Built Up Roof Services Near Northern VA
Experts for residential and commercial flat roofing
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be doing your research on a number of roofing materials and roofing systems.
Keep reading to learn more about one of the common options – a built-up roofing system. We’ll cover the pros and cons and all the material details of a bur system, like modified bitumen, tar and gravel, and roof membranes.
For low maintenance, easy-to-repair, and reliable built up roofing system, call us today at
703-754-9551. We offer free inspections for all your roofing needs throughout Northern Virginia.
A+ Rated Roofing Contractor for 25+ Years
703-754-9551
What is a built-up roofing system?
This roofing system, also known as tar and gravel roofs, is made up of alternating layers. These layers include modified bitumen (asphalt) and other fabrics used for reinforcement. Once combined, the multiple layers of bitumen make up a complete membrane. Built-up roofs are best utilized on a low-slope or flat roof deck.
Built-up roofing is also known as BUR (Built-Up Roofing) for short.
How do you install built-up roofing?
When it comes to a BUR roof, installation for residential or commercial roofing follows the same process. The first part of the process is hiring a qualified roofing contractor familiar with bitumen roofs and installing BUR systems.
Your contractor will attach ply sheets (a ply sheet is often plywood) to the roof subsystem. They may also install a cover board, which helps create a better substrate for the membranes. The next step is a base sheet and adhesive. Depending on the situation, your contractor may elect to use cold-applied adhesive. The cold applied process can improve the roof’s water resistance.
From there, a final layer of hot asphalt is typically applied to the layers of bitumen that make up the BUR roof systems. The top layer (also referred to as cap sheet, or mineral surfaced cap) completes all the roofing material that goes into built up roof.
While it sounds complicated, these roofing materials are easy to install when done by a qualified professional and are popular in both residential and commercial roofing. They’ve been around for fifty years and offer low maintenance, reliable protection for up to twenty years when installed properly.
How thick is built-up roofing?
A BUR roof system comes in multiple layers, most often between two and four. The thickness depends on the materials used and the number of built-up roofing layers applied, but typically the selvage area ranges between two to four inches.
How much does it cost to replace a built-up roof?
After learning about the steps to install a built up roofing systems – BUR – system and the various materials that go into installing this roofing system (like a base sheet, coal, tar, roof decking, bitumen, asphalt, gravel, and more), you may be wondering if this roof replacement option is affordable.
And the answer is – it depends. While not the cheapest option, properly installed and fully adhered BUR systems can hold their value and be a long-lasting solution. They offer excellent energy efficiency, can sustain most weather conditions, and are water-resistant. BUR roofs even provide fire resistance. This makes them a good investment for many residential and commercial roof jobs.
Depending on your location and selected contractor, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250 on average per square foot for a BUR roofing system.
Reasons to choose built-up roofing
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be doing your research on a number of roofing material and roofing systems. Here are some reasons why you may consider built up roof as an alternative:
- Long-lasting solution
- Most proven and reliable option
- Superior waterproofing
- Easy to install all temperatures
- Options for surfacing to reduce heat intake
- Reasonably priced
What To Know About Built-Up Roofing
When deciding what roof is best with your home builder or in case of a new roof installation, it’s essential to work with a qualified roofing contractor. They can assess your existing roof (if applicable) and make the right recommendations for your new roof or roof repair.
Here are just a few things we’ve covered:
- Built-up roofing is one great option for residential and commercial buildings projects.
- Built up roof is also known as BUR and is a multi-ply roof system that creates a long-lasting option.
- While not the cheapest option on the market, investing in a built up roof systems can be a wise decision. The materials (like asphalt) and cap sheets make it resistant to heat, water, and more.
If you’re in the market for a new installation or roof inspection, give our team a call. We have experience working on all types of roofs, including asphalt shingles, built up roof system, metal roof options, and more.
Contact us for a free inspection today
Looking for a new built up roof system or other roofing material for your commercial property? Contact the best in the roofing industry to see how we can help you.
Our team has seen it all and can help answer any questions you have – from roof decks to roofing repair, built up roof to asphalt, coal tar, asphalt and more. If you want to know more about built-up roofing in Northern Virginia, we can help! Schedule your free-no-obligation roof inspection today.
Call us at 703-754-9551 for a free inspection today. We proudly service Haymarket, Chantilly, Manassas, Leesburg, Sterling, Centreville, Gainesville and surrounding areas in Virginia.
