Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Systems
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) systems represent a time-honored and durable roofing solution, known for their robust construction and longevity. These roofs are meticulously crafted through a layered approach, beginning with a base of asphalt, followed by alternating layers of fiberglass-embedded felt. This process is repeated to achieve two, three, or four layers, though additional layers may be added depending on specific requirements. The culmination of this layering is a generous flood coat of asphalt, ensuring a seamless barrier against the elements.
Testimonials
Bob Kramer, Bodnar Printing
Your crew did a great job. They were very professional and neat.
Orthopaedic Associates, Westlake OH
We are very happy and pleased with the performance of your company
Jean, Homeowner, Avon Lake Ohio
Worked with Cleveland Ohio Roofing and experience was great. Work was explained very well and verified by pictures.
Mike, Brunswick, Ohio
Rob approached my relatively small repair job as if it were a large tear-off and replacement. In other words, he took my needs seriously and treated the work as importantly as a did. He conducted a thorough assessment, provided options, and discussed the pros and cons of each. The work was completed on time and clean-up was impeccable (haven't found one nail or shingle in the weeks since work). More importantly, Rob made extra trips to my home and worked an extra Saturday to make sure the final job was exactly to our liking. I was pleasantly surprised by Rob's extra effort to take care of us and ensuring we got exactly what we wanted. I recommend Rob and Cleveland Ohio Roofing highly.
John Nachar, Manager of Arhaus Furniture
In the high-end furniture business, roof leaks are unacceptable. Cleveland Ohio Roofing is the first call I make for our roofing needs. They are reliable, prompt and provide great service.
Angelo Russo, President of Title Plus Services
Really did a great job on everything. Very professional and will absolutely use them again.
John Maley, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Elyria, Ohio
Cleveland Ohio Roofing responded very timely to my work request. Their job estimate and final work order coincided completely and the job was done on time. The tenant was very complimentary of their high degree of professionalism. I would highly recommend Cleveland Ohio Roofing and its team.
Jim Rosati, Honey Hut Ice Cream, Brunswick, Ohio
Dear Bob, Thank you and your crew for doing a fantastic job on the repairs and custom modification to our building. Since our original GC and their subcontractor left us with less-than-satisfactory results, I took it upon myself as the building owner to find a roofing contractor who cared about fit and finish and took pride in craftsmanship. Robert Krane and his crew at Cleveland Ohio Roofing worked for over a week patching, fabricating, and fixing whatever they could, and ended up with excellent results. I truly feel the repairs and corrective actions they took will assure me the proper life expectancy of a metal roof.
Claudia Motiu
When I found Cleveland Ohio Roofing and saw how they approached their work, it took a huge weight off my shoulders. I know that my roof was done properly. I don't have to worry about it for 20 years and I highly recommend them.
Karen Fekete, North Ridgeville, Ohio
Cleveland Ohio Roofing is a great roofing company. They were on time, finished the repairs quickly, cleaned up the debris, and the quality is exceptional. The price was very reasonable. I highly recommend Cleveland Ohio Roofing
Linda Cerney, Elyria, Ohio
They were prompt, courteous and the cleaned up after themselves everyday. We are very happy with the work that was done and we are leak free!!!
Cleveland Ohio Roofing uses professional grade equipment to repair and replace your commercial roof.
Our new roof coating sprayer completes big jobs in a quick and efficient manner.
Want to Learn More?
key features
Strategic Layer Orientation
A distinctive feature of BUR systems is the strategic orientation of each layer, which shifts by 90 degrees to enhance durability and resilience.
Gravel Layer for Added Protection
In certain applications, a layer of gravel may be added atop the BUR system. This gravel, which can be either loose-laid or embedded within the asphalt, serves multiple purposes: it extends the lifespan of the roof, provides additional protection against physical and environmental stressors, and improves UV reflectivity, contributing to the overall thermal efficiency of the roofing system.
Material and Construction Techniques
Asphalt and Coal Tar Pitch
Asphalt, the primary material in BUR construction, can be applied using either hot or cold processes. While a BUR roof can be constructed with varying numbers of layers, three to four layers are most commonly employed for optimal performance. Alternatively, coal tar pitch may be used in lieu of asphalt to further enhance the roof's durability.
Longevity and Maintenance
BUR roofs have stood the test of time, with their inception dating back to the 1800s. Their enduring presence in modern construction is a testament to their reliability and effectiveness. When signs of wear or aging begin to appear—such as deterioration around knee walls, HVAC units, or the exposure of fiberglass strands within the felt—an additional flood coat or new layers of felt and asphalt can be applied. This method of restoration enables the BUR roof to continue serving effectively for many years, with lifespans extending up to 35 years.
Versatility and Installation
Adaptable to various substrates, BUR systems can be installed over metal, concrete, or wood decks. The incorporation of a fiberboard or polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation layer provides a smooth, uniform surface for the application of the asphalt, facilitating a high-quality installation. This versatility, coupled with its proven durability, makes the BUR roofing system an excellent choice for buildings requiring a dependable, long-lasting roofing solution.
Ensure your commercial building benefits from the proven durability and reliability of Built-Up Roofing. Contact Cleveland Roofing today for a consultation and discover how our BUR solutions can protect your property for decades.