The value of a durable, high-quality roof cannot be overstated when it comes to protecting a commercial building – it's an investment that safeguards the underlying assets. Traditional built-up roofing systems, known for their longevity, have protected properties for decades through multiple layers of robust protection. When these systems are topped with a strategic application of roof coating, they offer a resilient barrier against the elements. Deciphering the layers and methods that make up these roofs helps property owners make informed decisions about their commercial roof investments. Keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of built-up roof systems, from installation to benefits and maintenance considerations.
Understanding Built-Up Roofing Systems
Built-Up Roofing Systems, commonly abbreviated as BUR, represent a class of roof systems characterized by their multi-layered protection against weather elements. At its core, a BUR incorporates the resilience of coal tar, enhancing its ability to resist damage from heat and potential flooding. This roofing system integrates a seamless membrane that often becomes the first defense against precipitation, outlasting other materials when properly maintained. Homeowners and developers, drawn to the reliable warranty and longevity of BUR, weigh its benefits against any limitations while considering installation. The robustness of these roof systems necessitates an understanding of essential upkeep and timely repairs to maintain their integrity over time.
What Is a Built-Up Roof (BUR)?
A Built-Up Roof, known in the industry as BUR, is a type of roofing constructed from multiple layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabrics called ply sheets. This combination offers remarkable elasticity, meaning it can adapt to temperature shifts without cracking or losing its integrity.
Despite the notable strength of BUR, one aspect that frequently comes into consideration is the odor emitted during its installation, typically due to the coal tar or asphalt used. It is a common choice for flat or low-slope structures and particularly prevalent in commercial construction where the the roof may need to support heavy equipment or pavers for pedestrian pathways, necessitating robust systems that can endure such demands while facilitating straightforward commercial roof repairs.
Components of a Built-Up Roofing System
The components of a Built-Up Roofing System synergize to offer unparalleled defense against nature's forces. In these configurations, tar serves as a sticky agent, bonding with metal flashings that provide an additional moisture barrier at critical transition points on the roof.
Furthermore, the layers often include a rubber-based material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which swells when in contact with water, creating an impermeable moisture shield. This is essential in safeguarding the structure below from water infiltration. To combat the harsh effects of ultraviolet rays, a surface layer of gravel or special coatings is applied, thereby deflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption.
Why Choose a Built-Up Roof System?
Opting for a Built-Up Roof System goes beyond mere preference for its well-known durability. Its ability to withstand fire hazards due to the fire-resistant properties of the concrete and propylene within its assembly makes it a wise choice for those prioritizing safety. Concrete, a non-combustible material is often part of the final layer in a BUR, adding an extra measure of security against fire.
Another compelling reason to select a BUR is its ease of roofing repair. This system's design allows for straightforward identification and mending of trouble spots. Utilizing a mop to apply hot bitumen, professionals can efficiently address any areas of concern, ensuring the roofing system remains in optimal condition.
Considering the Pros and Cons
In terms of advantages, BUR systems are renowned for their superior drainage capabilities, channeling water away from the building to prevent leaks and structural damage. These systems employ their multiple layers effectively to create slopes facilitating water run-off, a feature that is not as inherently efficient in traditional single-ply membrane roofing or metal roof setups.
However, one must be aware of potential drawbacks such as the tendency of BURs to develop 'blister' formations. These blemishes occur when moisture infiltrates the layers of synthetic rubber and bitumen, causing pockets of air or water that can compromise the roof's performance and necessitate repairs to restore the membrane's integrity.
Basic Maintenance and Repairs
To guard against the premature wear of a Built-Up Roof System, routine foot traffic should be minimized to prevent the gravel surfacing from becoming dislodged, which can expose the underlying protective layers to the elements. When necessary, the utilization of plastic walk pads can provide designated pathways that help distribute the weight and minimize impact on the roof's crucial top layer.
Ensuring the integrity of thermal insulation is pivotal for a roofing solution designed to last. Periodic inspections by professionals can preempt potential issues by identifying and rectifying minor anomalies in the roof's surface, such as small punctures or adhesion failures, before they escalate into more severe problems compromising the roof's thermal performance.
Conclusion
Ensuring that Built-Up Roof Systems remain impervious to the weather, be it rainwater or the mass of accumulated snow, hinges on the application of a robust top coat. This layer, often imbued with polypropylene to boost its resilience, acts as the sentinel against moisture and wear, a critical factor in the longevity of commercial roofing systems.
Given their intricately layered assembly, BURs stand as a paragon among commercial roofing systems, managing the elemental onslaught of water and snow with aplomb. Regular attention to the state of the coat and proactive measures to reinforce its polypropylene component are essential in safeguarding against the relentless cycle of the seasons.
Conclusion
Understanding Built-Up Roof Systems is crucial due to their durability and longevity, as these multi-layered rooftops provide robust defense against environmental elements. Recognizing how to maintain and repair these systems is essential, as it ensures their ability to shield a structure effectively over time. Awareness of both their strengths, such as superior drainage and fire resistance, and their potential weaknesses, like the formation of blisters, is imperative for anyone considering BUR. Regular professional inspections and routine maintenance are keys to preserving the effectiveness of a Built-Up Roof System's weatherproofing capabilities.