Best suited to
older buildings where the existing system is sound in the field and the owner wants years, not a full capital project.
Built-Up Roofing, at a glance
Built-up roofing is the classic layered asphalt-and-felt system, usually surfaced in gravel, and a great deal of older St. Louis commercial and institutional roof stock still carries it. John Beal Roofing repairs, restores and replaces BUR, and can tell an owner honestly which of the three the roof actually needs. Call (314) 429-6000.
The Short Version
Whether This System Fits Your Building
Service life
20 to 30 years, though most of what we open in this market is already past that.
What to watch
Blisters, exposed felts where the gravel has migrated, and old patch work stacked over old patch work.
Installation
Where These Roofs Actually Fail
Membrane failures are almost never in the middle of the sheet. They start at the details — the curb flashing, the pipe boot, the wall termination, the drain.
That is why we spend the time on the parts nobody photographs. A field seam takes minutes; a properly rebuilt curb takes an afternoon and it is what decides whether the roof makes twenty years.
We also register the manufacturer warranty on your building, so the coverage exists in writing under your address rather than in a folder somewhere.
Related: Ponding water: causes and fixes
Common Questions
How long will this roof last in St. Louis?
20 to 30 years, though most of what we open in this market is already past that. Our freeze-thaw cycles and summer heat are hard on any membrane, so the install details and a twice-yearly inspection matter as much as the material.
Can we recover over the existing roof instead of tearing off?
Sometimes. If the substrate is dry and the deck is sound, a recover saves real money. If a moisture scan shows wet insulation, tearing off is the only honest answer.
Do you install this system yourselves?
Yes. Our own crews do the work, and we hold manufacturer certifications for the systems we install, which is what makes the full system warranty available.
What does a repair on this system cost versus replacement?
A localized repair is a fraction of a replacement, and on a roof with remaining life it is the right call. We will tell you which one your roof is — with photos.
How disruptive is the installation?
Low-slope work happens on the roof, not inside the building. We coordinate hot work, odor and noise windows with the tenants or residents before we mobilize.
Free Roof Evaluation
Tell us about the building and a dispatcher will call to schedule.