Denver Built Up Roof Repair, Install & Replacement

Get All The Details Of Built Up Roofing In Our In Depth Guide So You Can Decide If BUR Is Right For Your Denver Building’s Flat Roof.

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Built Up Roofing Overview

Looking for a new roof for your home or business? Then consider going with Built Up roofing. It’s an excellent choice for flat roofs in hail prone areas due to the rocks covering the roofing beneath it as well as keep the sun rays from damaging your roof. This leads to a long lasting roof system that can easily withstand the harsh weather the front range gives us. 

built up bur roofing just installed on a flat roof

What Is Tar & Gravel aka Built-Up Or BUR Roofing?

Built-Up Roofing, also known as BUR or tar and gravel roofing, is a heavy-duty, multi-layer roofing system designed for residential and commercial flat roofs. Built-Up Roofing utilizes alternating layers of bitumen (composed of asphalt, tar, and adhesives) and fabric ply sheets that can sometimes be installed four or more layers deep. Then it is topped with rocks or gravel usually for extra protection. This mix of materials and stacking is how Built-Up Roofing got its name.

The outer layer provides benefits such as fire resistance, hail protection and waterproofing. This means more protection for your commercial or industrial property from sun, rain, wind, sleet, or snow preventing you from having to file more roof insurance claims than necessary.

Built-Up Roofs also help maintain cooler temperatures inside your building, which means lower energy costs each month. In most cases, you can even get your HVAC company to install your heating and cooling system on top of your roofing.

Since the 1970s, Tar & Gravel Roofing has increased in popularity because it’s more durable, flexible, and cost-effective for business owners. It’s the go-to roofing system for high-rise buildings. Keep reading to learn more about installation options, lifespan, the pros and cons, and affordability of Built-Up Roofing.

How Do You Install Built-Up Roofing (BUR) In Denver?

We can install your Built-Up Roof using several different methods, as follows.

Hot Built-In Installation

Hot built-in installation is the most odorous and challenging technique. Installers pour molten asphalt (bitumen that we melt at the job site) onto the roof and then hot-mop it into place. Due to the smell and toxic fumes that it releases, properties must be vacant while we are employing this dangerous, heated installation method to ensure complete safety for our customers.

Cold Built-In Installation

The cold built-in option is preferable when you need to continue to occupy your home or business during installation or when the weather is a concern. Installers use a cold adhesive and rubber-edged blade to spread out the bitumen. It releases no toxic fumes when we employ this method, which makes it a more pleasant alternative.

What Is The Lifespan Of Tar & Gravel Roofing?

The first Built-Up Roofing System dates back to the 1800s. BURs have been around for more than a century. When roofers properly install them and owners maintain them, these roof systems can last up to 30 years.

BURs have a lifespan comparable to EPDM roofing, which typically lasts 15 to 30 years in Denver, depending on the quality of materials used. Again, we find a direct correlation between price and longevity. If you choose cheaper roofing materials, your roof probably won’t last as long as a roof made with premium materials.

A modified bitumen option also exists for built-up roofs that consists of asphalt mixed with polymers (plastic or rubber). Modified bitumen roofing holds up better in colder temperatures. With a Built-Up Roof, we recommended that you call us to inspect it once per year and reapply aluminum coating every four to six years for maximum longevity.

How Much Does BUR Roofing Cost?

Pricing for Built-Up Roofing can vary, depending on the company you choose to contract with, the size of your roof, materials you choose, installation method utilized, and even the season of the year when you select to install the roofing. To compare pricing, think about other flat roofing options like PVC roofing, TPO roofing, EPDM roofing or Modified Bitumen roofing.

Deciding to install a new roof is often unexpected and unplanned, but be sure to think long-term. Selecting the cheapest materials just to get the job done means that you might have to replace your roof again sooner rather than later. Don’t pay more out of pocket over your lifetime when you can install a premium roof now.

At Maxx Roof LLC, we will provide you with a free, no-obligation, written estimate on your BUR roof. We’ll also work directly with your insurance company if you’re filing an insurance claim.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of BUR Roofing?

Just as with any other roofing product, pros and cons to Built-Up Roofing do exist so let’s take a look at them.

