Built-up roofing systems, often known as BUR systems, are among the most frequent types of commercial roofing built-up systems. Built-Up Roofing Systems have a history that spans more than a century in the United States.

Many people call these systems “tar and gravel” roofs. Installing built-up roofs is done by layering asphalt or tar and supporting textiles on top of each other on the roof.

The number of layers (or plies) that can be installed can be selected by the user. Stone or gravel is the last layer of a built-up roofing structure.

A typical built-up roofing system costs between $5.50 and $8.50 per square foot* to install on a standard business roof. Depending on the materials you select, this pricing range may shift.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what BUR commercial roofing is, how it differs from other types, and whether or not it’s worth the investment.

Benefits of a Built-Up Roofing System.

A commercial built-up roof can endure up to 40 years if it is properly erected and maintained. Other advantages of built-up roofing systems include:

• Waterproof:

The lack of seams and joints eliminates the most vulnerable region for leakage.

• UV Rays Protection:

Anti-ultraviolet protection is provided by it.

• Easy to Maintain: 

After installation, little maintenance is required.

For a new commercial roof, you have several options to choose from.  But BUR can be a massive asset for the modern roofing system.

Popular Types o BUR(Built-Up Roof System)

Modified bitumen and ballast roofs are the two primary forms of built-up roofs:

Modified Bitumen BUR:

Bitumen-built-up roofing systems typically have three or more layers.

Ply sheets, the base asphalt layer with modifiers, and the top surface are included. Asphalt is the primary waterproofing material in modified bitumen roofs, but synthetic rubber is added to provide a more consistent matrix.

As a result, the asphalt is more resistant to punctures and stronger. Enhancing its resistance to permanent deformation when stretching under pressure also improves its physical qualities like elasticity.

The inside sheets’ stability, weather resistance, and tensile strength can be given by reinforced fabric, felt, fiberglass, polyester, or plastic core materials.

The upper layer shields the lower layers from the sun’s harsh rays, rain, and other debris. Your business built-up roof’s underlying layers are protected from moisture and heat damage by this layer, which also traps and releases heat.

Ballast Roofing:

When referring to a roof as having been ballasted, we indicate that the roof membrane is in no manner fastened or bonded to the decking material. However, it is weighted down with ballast, which is often gravel.

Large stones are then put on the top layer of this sheet, which is made up of many membranes. The large rocks on the top layer protect the lower layers from adhering to the roof framework.

Several points on the deck are used to secure these layers to prevent them from moving about too much.

The visual appeal of ballast roofing can’t be overstated. It’s possible to only utilize a ballast on top of the roof for the walkway, which provides a stable platform to walk and allows for easy access in the event of any repairs.

However, individual ballast stones may fall loose during a storm, posing a severe safety risk. Due to the greater stability and inflexibility of paving stones in high gusts, contractors have switched to utilizing them instead.

Contact R&D Construction and Roofing 

R&D Construction and Roofing repairs and maintains built-up commercial roofing. Call 727-351-2697 or 786-379-5843 for a free estimate.

Most homeowners who choose a metal roof for their homes have anticipated a lightning storm. Metal conducts electricity is a common and sensible perception.

In fact, because of its high conductivity, a metal roof is the safest building material in terms of lightning protection.

In reality, metal roofs may transmit the lightning energy directly into the earth without impacting you, your family, or your property. 

In areas where lightning strikes are common, metal roofs are the best option since they are more resistant to damage.

What Happens to Ordinary Non-metal Roofs?

A non-metal roof appears to be a safer alternative at first look. But it’s not trustworthy. Fires caused by lightning are one of the most deadly outcomes of lightning.

A home may catch fire in an instant if lightning strikes flammable roofing materials like asphalt shingles or wood shakes. Unless you have a clear path to the bottom, lightning can leap between floors and walls as it descends, putting you at risk.

Another risk is that if your electrical wiring system is “discovered” by lightning, the surges it causes might destroy your equipment and put your family in danger.

What Happens to Metal Roofs in a Lightning Strike?

Lightning that strikes a metal roof, on the other hand, maybe confined quickly and safely. With aluminum rods, metal roofs distribute the lightning strike’s force before reaching the ground outside your home, making it safe.

Since your home’s electrical wiring will not be attacked, the lightning will choose the easiest route possible.

A metal roof can protect against lightning strikes by producing concentrated ‘hot spots’ that safely channel the lightning’s energy.

If you reside in a region where lightning strikes are likely, a metal roof will keep your home safe from any damage it may get from lightning.

Consult local experts to discover the best lightning mitigation techniques for your specific area and conditions.

Can a Metal Roof Protect My Home?

Even if you don’t live in an area with frequent lightning storms, a metal roof is excellent for any home. In the same way, traditional roofing materials are combustible in the wrong situations, as can many alternative materials. On the other hand, metal roofing does not fall within this category.

While metal roofing can help to keep you and your family safer after a lightning strike, your home may still be damaged.

Additionally, metal roofing can withstand wind rates of up to 140mph without rusting, making it an excellent choice for protecting your property.

You can rest easy knowing that your house will be safe for a long time thanks to a metal roof’s endurance, which is unaffected by harsh weather.

Bottom Line

According to research from professionals, metal roofs are neither more nor less likely to be struck by lightning than other roofing materials on any particular building.

