There are so many different roof types available in today’s world, and choosing the right one can be a pretty difficult task. After all, there are dozens of factors to consider when choosing a new roof for your home or office. Most homeowners seem to like the options that are most commonly available, such as shingle or tile roofs. But what about the people that have a flat roof? For them, one of the most reliable choices is built-up roofing systems. If you’re considering a new roofing material, it’s important that you learn everything you need to know about built-up roofing.
Whether you need a built-up roofing system or any other type of roof, make sure to check out the roofing experts at Capstone Roofing. Our experienced crew will assist you in choosing and installing the right roof for your home or office building. Call us at (602) 486-0763 or contact us online to schedule your new roof installation!
Built-up roofing systems are some of the most common roofing systems in the US. They’ve been used for the last 160 years in the roofing industry. At one point, over 90% of all flat roofs in the US were built-up roofs! If you want a reliable roofing system, you cannot opt for a more reliable system than a built-up roofing system. These roofs have stood the test of time over and over again and are a dependable choice for both commercial and residential buildings.
Built-up roofing systems, or BUR, are generally known as tar and gravel roofs. If you want a simple flat roof, built-up roofing might just be the choice for you. These roofs are usually good for around 15-30 years depending on the quality of the materials and the place you’re located. With proper care and a dependable crew, they can far outlast that number.
The name says it all. Built-up roofing systems are composed of a multi-layered roofing system that is constructed with protection in mind. How does that make it any different from other roofs, you might ask? Well, the process consists of layers of asphalt that go on top of each other. It is usually finished with a layer of gravel—hence the name “tar and gravel” roof. These two materials are some of the most reliable when trying to combat water and drainage issues.
There are many reasons homeowners and business owners alike choose built-up roofing for their rooftops. Here are a few of the advantages of built-up roofing systems.
Built-up roofs require very little maintenance compared to other types of roofs. This roofing system itself is less prone to damage and has fewer parts that need constant care and a possible replacement.
As we previously mentioned, these roofing systems can last anywhere from 15-30 years. Of course, this lifespan depends on the quality of the materials used during the installation process and how well you take care of your roof over the years.
Built-up roofing systems are as durable as you can imagine. They can take on everything from storms to extreme weather conditions without losing their ability to protect your home. When you install one, you can rest assured knowing nothing will happen to you or your family.
Due to the multiple layers placed on top of each other, built-up roofing systems offer great protection against water. As long as your roof is properly maintained, you won’t have any trouble with leaks when owning a built-up roof.
Gravel is commonly used as a barrier to keep the UV rays out. The top coating that’s used on built-up roofing systems ensures that your property will stay cool and your energy bills will remain low.
Despite their durability and long lifespan, there are still some disadvantages to know about when considering installing a built-up roofing system.
While fixing a leak on this type of roof is not an issue, spotting one is quite the problem. Why? There are no seams to check, so roofers have to remove the gravel to check the tar layer underneath.
Built-up roofing systems may still be the best for your property, but they’re slowly fading into obscurity. Newer flat roof technologies are starting to replace the built-up roofing systems.
Since built-up roofing systems are commonly used on flat roofs and low slope roofs, they’re still a quite popular option for commercial buildings. You can easily spot them on commercial buildings all over the US. Although there are other types of roofing systems suited for flat roofs and low sloped roofs, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see a built-up roofing system on residential buildings and homes. As we previously mentioned, they are becoming less popular but they can certainly serve the purpose your property needs. Whatever may be the case, contact Capstone Roofing to find out if your roof is suitable for a built-up roofing system.
New to built-up roofing systems? We’ve got you covered! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about built-up roofs.
A built-up roofing system is a type of roof that consists of multiple layers being applied on the roof and finished by a layer of gravel. More commonly known as tar and gravel roofs, this type of roof has been around since the 1800s.
Depending on the type of material being used, it can cost anywhere from $4 to $6 dollars per square foot. These roofs are reliable as they come and are still a great option for anyone needing a new flat roof or low sloped roof option.
Typically, this type of roof can last you anywhere from 15 to 30 years. However, if you’re taking great care of it and maintaining it properly, it wouldn’t surprise us if your roof lasts closer to 40 years.
Rest assured if your built-up roof is leaking—every issue can be fixed by a professional hand. Although it’s quite difficult to spot leaks in built-up roofs, it can be done. Capstone Roofing will remove and replace the roof surface if a leak has occurred and fix the issue for you.
At Capstone Roofing, we strive to please our clients and leave them with the best possible roof that will protect them and their families for a long time. We are so confident with our workmanship that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With us, you won’t have any worries after we finish the contracted work. We build all our clients’ roofs as if they are our own. All of our roofs stand the test of time and our satisfied clients can confirm that. Make sure to check us out if you need a new roof in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, or other surrounding areas.
Call us now at (602) 486-0763 or schedule a service appointment online. We look forward to helping with your next roofing project!