Built Up Roofing For Phoenix Area Roofs

This is one of the oldest systems in the market. Unlike single plies like TPO, torch applied modified bitumen, or even polyurethane sprayed foam, the built up roof (BUR) has a long and successful track record for commercial roofs. As one of the best roofing superintendents I know (Mr. Moore) use to say, “Back in the day... When installers used to take pride in their work, these systems were almost bullet proof.” As a roof consultant I have been on many built up roofs that are decades old. Unfortunately, the ones today, depending on the contractor, built up roofs don’t last near as long.

The built up roof system for commercial roofing is made up of multi layers of asphalt and fiberglass felts to provide a durable roofing membrane. Some are installed with a granulated or smooth cap sheet; others are the old-fashioned “tar and gravel” system, which now is actually asphalt and gravel.

BUR: (Built Up Roof Systems)

Advantages: Because the system is multi layer it has greater puncture resistance, and the redundancy provides more protection against roof leaks. Often used for commercial roof repair in Phoenix, asphalt works well as both an adhesive to hold the felts together and to the substrate and as a water resisting material to prevent moisture penetration.

Disadvantages: Installation errors are often hidden because of the redundancy and can result in premature failure. Due to the increased cost of oil, asphalt built up roofs have become the most expensive roofing system to install. Asphalt is adversely affected by ultra violet rays and will not maintain its integrity in ponding water situations because it is moisture resistant rather than moisture proof. On the “tar and gravel” or rather asphalt and gravel systems it difficult to locate leaks, and most contractors want to remove the entire system instead of restoring it. Some inexperienced roofing contractors will actually pour asphalt over the gravel attempting to stop a leak, and in most cases cause a larger issue, not to mention a mess.