Built Up Roofing Manufacturers: Top U.S. BUR Suppliers and Selection Guide

Built up roofing (BUR) remains a durable, weather resistant option for flat and low-slope roofs across the United States. This article explains what BUR is, why builders choose it, and how to select the best built up roofing manufacturer for a project. It covers common materials, installation practices, performance factors, and key considerations when evaluating manufacturers and product lines.

What Is Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing combines multiple asphalt or coal tar layers with a reinforcing felt to form a seamless, protective roof membrane. The typical BUR assembly includes alternating plies of bitumen and reinforcing felts topped with a protective surfacing, such as gravel or a reflective coating. The resulting membrane provides watertight performance, durability, and long service life when properly installed and maintained.

Why Builders Choose Built-Up Roofing

BUR offers several advantages for commercial and industrial buildings. Its multiple plies create redundancy, improving leak resistance in harsh weather. The membrane’s mineral granule or coating surface helps reflect sunlight and extend UV protection, reducing thermal stress. BUR is also versatile for various substrate conditions and can be customized with different bitumen types, reinforcements, and surface finishes to meet local codes and climate needs.

Key benefits include excellent waterproofing reliability, proven track record in hotspot climates, and a wide range of installation options to suit roof geometry and budget. Potential drawbacks include heavier weight, longer installation times, and the need for skilled labor to ensure proper ply adhesion and detailing around penetrations.

Common BUR Materials And Construction

Understanding the materials helps in evaluating BUR offerings from manufacturers. A typical BUR system includes:

• Bitumen plies such as asphalt, coal tar pitch, or modern polymer-modified asphalts, chosen for durability and temperature performance.
• Reinforcing felts (asphalt-impregnated felts or fiberglass/polyester mats) that provide strength and puncture resistance.
• Surfacing options include gravel, mineral granules, or reflective coatings that improve UV resistance and sustainability.
• Adhesives and joints that ensure ply-to-ply adhesion and airtight detailing around edges and penetrations.

Manufacturers often blend traditional asphalt with advanced polymers to enhance elasticity, reduce temperature sensitivity, and improve tear resistance. Some systems incorporate flashings and insulative components to optimize thermal performance and energy efficiency.

Key Performance Standards And Codes

BUR products are designed to meet or exceed regional and national codes. Important benchmarks include:

• Water intrusion resistance and hail impact performance
• Fire ratings and continuity of the membrane under wind uplift testing
• Compatibility with substrates and roof deck assemblies
• Durability under thermal cycling and UV exposure
• Environmental and VOC considerations in bitumen formulations

Manufacturers typically provide test data and certifications from organizations such as ASTM, FM Global, UL, and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Choosing a supplier with robust third-party data supports reliable performance predictions and warranty confidence.

How To Choose A Built Up Roofing Manufacturer

Selecting the right BUR manufacturer involves assessing product performance, service, and support. Consider these criteria:

• Product range and customization options for plies, felts, and surfacing that fit project needs and climate.
• Technical support including detailing guides, shop drawings, field representatives, and warranty terms.
• Warranty and service coverage length, requirements, and transferability, as well as available post-installation maintenance guidance.
• Code compliance with local building codes, fire ratings, and regional standards.
• Supply chain stability and the ability to meet project schedules, especially for large-scale or multi-site deployments.
• Sustainability features, such as recycled content, low-VOC formulations, and energy performance in reflective surfacing.

In practice, project teams compare multiple manufacturers to align on performance, price, and service. It is common to request performance data, installation manuals, and sample assemblies before finalizing a decision.

Leading Built-Up Roofing Manufacturers In The United States

The U.S. market features several established players offering BUR systems, with strong reputations for field support and product innovation. The following are frequently cited as top BUR manufacturers and suppliers in North America:

• GAF offers a broad line of BUR products, advanced polymer-modified bitumen options, and extensive training and warranty programs for commercial projects.
• Soprema specializes in waterproofing and roofing systems, including BUR membranes with durable reinforcement and modern bitumen blends designed for energy performance and long service life.
• Owens Corning provides BUR solutions integrated into broader roofing system offerings, with emphasis on reliability and contractor support.
• Tremco (including Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance) delivers BUR products along with comprehensive waterproofing and leak-prevention services, backed by technical support and field testing.
• Carlisle SynTec offers BUR and modified bitumen options, known for high-quality membranes and robust warranty programs aimed at large commercial and industrial projects.
• Berger is another established supplier known for varied BUR assemblies and responsive technical service for complex roof designs.

Project specifics, such as roof height, climate zone, and exposure, influence which manufacturer aligns best. Local contractor familiarity with a given system can also affect installation quality and long-term performance.

Installation Considerations For BUR Projects

Successful BUR installations depend on careful planning and skilled application. Important steps include:

• Surface preparation ensuring a clean, dry, and structurally sound deck before ply installation.
• Plies sequencing following the manufacturer’s recommended order for maximum adhesion and durability.
• Weather windows avoiding installation during heavy rain, extreme cold, or high humidity to prevent bond failures.
• Detailing around penetrations, edge metal, and curbs to maintain continuity and prevent leaks.
• Inspection mid-project and post-install checks to verify ply adhesion, flashings, and surfacing integrity.

The involvement of qualified roofing contractors and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are critical to achieving the expected performance from BUR systems.

Economic And Longevity Considerations

Although BUR can involve higher initial costs than some alternative roof types, its extended service life and extensive repair options can yield long-term value. When evaluating life-cycle costs, teams should consider:

• Initial material and labor costs versus anticipated maintenance over time
• Repairability and the ease of adding new plies or resurfacing for extended life
• Energy performance potential through reflective surfacing and insulation strategies
• Warranty coverage duration and terms, including weather events and workmanship protections

Aggregating these factors helps stakeholders compare BUR against other flat-roof options and select a system that meets budget, durability, and performance goals.

Conclusion: Aligning With The Right BUR Manufacturer

Choosing a built up roofing manufacturer involves balancing product performance, technical support, warranty terms, and supply stability. For U.S. projects, leading manufacturers offer comprehensive BUR lines, strong field support, and guidance across installation and maintenance. By evaluating product range, code compliance, sustainability features, and service networks, project teams can select a BUR system that delivers reliable waterproofing, durability, and long-term value.