Roofing

Compared: Built up Roofing vs. Single Ply Roofing

Choosing the right materials for your home or building improvement project has a direct impact on your comfort and the energy efficiency of your building, and also has long term implications when it comes to the cost of maintenance. You don’t just want gutters, for example; you want the best seamless gutters you can find that fit your budget.

It’s worth learning as much as you can about what you’re paying for before you even sign a contract. For example, if you’re thinking about getting a new roof, it’s a good idea to compare different materials. Here is a comparison between two of the most popular roofing systems: BUR and single-ply roofing membrane.

BUR

BUR or built-up roofing is often called a “tar and gravel” roof. It has several components in alternating layers: asphalt or tar, and some supporting fabrics. The final layer that you see on the roof is usually stone or gravel. You can decide how many piles or layers are installed.

BUR offers several advantages over other roofing systems.

Long-Lasting – It’s not uncommon for a built-up roofing system to last with minimal roofing repairs for up to 40 years. That leads to plenty of savings.
Highly Reflective – A BUR can protect your building from ultraviolet rays with its high solar reflectivity.
Seamless – A BUR is a continuous solid surface that doesn’t need seams or joints, which are usually the first areas where leaks form.
Low-Maintenance. BURs don’t require a lot of attention during their long life span.

Single-Ply Roofing

There are several types of single-ply roofing membranes, including TPO or thermoplastic polyolefin and EPDM or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. They are made up of synthetics or rubber sheets and are applied as a membrane roofing system.

Single-ply roofing membranes offer these advantages:

Long-Lasting – Though a single-ply membrane roof will not last as long as a BUR, it can still go for up to 30 years with good installation and proper maintenance.
Trusted – Many customers have trusted membrane roofs for more than 60 years.
Fire-Rated – The best types of TPO membranes and EPDM can achieve Class A fire resistance.