Built-Up or Single-Ply: A Quick Comparison

Larry Walty II • February 13, 2020

Choosing the appropriate roofing material is crucial in any building project, whether residential or commercial. But it reaches new heights of importance in a commercial building, as the integrity and durability of the roof is critical to the businesses that it houses.

Most of the time, commercial roof repair and replacement contractors choose between built-up roofing (BUR) or single-ply membrane roofing for their commercial roofing projects. In today’s post, Larry Walty Roofing and Guttering Inc. talks about how they differ and which one makes more sense for your building.

Built-Up Roofing

Most BUR systems last a bit longer than their single-ply counterparts, which already last for up to thirty years. Contractors usually lay up to five alternating layers of bitumen (also called asphalt) and reinforced surfaces. In this set-up, the topmost layer consists of gravel or crushed stone, which offers additional protection to the other layers underneath. This layer upon layer of material is where it has gotten its name.

BUR systems are also one continuous membrane, similar to a single-ply one. It has minimal seams where it could offer access to water, and even if the top membrane is eroded the other four beneath it can still offer a measure of protection.

Single-Ply Membrane

Single-ply membrane roofs are manufactured using a mixture of chemicals, with the final product being a sheet of rubber. Unlike BUR which uses multiple layers of material, a single-ply membrane roof only uses one. This is why a lot of roof repair experts find single-ply roofs simpler to maintain.

There are two types of single-ply membranes: thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM). Of these, the former is more advanced, as it offers more heat resistance than its cousin.

Larry Walty Roofing and Guttering Inc. is one of the most reliable commercial roofing contractors in the area. Call us today at (316) 733-2843. You can also fill out our contact form to learn more. We serve Andover, KS, and nearby areas.

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