BUR roofing has been used for centuries, and for good reason, but the choice to install a BUR roof depends on a few factors. This type of roofing, because of its typical low slope and other properties, is more popular for commercial use. The structure of your budget will also be a consideration because a bur roof might be typically more expensive upfront, but involves easier and more affordable maintenance over the years. Consulting a professional roofing company to guide your decision is best, but it doesn’t hurt to do some research of your own to help that decision along.
What Is BUR Roofing?
BUR roofing is a membrane made up of a couple of layers. Sometimes, a base sheet is mechanically fastened as the bottom most layer. The rest of the layers are made up of ply sheets or organic sheets, each coated with a layer of bitumen. The bitumen can be made up either of asphalt, coal tar, or cold-applied. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks. The cold-applied doesn’t give off the fumes that the others do, making it more environmentally friendly, and doesn’t need to be heated up during application. Alternatively, the asphalt might be a favorite for its fire resistance. The final layer is usually a gravel or mineral granule coating, but a reflective coating can also be applied. For these and other reasons, the choice of products will be determined by the project.
Things To Consider
There are a few things you may want to consider when it comes to BUR roofing.
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Costs Involved
BUR roofing might seem costly at first but it is always important to consider the long-term expenses of any structural installation. BUR roofing has a long-life span because of how it handles harsh conditions. It is also fairly easy and cost effective to repair and maintain. Cracks and loose joints where the sheets meet can easily be fixed with cement and adding a few felt layers. Any uneven surfaces are levelled out with the addition of an extra layer. Blisters can be cut away until all damp layers are gone, and then filled with new layers that overlap with the area around it. It is a lengthy process to install, given all the layers, and the weather can influence how long this takes, but if time is on your side then the benefits are worth it. Cold-applied layers won’t be as dependent on weather conditions.
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Weather
This type of roofing is incredibly resistant to weather conditions. Even if it does get mildly damaged, these are usually simple to repair. Certain materials can block UV rays extensively as well. Florida certainly has its wet seasons and bur roofing offers excellent waterproofing qualities. If one of your main concerns is how durable the roof is going to be, then BUR is a worthy choice.
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Environmental
The asphalt and coal tar layers both require heating and let off severe fumes, which is not exactly ideal for any project that hopes to have less of an impact on the environment. Thankfully, there is the option of a cold-applied coating that does not involve the same fumes. A reflective top coat can also help to drastically reduce the energy consumption of a building. Its low slope property also makes it ideal for installing solar panels. These are important considerations for the long-term costs involved, and it is never a bad idea to consider the environmental impact.
Another benefit is that there is a universal standard for products and materials used in BUR roofing, and there should be a double guarantee in that the product comes with a guarantee and the professionals employed to install the roofing will offer a guarantee of their workmanship. Once all factors are weighed in, if bur roofing meets your needs, contact a professional roofing company to guide you to the next step.