BUR

At Kissimmee Elite Roofing, we deliver proven built-up roofing (BUR) solutions as a dependable commercial roofing contractor serving businesses in Kissimmee and the surrounding Orlando suburbs. Drawing on extensive local expertise and strong industry partnerships, our team provides full BUR flat roof install, expert commercial roof repair, and comprehensive maintenance services. Built-up roofing, often called tar and gravel roofing, remains a classic, multi-ply system for commercial flat roofing that has stood the test of time for over a century. This redundant, layered approach makes it especially suitable for warehouses, industrial facilities, retail buildings, schools, and other low-slope commercial structures that demand robust protection against Florida’s challenging climate, including intense UV exposure, high humidity, frequent heavy rainfall, tropical storms, hurricane-force winds, and ponding risks.

Built-up roofing consists of multiple alternating layers of reinforcing felts or ply sheets embedded in hot asphalt (or sometimes cold-applied bitumen), typically finished with a flood coat of asphalt topped by protective gravel aggregate or a mineral-surfaced cap sheet. This multi-layer construction—often 3 to 5 plies—creates exceptional redundancy, meaning that even if one layer is compromised, others continue to provide reliable waterproofing and barrier protection against water infiltration. BUR offers outstanding durability, superior puncture and impact resistance from foot traffic, hail, or debris, excellent fire resistance due to its non-combustible components, and strong UV protection when surfaced properly with gravel or reflective coatings. While it may absorb more heat than highly reflective single-ply options like TPO or PVC, traditional BUR systems excel in high-traffic areas where traction from the gravel surface prevents slips, and they deliver proven longevity—frequently 20-35 years or more with diligent care—making them a cost-effective, low-maintenance choice for many commercial applications in Central Florida.

Our BUR flat roof install follows meticulous, industry-standard procedures to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting system tailored to your building's needs. We start with a thorough evaluation of the roof deck, addressing any structural repairs, moisture concerns, or insulation upgrades to optimize thermal performance and provide a stable foundation. A base sheet is secured first, followed by successive applications of hot asphalt (heated in kettles for even distribution) and reinforcing felts to build the required number of plies, creating a monolithic membrane with redundant waterproofing. The process culminates in a flood coat of asphalt embedded with clean, rounded gravel surfacing for added protection, UV shielding, and wind resistance, or a smooth cap sheet for alternative aesthetics. Flashings, terminations, drains, and penetrations receive custom detailing with compatible materials for complete weatherproofing. Throughout installation, we minimize business disruption while conducting rigorous quality checks—including visual inspections, probe testing, and flood testing where appropriate—to verify seam integrity and overall performance. Backed by strong manufacturer warranties, this professional commercial roof install delivers a resilient system engineered to handle regional wind uplift, ponding during heavy rains, and daily operational stresses.

For properties with existing built-up roofing systems, our flat roof repair services restore full protection efficiently to address issues before they lead to larger problems. Common concerns include blistering from trapped moisture or vapor, alligatoring or cracking from prolonged UV exposure and thermal cycling, splits or punctures from impact or foot traffic, seam failures at flashings around HVAC units, parapets, or drains, and granule or gravel loss that reduces surface protection. Technicians carefully remove loose or damaged surfacing, clean and prime affected areas, then patch with compatible felts and hot asphalt or cold-applied bitumen, extending reinforcements beyond the repair zone for secure integration. In cases of widespread deterioration or ponding-related damage, we assess targeted overlays, partial re-ply applications, or section replacements while preserving compatibility with the original system. These focused repairs often resolve concerns with minimal downtime, preventing interior water damage and extending the roof's service life cost-effectively.

Routine maintenance is crucial to achieving the maximum lifespan and reliability from your built-up roofing investment, and our structured programs help businesses stay proactive while preserving performance and value. We recommend biannual professional inspections—typically in spring before the rainy season and fall after hurricane risks—along with post-storm evaluations to check for blisters, cracks, splits, or alligatoring; inspect flashings, edge metal, and terminations for secure attachment; and verify effective drainage by clearing drains, scuppers, gutters, and tapered features of leaves, debris, sediment, or biological growth that could cause ponding. Gentle cleaning removes accumulated dirt, pollutants, and algae, while we re-embed loose gravel where needed or apply reflective coatings to enhance UV resistance and energy efficiency on darker surfaces. We document all observations, perform immediate minor repairs, and offer guidance on avoiding incompatible materials or excessive rooftop activity. By partnering with Kissimmee Elite Roofing for ongoing commercial roof repair and maintenance, property owners in Kissimmee and the greater Orlando area enjoy prolonged roof performance, reduced risk of emergencies, consistent protection against Florida’s demanding conditions, and greater long-term cost savings.

Ready to explore built-up roofing for your next commercial flat roof install or need trusted flat roof repair for an existing BUR system? Contact our experienced commercial roofing team today for a detailed inspection, expert consultation, or personalized quote. We're committed to providing time-tested built-up roofing solutions that deliver exceptional durability and safeguard your business operations for decades.