COMMERCIAL ASPHALT ROOFING: BUILT-UP ROOFING(BUR) & MODIFIED BITUMEN(MBR)

Upgrade your facility with durable Built-Up Roofing (BUR) or flexible Modified Bitumen (MBR). Expert installation, superior waterproofing, and 30+ year lifespans. Contact Martin Roofing for a professional asphalt roofing consultation today.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR): The “Gold Standard” for Longevity

Often called “tar and gravel” roofs, these consist of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics topped with gravel. They offer time-tested durability and superior waterproofing.

Modified Bitumen (MBR): The Flexible Modern Choice

A modern evolution that blends asphalt with rubber or plastic polymers for high flexibility. It is lighter than BUR and highly resistant to punctures.

While both systems provide a rugged, multi-ply barrier for your facility, choosing between them depends on your building’s specific structural needs and your long-term goals. See how they compare side-by-side below

MBR vs. BUR: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature

  • Material Composition
  • Application Method
  • Flexibility
  • System Weight
  • Expected Lifespan

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

  • Asphalt, felt, and gravel
  • Hot mop, on-site layering
  • Lower, can crack in extreme cold
  • Heavy
  • 30–40+ years

Modified Bitumen (MBR)

  • Asphalt + polymers (rubber/plastic)
  • Torch, self-adhered, or cold-applied
  • High, handles expansion/contraction
  • Lighter
  • 20–30+ years

Shared Benefits for Your Commercial Property

No matter which system you choose, both provide high-performance protection for your facility:

Superior Waterproofing

Both systems utilize redundant layers for excellent water protection

Industrial Durability

These roofs are highly resistant to wind, harsh weather, and heavy foot traffic

Energy Efficiency

We can apply reflective, energy-efficient coatings to either system to help lower your building's cooling costs

Routine Maintenance

Both systems require similar upkeep, such as clearing debris and checking for punctures, to ensure they reach their full service life

Which Should You Choose?

End with a checklist to help them finalize their choice:

  • Choose BUR if you want the longest possible lifespan or expect heavy foot traffic.

  • Choose MBR if you need a lighter system or better performance in extreme temperature changes.

Not sure if Asphalt is right for you? Explore our other commercial solutions: http://Metal Roofing, http://tpo roofing, http://pvc roofing,http://EPDM Roofing

Frequently Asked Question

How does Martin Roofing ensure a watertight seal for these systems?

For Built-Up Roofing (BUR), we utilize a redundant multi-ply approach where each layer of bitumen and ply sheet is carefully overlapped to create a thick, seamless barrier. For Modified Bitumen (MBR), we focus on precision seam welding—whether using torch-down, cold-adhesive, or self-adhering methods—to ensure the edges are perfectly fused.

The “best” method depends on your building’s environment. Hot mopping (for BUR) is excellent for maximum waterproofing but requires specific safety protocols. Torch-down (for MBR) provides high flexibility for temperature shifts, while cold-applied adhesives are ideal for buildings where open flames are not permitted.

Modified Bitumen typically installs faster because it comes in pre-fabricated rolls. Built-Up Roofing is more labor-intensive and takes longer due to the multiple layers and “hot work” involved. We provide a specific timeline after our initial site inspection.

Yes. Because both systems offer long-term durability—30–40+ years for BUR and 20–30+ years for MBR—we provide professional warranties that cover both materials and our expert workmanship.

If you need maximum longevity and have a building that can handle the weight, BUR is the “gold standard.” If you need a lighter-weight system that offers more flexibility during temperature changes, Modified Bitumen is an excellent choice.

Yes. While BUR can be more difficult to repair because of the gravel layer, both systems can be maintained and patched. Martin Roofing provides professional inspections to identify “alligatoring” or blisters before they become costly leaks.

Yes, asphalt-based multi-ply systems generally offer excellent fire ratings, especially when finished with gravel or mineral surfacing.

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