Commercial roofing systems
BUR & Modified Bitumen Roofing
Understand your roof. Plan the right next step.
Tectum Roofing assesses built-up and modified bitumen roofs for commercial repairs, maintenance and replacement. Start with the condition of your building and a clear scope of work.
Commercial roof replacement in progress. Existing conditions guide the scope and system selection.
Start with existing conditions
A roof decision starts with an assessment.
A recurring leak, aging roof surface or planned building improvement can raise the same question: should you repair the roof or prepare for replacement?
Tectum reviews the existing assembly, reported problems and how the building is used. A warehouse, retail property or building with frequent rooftop equipment access may have different priorities for scheduling, drainage and ongoing maintenance.
Tell us where leaks appear, when they occur and what work has already been attempted. A commercial roof inspection helps connect those observations to conditions on the roof.
Know the systems
Two approaches to asphalt roofing.
Built-up roofing and modified bitumen are related systems, but their materials and application details differ. The complete assembly matters when choosing products or planning work.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR is assembled on the roof using multiple layers of reinforcement and bitumen. Depending on the specified system, the finished surface may use aggregate, a cap sheet or a coating.
- Review the surface and the assembly beneath it.
- Assess flashing, drainage and previous repairs together.
- Choose compatible repair materials for the existing system.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen uses reinforced sheets made with polymer-modified asphalt. Products vary in their surfacing and approved application methods, so installation and repair details must match the selected system.
- Review seams, cap-sheet condition and perimeter details.
- Consider equipment access and protective walkways.
- Confirm product compatibility and manufacturer requirements.
Repair, maintain or replace
Match the scope to the roof’s condition.
A localized problem may call for a focused repair. Recurring leaks, widespread deterioration or concerns about underlying moisture may require a broader evaluation before deciding what to keep.
Tectum’s work includes hot-mopped and cold-applied solutions. The proposed system and application method depend on existing conditions, building operations and project requirements.
- Roof surface and detailsReview visible wear, seams, flashings, penetrations and the areas around previous repairs.
- Water and drainageDiscuss leak history, roof drains, scuppers and evidence that may warrant further moisture investigation.
- Access and building useAccount for rooftop equipment, service routes, tenant activity and practical work sequencing.
Your next steps
From the first call to a defined plan.
- 01
Share the property
Provide the address, roof concerns, available records and the best contact for building access.
- 02
Review the roof
Discuss the visible conditions, leak history and whether additional investigation is needed.
- 03
Compare the options
Review repair priorities, maintenance needs and replacement considerations for your building.
- 04
Confirm the scope
Review the written proposal, exclusions, schedule and applicable warranty terms before work begins.
Common questions
Planning work on an asphalt roof?
These answers are a starting point. Recommendations depend on an assessment of your building.
Discuss Your RoofWhat is the difference between BUR and modified bitumen?
BUR combines layers of reinforcement and bitumen assembled on the roof. Modified bitumen uses reinforced, polymer-modified asphalt sheets. The existing roof’s materials and details help determine suitable repair or replacement options.
Can my roof be repaired without replacing it?
Possibly. The location and extent of damage, condition of the underlying assembly and repair history all matter. An inspection helps identify whether a localized repair is appropriate or further evaluation is needed.
What about roofs with frequent HVAC service access?
Tell us where technicians need access and how often. Equipment routes, protective walkways and flashing around equipment should be considered with the roofing scope. No roof surface should be treated as damage-proof.
What determines the cost of replacement?
Roof size is one factor. Removal requirements, underlying conditions, insulation, drainage, perimeter details, access and the selected system also affect the scope. A building-specific proposal is needed for useful pricing.
What should I send before an inspection?
Send the property address, your contact information, leak locations, photographs taken from safe locations and any roof records you have. Include access restrictions, tenant concerns and your preferred schedule.
Related services
Plan the work around your building.
Let’s talk about your property
Get a clearer plan for your commercial roof.
Contact Tectum Roofing about your built-up or modified bitumen roof. Share the problem you are trying to solve, and we will discuss access and the next step.