BUILT-UP ROOFING · COLUMBIA, SC & ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) in South Carolina
Built-up roofing — the classic “tar and gravel” roof — has protected flat commercial buildings for over a century, and it’s still one of the most durable, redundant systems available. 247 Roofs installs, repairs, and replaces BUR systems across South Carolina, backed by manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
Why Built-Up Roofing
The Original Flat-Roof System, Still Going Strong
Built-up roofing — usually shortened to BUR, and known to most building owners as a “tar and gravel” roof — is exactly what the name says: a roof built up from multiple alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal-tar) and reinforcing ply sheets, finished with a surfacing of gravel or a reflective coating. Each ply adds another waterproofing membrane, so a mature BUR roof carries several redundant layers between the weather and your building. That layered redundancy is why BUR has protected flat commercial roofs for more than a hundred years.
The gravel or mineral surfacing does double duty: it shields the underlying bitumen from South Carolina’s intense UV, and it armors the roof against hail and foot traffic. For low-slope warehouses, institutional buildings, and older commercial structures, a well-built BUR system remains a genuinely tough, long-lasting choice. 247 Roofs installs and services BUR as a complete, engineered assembly, and we’re licensed and insured.
Inside a BUR System
What “Built-Up” Actually Means
Layered Plies
Alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing felt or fiberglass ply sheets build multiple bonded waterproofing membranes.
Gravel Surfacing
Embedded gravel or mineral aggregate shields the bitumen from UV and armors the roof against hail and traffic.
Redundant Waterproofing
Because several plies overlap, a flaw in one layer doesn’t automatically become an interior leak.
Reflective Coating Option
A light-colored cap coating can replace gravel to add reflectivity and ease cooling load in our hot climate.
Strengths
Where BUR Makes Sense
Built-up roofing isn’t the lightest or the fastest system to install, but its strengths are real:
- Excellent durability — multiple plies and a gravel surface resist wear and impact
- Redundant waterproofing — layered protection against leaks
- Strong UV & hail resistance — the aggregate surface takes the punishment
- Low maintenance — a sound BUR roof asks little beyond periodic inspection
- Proven track record — over a century of real-world performance on flat roofs
Comparing BUR to a single-ply or metal option? See the full range on our commercial roofing page.
Repair or Replace
Already Have a Tar & Gravel Roof?
Aging BUR roofs commonly develop surface cracks (“alligatoring”), blisters, bare spots where gravel has migrated, and tired flashing — and many of these are repairable. Re-graveling, re-flashing, or a restorative coating can add years before a full tear-off is needed. We’ll inspect the roof, tell you honestly whether repair or replacement is the better value, and if storm damage is involved, document it for your insurance claim.
Flat Roof Aging?
Get an Honest Read on Your Built-Up Roof
Cracking, blisters, or a slow leak? We’ll inspect your BUR roof and give you clear, written options.
Built-Up Roofing FAQ
BUR Questions, Answered
What is built-up roofing (BUR)?
Built-up roofing is a flat-roof system made from multiple alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing ply sheets, topped with gravel or a reflective coating. It’s the classic “tar and gravel” roof, valued for its redundant, multi-ply waterproofing.
How long does a built-up roof last?
With quality installation and regular maintenance, a BUR roof commonly provides two to three decades of service. Its multiple plies and protective gravel surface make it one of the more durable flat-roof options available.
Why is there gravel on a built-up roof?
The gravel (or mineral aggregate) surfacing protects the underlying bitumen from UV damage and shields the membrane from hail and foot traffic. On some systems, a reflective cap coating is used instead to add energy efficiency in our hot climate.
Can an old BUR roof be repaired instead of replaced?
Often, yes. Surface cracking, blisters, bare spots, and flashing failures are frequently repairable, and re-graveling or a restorative coating can extend the roof’s life. We’ll assess whether repair or a full replacement is the smarter value for your building.
Is BUR a good choice in South Carolina?
It can be an excellent choice for flat and low-slope commercial roofs. Its UV and hail resistance suit our climate well, and its proven durability makes it a dependable option for warehouses and institutional buildings across the state.
FREE COMMERCIAL ASSESSMENT
Considering Built-Up Roofing for Your Building?
Tell us about your property and we’ll assess your roof and give you clear, written options.