How to choose the right top coat for a built-up commercial roof

A built-up roof (BUR), also known as a tar and gravel roof, is a popular and affordable choice for commercial roofing in Vancouver. By alternating layers of roofing felt with coats of bitumen (asphalt), a durable, long-lasting, waterproof roof is created that is low in maintenance and is easy to repair if a problem does arise.

Because roofs are subjected year-round to the elements, it is important to protect them from the harmful effects of UV rays and heat generated by the sun. For built-up roofs, this is done by adding a top coat. Here at Laurentian Roofing, we offer two kinds of top coats for built-up commercial roofs: gravel, and reflective paint.

Gravel Top Coat--small stones are embedded into the top layer of asphalt. This helps protect the underlying layers from the damaging effects of the sun and hail. The gravel absorbs heat which helps keep it away from the building and provides a stable surface for foot traffic.

Reflective Paint Top Coat--roofs subjected to prolonged exposure to the sun suffer from weakening and deterioration of the underlying layers. Adding a reflective paint top coat helps eliminate problems associated with heat, improves the building’s insulation and extends the life of the roof.

Left unprotected, BUR roofing systems have shorter lifespans and are susceptible to drying, cracking, blistering and deterioration, which leads to leakage and damage resulting in expensive repairs. Adding a top coat is an important step in getting the most out of your commercial roof. To find out which top coat is best for your building, send an email or give us a call at 604-345-7663.

See here for more built-up roofing articles and information.