Contact R&D Construction and Roofing for more valid information regarding metal roofing installment and costing. You will undoubtedly benefit from their service if you intend to install a metal roof in your newly made house.

Asphalt contractors will be inundated with requests from homeowners for driveway seal coating as soon as the weather heats up. You’re not the only one with queries regarding seal coating.

A collection of commonly asked questions from our clients is provided below so that you may make an informed selection for your home or business.

Call our asphalt contractors if you don’t find the solution to your inquiry here. Let’s get started!

Driveway Sealcoating

We know from dealing with homeowners in the past that investing in seal coating now rather than in costly asphalt repairs will save you money in the long term.

Using a blacktop sealer, you can keep your driveway dry in all kinds of weather.

Sealcoating extends the life of your asphalt and reduces the frequency of repairs, and enhances your home’s appearance.  Your driveway will retain its original black color thanks to the asphalt sealer.

Sealing asphalt driveways preserves the surface by:

• Keeping asphalt from deteriorating by retaining moisture content.
• Anti-UV rays that cause asphalt to fade.
• Solid defense against the asphalt-softening fluids of automobiles.
• Restoring asphalt to its original deep black hue.
• Filling in spaces to make the pavement more uniform in appearance.

What Temperatures are Needed for Seal Coating?

Ground and air temperatures must be above 50 degrees for the finest driveway sealant to be applied. Asphalt seal coating works best in warm, bright conditions since the curing period is reduced.

If it’s chilly and gloomy when you need a driveway sealer installed, check the forecast before hiring an asphalt company.

What Months Are Best for Asphalt Sealcoating?

Asphalt seal coating is most effective between May through September. Keep in mind that if we have exceptionally mild spring or early autumn weather, there may be possibilities to seal coats outside of these months.

Temperatures affect how long we can provide seal coating services.

Michigan has a short seal coating season compared to southern places like Florida, so you’ll want to contact our driveway pavers as soon as feasible. Asphalt seal coating will be in great demand when the snow thaws.

After seal coating, how long does it take for a driveway to cure?

Your driveway may cure in as little as five hours if we apply a seal coat daily with low humidity.

Waiting at least 24 hours before allowing cars to drive and park in your driveway is generally safe.

Does Sealant Fill Cracks?

No. To begin with, crack and pothole repair is a must before seal coating can be applied. Sealcoating is a preventative measure, not a cure for harm.

Infrared asphalt repair allows us to complete a seal coating job in one day when other businesses might postpone seal coating if they discover driveway cracks.

Contact R&D Construction and Roofing for Seal Coating

R&D Construction and Roofing treatments asphalt experts provide seal coating and other asphalt paving services to ensure that your driveway will survive for many years to come.

To get a free estimate, contact +727-351-2697 or +786-379-5843.

For low-cost roofing solutions, liquid applied roofing is quite popular. It entails expert roofing contractors putting a liquid coating on various types of industrial roofing or commercial roofing systems.

It may be applied to a flat roof pitched roof or dome system and can be used on various materials, making it a highly versatile option.

The actual application method generally begins with applying a primer, a base coat and reinforcing matting, and a UV topcoat.

The majority of liquid-applied roofing systems operate in a somewhat similar manner. Essentially, the goal is to create a durable, waterproof protective layer with a smooth membrane connection.

However, there are a variety of additional advantages that a liquid-applied roofing solution may be able to supply you with.

Let’s learn more!

Exactly What is a Fluid-Applied Roof?

A spray-applied silicon-based roof coating method is used for fluid-applied roofs installed over an existing low-slope roof.

A single-ply membrane-like TPO or EPDM is formed as the liquid is sprayed and spreads out. The benefit of fluid-applied coatings is that they do not leave seams, joints, or penetration holes in the completed product.

It is possible to apply several coating layers with thicknesses ranging from 20 microns to 80 microns. 

After being sprayed to a roof, liquid roof coatings can provide waterproofing protection to even the most difficult-to-reach areas of the roof structure.

Benefits of Liquid Applied Commercial Roofing

Cost-effective

In comparison to, for instance, a standard felt and single-ply membrane solution, this may appear to be a costly alternative.

However, it will save a lot of money in the long run since it will require significantly less regular maintenance and fewer repairs.

Long-lasting

A liquid applied roofing system can have a long life cycle, which reduces the solution’s total cost for a commercial or industrial roofing system owner.

Because liquid applied roofing is very resistant to airborne contaminants, such as UV damage, it has a long lifespan.

Easy to install

Compared to other types of roofing, such as felt or bitumen membranes, liquid applied roofing is safer and easier to install. Since no hot labor is required to use it, there is no fire hazard.

Fast-curing qualities and the ability to be applied in all weather conditions make this a great choice for installation, resulting in minimal interruption to the surrounding area.

Allows of Insulation

Insulation may be included in the new roof design to bring the flat roofing system up to current warm roof requirements after successfully installing liquid applied roofing.

Tapered insulation techniques can prevent problems like ponding water in the building by increasing the amount of light that comes through the roof.

Summary

If you’re looking to save money, consider a liquid applied commercial roofing coating instead of an entirely new membrane or metal roofing system.

It’s just as long-lasting and protective as, if not better than, the original.

It is possible to save many money and hassles by using liquid-applied coatings. They are also available with warranties comparable to those offered by typical single-ply membrane systems.

You can get in touch with R&D Roofing for information regarding commercial roofing.