Roofing Types · Built-Up (BUR)
A time-tested, multi-layered system for flat and low-slope commercial roofs — redundant protection that resists leaks and Oklahoma weather. Installed, repaired, and maintained by Norman's expert roofers.
Built-up roofing — usually shortened to BUR — is one of the oldest and most proven systems for flat and low-slope roofs, and it has protected commercial and industrial buildings for well over a century. Rather than a single covering, a BUR roof is constructed from multiple alternating layers, or "plies," of bitumen (asphalt or tar) and reinforcing felts or fabrics, all bonded together and finished with a top layer of gravel or a protective cap sheet. The result is a thick, redundant membrane — often called a "tar and gravel" roof — that wraps the entire roof deck in continuous waterproofing. Norman Roofing Co. designs, installs, repairs, and maintains built-up roofs across Norman and the OKC metro, and we back our flat-roof work with our simple promise: it won't leak — guaranteed.
Because BUR is built layer by layer on site, it can be tailored to a specific building — adding plies for extra durability, or specifying a reflective top coating to fight Oklahoma's heat. That flexibility, combined with decades of real-world track record, is exactly why so many building owners still choose it.
No roof is hail-proof. After any major Oklahoma storm, we recommend a professional inspection of your flat roof — small punctures or coating damage are far cheaper to fix early. Ask us about a post-storm damage assessment.
Installation starts with a base sheet anchored to the deck, followed by alternating layers of hot or cold-applied bitumen and reinforcing felts. Each ply adds strength and waterproofing redundancy, so the finished membrane behaves as one solid, continuous system.
The top is finished with gravel, mineral granules, or a reflective coating. This surfacing shields the bitumen from UV rays, adds fire and weather resistance, and — when reflective — keeps the roof and the building cooler in summer.
On flat and low-slope roofs, details matter most. We pay close attention to flashings at walls, curbs, and penetrations, and to positive drainage, because that's where leaks usually begin. Done right, those details are what make a BUR roof last.
Built-up roofing is primarily a commercial and industrial system, ideal for the large flat and low-slope roofs found on offices, warehouses, retail buildings, and apartment complexes. It can also protect low-slope sections on homes — porches, additions, or flat-roofed modern houses. If you manage a commercial building, our commercial roofing team can help you weigh BUR against other flat-roof options like TPO, PVC, or spray foam.
Whether you need a new BUR roof, a tear-off and replacement, or a targeted repair, our experienced, background-checked crews handle the job from deck prep to final surfacing — and clean up when we're done. As a locally owned company with more than 20 years of experience, we serve building owners throughout Norman and the OKC metro, offer free estimates, and can help you work through an insurance claim after storm damage. There are no published "office hours" to wait on — for emergencies, we're available 24/7.
Built-Up Roofing FAQ
Built-up roofing is a flat-roof system made from multiple alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or tar) and reinforcing felts, finished with gravel or a protective cap sheet. Those layers form a thick, redundant membrane that's highly resistant to water and weather — which is why it's a go-to choice for commercial and low-slope roofs.
A properly installed and maintained built-up roof commonly lasts a few decades. Oklahoma's intense sun and hail can shorten that, so periodic inspections and a reflective coating help protect your investment. We'll tell you honestly how much life yours has left.
Yes. The redundant, multi-ply membrane resists leaks, and reflective surfacing fights the heavy Oklahoma sun and heat. No roof is hail-proof, but BUR's layered build and easy patch repairs make storm recovery straightforward.
Often, yes. One of BUR's advantages is that damage is usually localized and can be patched economically. If the membrane is failing across the roof, a replacement may be the better value — we'll give you a straight answer after inspecting it.
Yes — every built-up or commercial flat-roof project starts with a free, no-obligation inspection and estimate. Call (405) 292-4553.
Get a free, no-obligation estimate from the roofers Norman has trusted for over 20 years.
Call (405) 292-4553