Built-Up Roofing (BUR) in Chicago, IL
Built-up roofing is one of the oldest commercial roofing systems in use, and many Chicago-area buildings still carry a BUR roof today. If your building has a gravel-topped flat roof, there is a good chance it is BUR. All available roofing repairs restore and replace built-up roofs and install new ones where they make sense.
What Is Built-Up Roofing?
A built-up roof is constructed on site from alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing fabrics or felts. Crews typically install three or more plies, then finish with a surfacing layer such as gravel, a mineral cap sheet, or a reflective coating. The layered construction creates a thick, continuous waterproof membrane.
BUR offers four clear advantages for flat commercial roofs.
Benefits of BUR
Multiple layers of protection
Redundant plies provide a margin of safety that thinner systems lack.
Durable surface
Gravel or cap sheet surfacing protects the membrane from UV rays and foot traffic.
Long service life
Well-maintained BUR roofs often last 20 to 30 years.
Track record
Generations of use mean performance is thoroughly understood.
The Trade-Offs
BUR is heavy, so the building structure has to support it. Installation is labor-intensive and produces odors and fumes, which may matter for occupied buildings. Traditional hot-applied methods also require careful fire-safety procedures. For many new installations, owners now choose single-ply or modified bitumen systems for speed and simplicity. For existing BUR roofs, repair and restoration is frequently the smarter, more economical path.
Repair, Restoration, or Replacement?
A BUR roof showing blisters, cracks, or exposed felts is not automatically ready for replacement. We evaluate moisture in the insulation, the condition of the plies, and flashing integrity. If the system is sound underneath, restoration with repairs and a protective coating can add years of life at a fraction of replacement cost.
Our BUR Services
- BUR repair, including blisters, splits, and flashing
- Roof restoration and coating
- Full BUR replacement
- Conversion to other systems when BUR no longer fits
- Inspections and moisture surveys
BUR FAQ
Why is there gravel on my flat roof?
Gravel protects the bitumen from UV damage, adds fire resistance, and shields the membrane from foot traffic and hail.
Can a BUR roof be repaired?
Usually, yes. Repair is often practical if the layers and insulation below are still in good condition.
Not sure what you have on your roof? We will identify it and tell you where it stands. Call 773-339-9370 or Request an Inspection