Roofing Systems
BUR.
The century-tested standard.
The original commercial flat roof: alternating layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabric, applied on-site one layer at a time. Over a hundred years of field-validated performance and the longest commercial track record of any flat-roof system.
Best For
Long-hold institutional buildings, buildings with extreme weather exposure, large flat commercial roofs where multi-layer redundancy is the priority.
Service Life
20-30 years.
Twenty to thirty years, with documented installations exceeding 35 years on properly maintained systems. BUR has the longest commercial track record of any flat-roof system: over a hundred years of field-validated performance.
How It Works
Layer by layer, on site.
Built-up roofing is the original commercial flat roof: alternating layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabric, applied on-site one layer at a time, finished with gravel or mineral surfacing. The result is a thick, redundant, multi-ply membrane that absorbs foot traffic, equipment service, and weather events that would compromise a single-ply system. It’s also the heaviest roofing system on the market and the slowest to install.
Operational Profile
Trade speed of installation for redundancy.
Moderate maintenance, extended install disruption (this is the trade-off: BUR takes longer to install than any other system), low-to-moderate foot-traffic tolerance with proper walkway pads, lower energy performance unless paired with reflective surfacing.
What You Should Know
Capability claims aren’t enough.
BUR isn’t installed as commonly as it once was. Many roofers no longer carry the equipment, the crews, or the manufacturer relationships to install it properly. If you’re considering BUR, ask any bidding contractor if they are still installing it.
Where It Falls Short
Install disruption and weight.
BUR takes longer to install than any other commercial roofing system. Hot-asphalt application creates odor and smoke that can affect occupied buildings. Weight is a structural concern, especially on a recover. BUR is heavy, and not every existing structure can handle it.
Get Started
Right system for your building? Let’s confirm.
The right roofing system is decided by data, not preference. We start every engagement with a documented Roof Health Assessment so the recommendation is the right one for your building, your operation, and your hold horizon.