The multiple layers characteristic of built up roofing systems (BUR roofing) allow for heightened waterproofing capabilities and can even increase the r-value—or thermal resistance—of the roofing system. For facility owners looking to achieve Energy Star or LEED v4 certification, this is good news. And, it can mean lower utility bills throughout the life of your BUR roofing.

Built up roofing systems—sometimes referred to as tar and travel roofing—is different from other low-slope and flat roofing membranes, as it usually applied in three- and four-ply thicknesses, rather than the single-ply membranes common to other types of low slope roofing systems.

Here’s what you need to know before beginning your tar and gravel installation or repair:

Installation
Built up roofing systems are installed, as the name implies, through a build up of layers. Your roofing contractor will have alternating layers of roofing felt and bitumen—in the form of asphalt, tar or cold-applied adhesive. With the exception of cold-applied built up roofing systems, tar and gravel installation happens when the bitumen is hot, and then the system is allowed to cool and harden.Surfacings are added last, and can be either gravel, minerals, elastomeric coating or a ”cool roofing” top sheet. The surfacings are intended to add a layer of UV and thermal resistance, as well as increase the weatherproofing capabilities of the built up roofing system as a whole.Sometimes your roofing contractor will install underlayment before laying down any BUR roofing layers. Built up roofs are, however, considered to be fully adhered when installed directly to the roofing deck, so underlayment isn’t always needed depending on the situation. A licensed roofing contractor will be able to point you toward the right tar and gravel installation for the roofing needs of your particular facility.

Layered protection
Built up roofing systems provide protection to your building through layers of weather-resistant, waterproof layers. If, during a bad storm, your top layer should sprout a crack or be subject to physical damage, the layers below will stop water from permeating the roofing system. Because of this long-lasting, built up protection, tar, and gravel roofing is a great option for facilities with rooftop gardens.The durability of BUR roofing systems is one of their main draws, but certainly not the only one. And with proper installation performed by a licensed roofing contractor, the durability will last for years to come.

Energy efficiency?
Especially when combined with a ”cool roofing” top sheet or an elastomeric coating, built up roofing systems provide much regarding thermal resistance and UV protection.And because sustainability is important to many facility owners, BUR roofing is the perfect choice. The coveted LEED v4 certification, for instance, is focused more than ever on the use of sustainable and energy efficient materials than previous iterations. As such, the energy efficient savings provided by the high thermal resistance of built up roofing systems can contribute credits toward meeting LEED v4 certifications.

Before commencing your facility’s roof repair or installation, be sure to schedule a consultation with St. Louis’ commercial roofing experts—Gateway Environmental Roofing Solutions, LLC.

Here’s why.

We’re passionate about roofing. We live for the feeling of seeing a job well done. This means using knowing the proper roofing techniques better than anyone else. It means being up-to-date on fire safety codes, St. Louis City and County building codes and what international standards are being recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association. Our goal is to deliver roofing solutions that meet a facility’s needs perfectly. And we do it seamlessly.

We hold ourselves to a higher standard. When we give you an estimate, we stick to it. When we give you a timeline, we’re serious about keeping it. Every time. There’s a reason why our past clients recommend us to their contacts and colleagues. We aim to be proud of every roofing project we complete—and we haven’t failed that goal yet.

So schedule a risk-free consultation today and learn what sets Gateway Environmental Roofing Solutions, LLC apart.