BUR stands for built-up roofing and is one of the most commonly offered roofs by many commercial and residential roofing companies nationwide. It gets its name from the way it’s installed. Layers of bitumen or asphalt is built-up on top of layers of reinforcing fabric, creating several layers of defense perfect for low-slope roofing systems.
One of the biggest advantages of built-up roofs is that they can withstand tremendous amounts of abuse before showing any signs of a problem. If the topmost layer is worn down, the layer underneath can serve as the new top layer and will offer the same level of protection. Here is a quick overview of this versatile low-slope roofing system from our experts at Royal Roofing Construction.
More Than One Type of Roofing
BURs have been used both in residential and commercial roofing systems for over 100 years. Modern BURs typically have three main components: the asphalt or the bitumen, ply sheets for structure, and one or more rigid insulating layers to improve energy efficiency. BURs or, specifically their bitumen layers, can be classified into two types: hot and cold.
- Hot-Applied BURs – During a “hot” application, the asphalt is melted so that it’s liquefied during installation. This allows better penetration and coverage of the roof and, once dried and cured, offer excellent performance.
- Cold-Applied BURs – In comparison, cold-applied BURs come in sheets that behave like an adhesive layer. They are installed using a device similar to a squeegee to ensure perfect adhesion and coverage. Cold applications tend to cost less than hot applications.
How Long It Lasts
Compared to standing seam metal, slate, or any other type of roofing, BURs have a shorter life span. However, they tend to be a better and economical choice for buildings in warmer climates like California. With regular maintenance, BURs can even reach up to 30 to 40 years before needing a replacement.
Learn more about BURs from our professionals at Royal Roofing Construction. Give us a call at (714) 680-0015 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate today. We serve building and property managers in Anaheim and other surrounding areas in CA.