Pros
  • You can say goodbye to water leaks with Built-Up Roofing. BUR’s unique, multi-layer properties ensure premium protection in all weather conditions. When installed properly, water damage is rare.
  • BUR’s impenetrable outer layer protects against damage from sharp objects like tree branches. Should your top layer develop a crack, subsequent base sheets should provide you with the protection you need against the elements until you can repair your roof.
  • Built-Up Roofing reflects heat, which means that ultraviolet (UV) rays won’t degrade your roof. As we noted above, your building will also stay cooler, and your utility bills will decrease. This layering also provides fire resistance.
  • BUR Roofing lasts longer. You’ll rarely need roof repairs or maintenance, meaning that BUR Roofing is cheaper long-term than other roofing systems like TPO.
  • Is your roof also a public space? Built-Up Roofing can withstand lots of foot traffic, unlike other roof systems. BURs can hold a lot of weight.
Cons
  • Built-Up Roofing takes longer to install than other roof systems and may result in higher installation costs.
  • Your building needs to be stable in order to hold the weight of a built-up roof since they are heavier than other roof types.
  • As we previously noted, hot built-in installation releases toxic fumes and can be dangerous. You’ll need to vacate the premises during installation. Because of this, along with heavy equipment requirements, BURs are not popular for residential jobs.
  • Extreme weather conditions may still cause damage to your roof. Gravel may blow off during periods of high wind, causing damage to surrounding structures. In addition, if you live in an area with colder temperatures, a built-up roof might not be your best option since its flexibility dips in the cold.

How Do You Repair BUR Roofing In Denver?

With proper maintenance and installation, you shouldn’t need frequent repairs. However, damage can still happen. If you discover an issue with your low-slope or flat roof, you should get it taken care of as soon as possible by a reputable flat roofing contractor to prevent further deterioration.

The most frequent issue with BURs is flashing that bends or pulls away from the roof. Resealing may be necessary in order to repair these open seams. Cracks, waves, and blistering can also appear.

When drains get clogged with debris, water can pool on these flat roofs as well, leading to leakage and increased roof weight. In addition, when this water freezes in the winter, problems can arise. By having your roof inspected annually and after major storms, you can take care of these repairs as they become necessary.

You can count on our team at Maxx Roof LLC to come to assess the situation and find a solution for you. We can add concrete, fabric, adhesive, or asphalt to any damaged roof  to fix wear and tear. Call us at any time for a Denver repair appointment.

Popular BUR Roofing Manufacturers

We use several popular manufacturers of Built-Up Roofing for our installations. GAF is one of our favorites, but we also use Barrett Roofs, Johns Manville, and IKO products, among others. When you contact us, we’ll go over your brand options with you and discuss the pros and cons of each.

We can provide two types of warranties for BUR Built-Up Roofing – a Contractor’s Warranty and a Manufacturer’s Warranty. Here at Maxx Roof LLC, we’ll provide you with a warranty that covers the quality of work and installation for a set number of years, depending on the roof system you choose. Some Built-Up Roofing manufacturers also offer warranties of up to 20 years that cover defects in materials.

Why Choose Maxx Roof LLC For Your BUR Roof?

A new roof is a big deal. It’s a significant investment. You want to choose a company with expertise that provides quality workmanship at an affordable cost and that’s us. We are bonded, licensed, and insured—and excited to work with you. For a no-cost estimate to repair, install, or replace your Denver built up roof, give our team a call today at 720-743-4492 or fill out our web form.

We Service The Entire Denver Metro Area And Beyond

Maxx Roof LLC serves the Denver metro area and the nearby areas. Some of the cities we serve are Denver, Lakewood, Castle Rock, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, Parker, Thornton, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Morrison, Brighton, Commerce City, Watkins, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Edgewater & beyond.

If your home or commercial property is located anywhere throughout the greater Denver metro area or nearby, give us a call for a free inspection & estimate. When you choose to work with Maxx Roof LLC, your are choosing to work with a roofing contractor you can count on, every step of the way.

Testimonials From Our Clients

Louis Cantu
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Ok so let me start by saying that I hired multiple other roofers to fix my leaking roof before Maxx Roof came out to help us. They had it fixed the first time and I haven't had any leaks since! They were thorough with their inspection and seemed to know much more about the roof issues than anyone else I had look at it. Super happy with Al and his team, thanks again!
Jim McFadzean
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Al and his crew are a breath of fresh air in the construction industry. As a real estate investor I need to get roofs replaced on occassion. Al and his crew have done four roofs for me and I am very happy from all aspects. I also like that Al holds himself accountable and his words have integrity. Cannot recommend Maxx Roof enough!!!!!
Celine Davis
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Maxx Roof replaced my roof in 2018 due to hail damage. The work was done in a timely manner, the cleanup was thourgh. I was completely happy with the work and have had no issues with my roof. As an elderly widower I was very thankful for the professional information I was given by Al Lamp and his extensive knowledge in dealing with insurance companies. He helped me navigate thru the insurance issues I was dealing with. I give Maxx Roof a thumbs up..
Joseph Dugger
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This company is quick! They inspected my roof the same day I called and got the roof replaced within the week.
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Get In Touch With Us

Maxx Roof LLC

1510 Glen Ayr Dr #1

Lakewood, CO 80215

(720) 743-4492

Hours: M-F 9am-6pm Sat 9am-1pm Sun Closed