Built-up Roofing
A cost-effective way to protect your building’s roof with 100 years of tried and tested success.
What is Built-up Roofing?
Built-up roofing, or BUR roofing, is a type of flat roofing system that has a long history in Canada, dating back over 100 years. BUR systems consist of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing materials that combine to create a water resistant membrane.
What is a BUR Roof Made Of?
A built-up roof is often referred to as a “tar and gravel” roof, because the system’s finished surface consists of bitumen with gravel or other coarse materials embedded. Most built-up roofing systems consist of three or four layers, a base sheet, a fibre sheet, and one to two layers of bitumen.
Commercial Roofing Applications
Built-up roofs are ideal for large flat roof buildings, such as distribution and logistics centres, warehouses, supermarkets, and workshops.
Advantages of BUR Roofing
- Durability: With multiple layers of roofing materials, built-up roofs can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are resistant to fire, wind, and hail damage
- Long-lasting: With proper maintenance, a built-up roof can last for 20 years or more
- Easy to maintain: Built-up roofs are easy to keep in good condition and are resistant to punctures
- Attractive: Built-up roofs will give your building a clean, polished look, without the long seam lines of other roofing materials
Disadvantages of BUR Roofing?
- Alligatoring can be common in BUR roofs. Alligatoring is a series of small cracks that develop in the roof’s surface as the result of shrinkage of asphalt material. Left unrepaired, alligatoring will grow into splits in the membrane.
- Blistering happens when soft bubbles form in the roof’s membrane, due to moisture trapped underneath. To correct blisters, professionals need to identify and eliminate the source of water. Then they can remove and patch any blistered areas.
- Ridges can result from two main causes, thermal expansion of roofing material and separation of underlying insulation from the roof deck.
Other Roofing Materials
The different materials used for flat roofs in Mississauga come in a wide range of options, depending on your needs and budget. Some examples include:
Single-Layer Membrane Flat Roof
Single-ply roofs use wide width sheeting designed for low slope roofs. They have far fewer seams than asphaltic rolled roof systems and don’t require dangerous torches or hot asphalt for installation.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is a type of roofing that is similar to the BUR system. It is made of asphalt combined with rubber or plastic, then reinforced with fibreglass to create a waterproof membrane.
Comparing Flat Roofing Materials
The following list includes some popular types of roofs with their respective pros and cons so you can consider what best suits your needs.
Built-Up Roof
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
- Looks appealing
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Very heavy
- Susceptible to alligatoring
- Requires heat welding
- Gravel can clog gutters
Modified Bitumen Roof
Pros
- Simple repairs
- Inexpensive
- Durable
Cons
- Not tear-resistant
- Less attractive
- Requires heat welding
Single-Ply Roof
Pros
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly
- No heat welding seams
Cons
- Membrane can be punctured
- Seams are vulnerable to leaks
There is no one perfect option when it comes to selecting the best flat roof material. Factors like climate change protection, cost per square foot installed, and availability are all important considerations that should be made during this process.
Expert Commercial Roofers in Mississauga
No job is too big for our roofing team. If you’re looking for a new built-up roof installation, get a fast and simple online quote to estimate the work required. All of our installations come with a manufacturer warranty and our own guarantee, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your money is well-spent.
Trusted for Over 70 Years
If you want your flat roofing installed correctly the first time, choose a roofing company with a reputation you can trust.
No Subcontracting
As a Master Elite roofing contractor, our team of flat roofers are factory-trained and certified by GAF. You can depend on us for expert installation and a warranty you can rely on.
Quality Materials
We only use materials from the leading manufacturers in the industry, so you can rest assured that your roof will be of the highest quality.
Our Lifetime Roofing Warranty
At George Kent, we are proud to offer industry-leading lifetime warranties on materials and labour for our roofing installations — and our installations are not prorated. Additionally, your warranty is transferable to future homeowners and backed by the manufacturer (GAF).
Our warranties set us apart in an industry where typical roofing warranties are closer to five years or less. If you’re unhappy with your roof at any point after it has been installed, get in touch and we will be happy to resolve the problem.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Our Roofing Flat Roofing Expertise
Flat Roofing Repairs
Have a leak or need a flat roof inspection? Get your roofing system repaired and avoid damage. We have repaired countless leaks and performed hundreds of inspections, so we know how to quickly identify the source of the problem and get it fixed fast.
Flat Roof Coating and Restoration
Coatings and restoration can help to repair minor damage and leaks, as well as protect your roof from future wear and tear. It is important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and identify any potential problems before they become major issues.
Residential Roof Installation
Our roofing installers adhere to all safety regulations and undergo rigorous, ongoing training. When we finish working on your roof, we’ll clean up thoroughly and leave the work site spotless.
Residential Roof Replacement
We provide expert advice on all things related to roofs, from what material is best for your climate and budget, to how to replace an old roof without damaging your home. Plus, we offer competitive prices on all our services so you can get the most for your money.
FAQs
What is the cheapest commercial flat roof?
Modified bitumen is the cheapest commercial flat roofing system. While the lifespan of modified bitumen is shorter than other roofing systems, with regular maintenance you can maximize your investment.
What is the lifespan of a flat roof?
The materials used in a flat roof’s construction largely determines its lifespan. For example, a multi-layer built-up roof made of waterproofing, tar, and gravel can last 15-20 years.
Do flat roofs require additional maintenance?
Flat roofs generally require more maintenance than sloped roofs, due to the accumulation of leaves and debris collecting on them.
