Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
The Original Multi-Ply Roofing System
Built-up roofing has protected commercial buildings for over 100 years. Multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcement create a redundant, self-healing waterproof membrane that stands the test of time.
Why Choose Built-Up Roofing?
Redundant Layers
3-5 ply protection
Proven Track Record
100+ years of performance
Self-Healing
Asphalt flows to seal punctures
Waterproof
Seamless membrane
Asphalt vs Coal Tar: Which to Choose?
Most Common Choice
- Widely available, lower cost
- Compatible with foam insulation
- Many contractor options
- 25-40 year lifespan typical
Ultimate Waterproofing
- Permanent ponding water resistance
- Self-healing—repairs itself
- 30-50+ year lifespan possible
- Best for dead-level roofs
Structural Considerations
Built-up roofing with gravel surfacing can weigh 400-650 lbs per square when fully installed. A structural engineer evaluation is recommended before installing or replacing a BUR system to ensure your building can support the weight.
Hot Work Safety
BUR installation involves hot asphalt (350-500°F) and requires certified roofing contractors trained in hot work procedures. Fire watches, proper PPE, and adherence to OSHA regulations are mandatory.
Johns Manville
Johns Manville 4-Ply Asphalt BUR
$400-$700
per square
The classic 4-ply asphalt built-up roof system features multiple layers of fiberglass felts mopped in hot asphalt and surfaced with aggregate. This time-tested system provides excellent waterproofing and durability.
Fire Rating
Class A
Weight
400-600 lbs
Lifespan
25-40 years
Warranty
20-25
Key Features
Pros
- •Proven century-long track record
- •Redundant waterproofing layers
- •Excellent puncture resistance
Cons
- •Heavy—may require structural evaluation
- •Hot asphalt fumes during install
- •More labor intensive
Koppers Performance Chemicals
Koppers Coal Tar Pitch BUR
$500-$900
per square
Coal tar pitch built-up roofing is the most waterproof roofing system available. Coal tar is self-healing and provides permanent resistance to standing water, making it ideal for dead-level roofs.
Fire Rating
Class A
Weight
450-650 lbs
Lifespan
30-50 years
Warranty
20-30
Key Features
Pros
- •Permanent ponding water resistance
- •Self-healing—repairs itself
- •Longest proven lifespan
Cons
- •Strong odor during application
- •Limited contractor availability
- •Higher material cost
GAF Commercial
GAF Ruberoid 3-Ply BUR System
$350-$550
per square
The GAF Ruberoid 3-ply BUR system combines traditional asphalt felts with a modified bitumen cap sheet for enhanced performance and easier application. This hybrid system offers the best of both worlds.
Fire Rating
Class A
Weight
250-350 lbs
Lifespan
20-30 years
Warranty
20
Key Features
Pros
- •Best features of BUR and mod bit
- •Lighter than traditional gravel
- •Easy to inspect for damage
Cons
- •Less redundancy than 4-ply
- •Cap sheet exposed to UV
- •Granule loss over time
CertainTeed Commercial
CertainTeed Glasply Smooth BUR
$300-$500
per square
CertainTeed Glasply smooth-surfaced BUR is designed for application of reflective coatings or additional membrane surfacing. The smooth asphalt surface provides an ideal base for cool roof coatings.
Fire Rating
Class A with coating
Weight
200-300 lbs
Lifespan
20-30 years
Warranty
15-20
Key Features
Pros
- •Ideal for cool roof applications
- •Lighter than gravel systems
- •Coating can be reapplied
Cons
- •Requires coating for longevity
- •Less puncture resistant
- •Coating maintenance required
Owens Corning Commercial
Owens Corning 4-Ply Fiberglass BUR
$375-$600
per square
Owens Corning 4-ply fiberglass BUR system features high-quality fiberglass felts for superior dimensional stability and resistance to rot. The mineral surface cap provides UV protection without the weight of gravel.
Fire Rating
Class A
Weight
300-400 lbs
Lifespan
25-35 years
Warranty
20-25
Key Features
Pros
- •Superior dimensional stability
- •Will not rot or decay
- •Lighter than gravel BUR
Cons
- •Less puncture resistant than organic
- •Granule loss over time
- •Not as self-healing
Leading BUR Manufacturers
Johns Manville
Est. 1858 • Denver, Colorado
Johns Manville offers a comprehensive line of built-up roofing components including felts, base shee...
Owens Corning Commercial
Est. 1938 • Toledo, Ohio
Owens Corning provides high-quality fiberglass reinforcements and built-up roofing felts for commerc...
GAF Commercial
Est. 1886 • Parsippany, New Jersey
GAF manufactures a full line of BUR components designed for maximum durability and ease of applicati...
CertainTeed Commercial
Est. 1904 • Malvern, Pennsylvania
CertainTeed offers reliable built-up roofing solutions with a range of ply options and surfacing cho...
Koppers Performance Chemicals
Est. 1912 • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Koppers specializes in coal tar pitch products for built-up roofing, offering the most durable water...
BUR System Comparison
| Surfacing | Weight | UV Protection | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel/Aggregate | Heavy (400-600 lbs) | Excellent | Low | Maximum durability |
| Cap Sheet | Medium (250-350 lbs) | Good | Medium | Inspectable, modern look |
| Smooth + Coating | Light (200-300 lbs) | Coating-dependent | High (recoat) | Cool roof, energy savings |
| Mineral Surface | Medium (300-400 lbs) | Good | Low-Medium | Balance of weight/protection |
Need a Built-Up Roof?
Connect with experienced commercial roofing contractors who specialize in built-up roofing installation and can assess your building's requirements.
Get Free QuotesA Century of Proven Performance
1850s-1900s
Built-up roofing originated in the mid-1800s. Coal tar pitch and organic felts protected early industrial buildings and remain in use today.
1900s-1970s
Asphalt BUR became the standard for commercial roofing. The introduction of fiberglass felts improved durability and dimensional stability.
1980s-Present
Modified bitumen cap sheets and hybrid systems enhanced performance. BUR remains a trusted choice for long-term commercial roofing.