Flat roofs have been an integral part of commercial buildings for decades, thanks to their cost-effectiveness, versatility, and architectural allure. Among numerous flat roofing systems, commercial built-up roofing (BUR) leads the way, becoming a choice solution for business owners. This article will explore built-up flat roofing, its installation, benefits, and maintenance requirements to provide a better understanding of this prevalent roofing system.
Built-Up Roofing: An Overview
Built-up flat roofing is a multi-layered roofing system that derives its name from the build-up of layers or plies of roofing felts, sandwiched between waterproof material, typically asphalt or bitumen. The system is finalized with a top layer of gravel or stone to protect the underlying material from weather, UV rays, and mechanical damage. The combination of these layers results in a continuous, sealed surface that provides an impressive defense against the elements and more.
Installing Built-Up Flat Roofs
The process of installing a BUR system is methodical and calls for a professional touch. Following a comprehensive inspection of the existing roof system, roofers begin by cleaning the surface and applying a layer of hot or cold bitumen. Subsequently, they embed roofing felts or fabric into the bitumen to create the desired number of plies typically ranging from two to five layers.
Each layer of material is overlapped to create a barrier against leaks and water damage. This process is repeated until the required number of layers is achieved. The final step includes applying a coat of bitumen and spreading a layer of gravel or stone over it.
Advantages of Built-Up Flat Roofing
One primary advantage of BUR systems lies within their proven longevity. BUR roofs are designed to withstand the brutalities of time, with lifespans sometimes exceeding 30 years. Another advantage is their superior waterproofing capacity owing to the multiple layers of bitumen and felts. This offers outstanding protection against heavy rainfall, snow, and hailstorms.
Given its flat structure, BURs provide additional space for HVAC systems, solar panels, or a rooftop garden, depending on business needs. Furthermore, the topmost layer of gravel or stone gives BURs excellent UV protection, reducing cooling costs during summer months and contributing to energy efficiency.
Maintenance of Built-Up Flat Roofs
The maintenance and upkeep of a BUR system are critical to ensuring its longevity and performance consistency. Regular inspections, especially after extreme weather events, should be conducted by qualified roofing professionals. These inspections are crucial for identifying early signs of blistering, cracking, or separation at the seams, all of which could indicate potential issues.
Common maintenance tasks may include removing debris from the roof to prevent drainage clogs, repairing blisters or cracks, and tightening or replacing flashing, where necessary. BUR systems may also warrant periodic recoating or resurfacing to uphold their reflective properties and overall efficiency.
In conclusion, commercial built-up flat roofing represents a durable, economical, and dependable solution for business infrastructure. The layered design provides excellent weather and leak resistance, while the flat surface offers functional advantages and energy efficiency. Routine maintenance is critical to maximize the lifespan of BUR systems, making it a worthwhile investment for commercial buildings.
