Built-Up Roofing
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) for Office Buildings, Warehouses, Industrial Facilities, and Multifamily
For over a century, Built-Up Roofing has proven itself as one of the most reliable and durable commercial roofing systems available. Often called “tar and gravel” roofing, BUR systems continue to protect countless commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings across the country. Our experienced team specializes in professional BUR installation, restoration, and maintenance services that deliver the time-tested performance your commercial facility demands.
What is Built-Up Roofing?
Built-Up Roofing is a multi-layered roofing system consisting of alternating layers of reinforcing fabric (felt or ply sheets) and bitumen (asphalt or coal tar). This layered approach creates a monolithic, redundant waterproofing membrane that provides exceptional protection against the elements.
The system is typically finished with a protective surface layer of gravel, mineral granules, or a reflective coating, creating what roofing professionals refer to as a three, four, or five-ply system depending on the number of reinforcing layers.
Recent project
Northrup King Building Roof Restoration
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 20, 2025) — Endurance Exteriors, the Twin Cities’ trusted leader in premium roofing solutions, has completed a full ballasted roof replacement at the historic Northrup King Building, a cornerstone of Minneapolis’ creative and industrial heritage.
This project highlights the advantages of a ballasted roofing system. Offering stability, energy efficiency, and durability ideal for large commercial properties. Endurance Exteriors ensured the Northrup King Building remains protected against Minnesota’s toughest weather while preserving the integrity of this 102-year-old landmark.
Benefits of BUR Systems
Built-Up Roofing offers unique advantages that make it particularly well-suited for certain commercial applications. The multiple redundant layers create a waterproofing system that provides exceptional leak resistance. If one layer is compromised, the remaining layers continue to protect your facility, offering a margin of safety that single-ply systems cannot match.
Durability and longevity are hallmarks of BUR systems. When properly installed and maintained, Built-Up Roofs regularly provide 25 to 40 years of reliable service, with many installations exceeding these expectations. The heavy aggregate surfacing protects the waterproofing layers from UV degradation, mechanical damage, and extreme temperature fluctuations, contributing to this impressive lifespan.
The substantial mass of a BUR system provides excellent puncture resistance, making it ideal for roofs with heavy foot traffic, rooftop equipment requiring regular maintenance, or facilities in hail-prone regions. The gravel surfacing creates a durable walking surface that withstands the demands of maintenance personnel and equipment servicing without compromising the membrane’s integrity.
Fire resistance is another significant advantage. Gravel-surfaced BUR systems typically achieve Class A fire ratings, providing superior protection for your facility and potentially reducing insurance costs. This fire performance makes BUR an excellent choice for manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and buildings where fire safety is paramount.
BUR COMMERCIAL ROOFING
Our Professional BUR Services
Expert Installation
Our skilled roofing crews bring decades of combined experience to every Built-Up Roofing installation. BUR application is a specialized craft that requires precise knowledge of proper bitumen application temperatures, appropriate ply sheet layering techniques, and correct surfacing methods. Our team understands these critical details and executes them flawlessly.
We begin every project with comprehensive roof deck evaluation and preparation, ensuring the substrate is structurally sound, properly sloped for drainage, and ready to receive the BUR system. Our installation process includes proper insulation installation for optimal energy performance, systematic application of multiple reinforced plies with hot bitumen, careful attention to all flashings, penetrations, and transitions, and appropriate surfacing selection based on your facility’s specific requirements.
We work with both asphalt and coal tar bitumen systems, selecting the appropriate material based on your building’s needs, roof slope, and environmental considerations. Our crews maintain strict safety protocols throughout the installation, managing hot materials and equipment with the expertise that comes from years of specialized experience.
Restoration and Repair Services
Built-Up Roofs can often be restored rather than replaced, offering significant cost savings for building owners. Our restoration services include thorough inspection and assessment of the existing system, removal and replacement of damaged sections, application of protective coatings to extend service life, and comprehensive re-surfacing when appropriate.
For emergency repairs, our response team can quickly address leaks, blistering, splitting, or other damage that threatens your operations. We understand the critical nature of roof failures in commercial settings and prioritize rapid response to minimize business disruption and prevent secondary damage to your facility and contents.
Comprehensive Maintenance Programs
Preventive maintenance is essential for maximizing the lifespan of your Built-Up Roof. Our tailored maintenance programs include regularly scheduled inspections examining membrane condition, drainage performance, flashing integrity, and blister or split formation. We provide timely debris and vegetation removal, drain cleaning and testing, minor repairs before they escalate, and detailed reporting with photographic documentation.
Our maintenance approach identifies potential problems early, allowing you to address issues proactively rather than reactively. This strategy minimizes costly emergency repairs, extends your roof’s service life, and helps you budget for future capital improvements with confidence.
Technical Expertise and Quality Standards
The BUR Installation Process
Our systematic approach ensures quality results on every project. Following initial consultation and comprehensive assessment, we develop detailed project specifications and provide transparent pricing. We coordinate all aspects of installation, from material procurement to crew scheduling, ensuring efficient project completion with minimal disruption to your operations.
Throughout the installation process, we maintain rigorous quality control standards, conduct regular inspections, and provide ongoing communication to keep you informed of progress and any relevant developments.
The Langdon Building – Downtown Minneapolis
One of our most notable projects was the re-roofing of the historic Langdon Building in downtown Minneapolis. This landmark property required a solution that balanced modern efficiency with historic integrity.
Our team carefully removed the aging roof system and replaced it with a high-performance flat roof designed to handle heavy snow loads, drainage challenges, and insulation requirements. The project was completed on schedule with minimal disruption to tenants and businesses.
The Northrup King Building – Northeast Minneapolis
Another key project was the replacement of the roof at the iconic Northrup King Building, a hub for art studios and creative businesses in Northeast Minneapolis. This large-scale property required a durable, low-maintenance solution, making a ballasted roofing system the ideal choice.
The system was designed for stability, energy efficiency, and long-term protection against Minnesota’s harsh weather. By integrating proper drainage and insulation, we ensured the building could continue serving hundreds of tenants while reducing the risk of future maintenance issues.
Experience the BUR Advantage
Protect your commercial facility with the time-tested reliability of a professionally installed Built-Up Roofing system. Our experienced team is ready to evaluate your building and provide a comprehensive roofing solution.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover why Built-Up Roofing continues to be a trusted choice for commercial property owners.
Comprehensive Roofing Services
We specialize in the installation of multiple commercial roofing systems, each offering distinct advantages based on building type, structural requirements, budget parameters, and performance objectives. Our technical expertise encompasses the full spectrum of commercial roofing technologies, enabling us to recommend and install the optimal solution for your specific facility requirements.
We professionally install TPO, EPDM, flat, and metal roof systems engineered for durability and energy efficiency. Every installation is planned with drainage, insulation, and long-term performance in mind, ensuring your facility is protected against snow loads, high winds, and temperature extremes.
Repairs & Maintenance
Commercial roofs require proactive care to avoid unexpected failures. We offer maintenance plans tailored to your roof type, with scheduled inspections, small fixes, and responsive repair services that extend the lifespan of your system and reduce costly emergency calls.
Storm Damage Restoration
Hail and wind can wreak havoc on large commercial buildings. Our team responds quickly with thorough inspections, detailed documentation, and full support for insurance claims. From minor repairs to full replacements, we restore your property’s protection with minimal disruption to daily operations.
Inspections & Preventative Care
Routine inspections are one of the smartest investments a business can make. By catching early warning signs, like seam separations, ponding water, or deteriorating flashing, we help you avoid major failures and extend the performance of your roofing system.