What Is A Built-Up Roof (BUR)?
Built-up roofing uses multiple tar and fabric membranes to prevent leaks in flat top roofs. The roof base (can be wood, concrete, or metal) is covered with rigid roof insulation that is secured down using plastic cap roofing nails. Some roof bases will require a vapor barrier layer below the insulation. Next, a cover board is adhered to the roof insulation to provide a smoother top surface and insulate around fasteners. On top of the cover board, a series of asphalt and fibrous ply sheet layers are applied to create a seal; usually 2-4 asphalt/ply layers ending with a cap sheet containing gravel. Finally, a reflective roof coating is applied to reflect heat energy from the sun.
Image source: www.clburks.com
What Facilities Commonly Feature Built Up Roofing?
Built-up roofs (BURs) are known for their layered construction, durability, and weather resilience. Let's look at where you might encounter BURs in the real world, and why they are a common choice for those facilities.
Where BUR Roofing is Common:
- Flat and low-slope structures: BURs reign supreme on buildings with minimal pitch, such as commercial warehouses, industrial facilities, and large retail centers. Their flexibility accommodates uneven surfaces and thermal expansion, making them ideal for these diverse applications.
- Heritage and historical sites: The robust nature of BURs makes them perfect for protecting the integrity of older buildings. Their fire resistance and longevity safeguard valuable structures while maintaining their architectural aesthetic
- Educational and healthcare facilities: The durability and weatherproof qualities of BURs ensure uninterrupted operations in schools, hospitals, and other critical institutions. They offer peace of mind knowing roofs won't disrupt vital services
- Multi-use spaces: From stadiums and convention centers to parking garages and transportation hubs, BURs provide reliable protection for high-traffic areas. Their resistance to heavy footwork and harsh weather conditions makes them a dependable choice for these bustling environments.
Q Ware CMMS: Your BUR Management Superhero
While BURs are resilient, they still require proactive care to maintain their performance and lifespan. Let's take a closer look at how a facility management software like Q Ware can assist in managing their long-term performance and cost-efficiency.
How Software can Help in Maintaining your BUR:
- Preventive maintenance scheduling: Ditch the manual spreadsheets and ensure timely roof inspections, repairs, and replacements with Q Ware's automated alerts and customizable schedules.
- Detailed asset tracking: Keep track of every layer and component of your BUR system, from asphalt membranes to drainage systems, with Q Ware's comprehensive inventory management.
- Cost optimization: Predict future maintenance needs and budget accordingly, avoiding costly surprises and maximizing the lifespan of your BUR investment.
- Data-driven decision making: Q Ware's insightful reports and analytics empower you to make informed choices about repairs, replacements, and overall roof management strategies.
Invest in Knowledge, Invest in Q Ware CMMS
Understanding the diverse applications of BURs and their long-term maintenance needs is crucial for any facility manager. By embracing Q Ware CMMS as your ally, you can ensure optimal performance, minimize costs, and keep your focus where it truly matters – on the core functions and success of your organization
Ready to unlock the full potential of your built-up roof? Schedule a free Q Ware CMMS demonstration today and see how we can empower you to take control of your roof management!
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