application used on buildings with low-slope roofs. BUR is comprised of layers of fabric to provide strength and asphalt. The final layer on top is often made of gravel or small crushed stone. The advantage to BUR is the ability to seal and waterproof low slope roofs unlike tile and shingles.
Built-up roofing has been used in commercial building applications for over 100 years. Its durability along with more effective installation techniques make this type of roofing perfect for certain applications. Built-up roofing provides a 3-layer asphalt application that is reflective and energy efficient.
Why is Built up roofing Atlanta's Preferred Low-Slope Solution?
For commercial properties in Atlanta, the climate demands a built up roofingsystem that is highly durable and completely waterproof. BUR is expertly designed with multiple layers to create redundant protection, making it one of the most reliable systems for managing water on low-slope surfaces. This layered approach ensures that even under constant heat and UV exposure in Atlanta, your roof will maintain its structural integrity and leak resistance for many years.
When installed correctly by professionals, built up roofingoffers exceptional longevity, often outperforming many single-ply membranes. The final gravel layer acts as a ballast and protects the underlying asphalt from sun damage, extending the life of the entire system. If you operate a business in Atlanta, you need the proven reliability of BUR.
Considering Built up roofing in College Park - What are the Advantages?
If you are a property manager or building owner in College Park, choosing built up roofingensures you benefit from a time-tested technology. Built up roofingsystems are known for:
- Exceptional fire resistance.
- Reliable waterproofing capabilities.
- High resistance to foot traffic and mechanical damage.
- A proven track record of over a century.
Absolute Roofing Service specializes in the proper installation of built up roofing in College Park businesses trust. We understand the specific application requirements to maximize the lifespan and performance of your BUR system in the local environment.
Need An
Expert for Your Built up roofing Installation?
As a top built up roofing Atlanta contractor, Absolute Roofing Service Atlanta offers unparalleled experience in this specific technology. Whether you need a full replacement or expert repair on an existing system in College Park, our team is ready.
Are you on the fence about which roof repair or application is best for your commercial building? Contact Absolute Roofing Services on 770-743-7946 for a free consultation!
ROOFING IS OUR HERITAGE • QUALITY IS OUR TRADITION
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the multi-ply nature of BUR improve building security?
Built-up roofing utilizes multiple layers of bitumen-saturated felt, creating a thick, redundant barrier that is incredibly difficult to puncture. This redundancy means that even if the top layer is damaged, the underlying plies continue to provide a watertight seal. It remains one of the most reliable options for commercial roofing in College Park where heavy foot traffic or equipment maintenance is common.
What purpose does the gravel or mineral surfacing serve on a BUR system?
The top layer of stone or gravel acts as a heavy-duty shield against UV radiation, hail impact, and wind uplift. It also provides excellent fire resistance and allows water to evaporate more slowly, reducing the thermal shock to the asphalt layers beneath. This surfacing is a key reason why built up roofing has remained a industry standard for over a century.
Can a built-up roof be restored without a complete tear-off?
If the underlying insulation is dry, a BUR system can often be restored by removing the loose gravel and applying a new flood coat of asphalt and a cap sheet. This process adds years of service life without the mess or expense of a total roof replacement. A thermal roof inspection is necessary to confirm that no moisture is trapped within the existing plies.
How does a BUR system handle the high thermal expansion of the Georgia climate?
Modern built-up systems incorporate SBS or APP modified bitumens that allow the layers to remain flexible during extreme temperature swings. This prevents the “alligatoring” or cracking that was common in older, coal-tar-pitch roofs. When installed by a professional roofing contractor, these systems expand and contract seamlessly with the building’s structure.
Are built-up roofs compatible with modern "cool roof" requirements?
While traditional BUR is dark, it can be made energy efficient by using a white mineral cap sheet or applying a reflective top coating. These modifications allow the system to meet modern energy codes while maintaining its legendary structural strength. This combination is often the best choice for a roof installation on older industrial buildings.