Asphalt Roofing Solutions
Commercial asphalt roofing systems consist of two or more waterproofing layers. This redundancy provides building owners with durable waterproofing protection.
BUR (Built-Up Roofing)
BUR is the oldest of the current roofing technology and has been around for over a century. It consists of melting bricks of hot asphalt in a large metal kettle and using mops to apply that asphalt in-between a base sheet, ply sheets and lastly a cap sheet. Ply sheets and additional layers of asphalt can be added until the desired thickness has been reached. While cap sheets are very popular, they are not used on all jobs. Instead of using a cap sheet, some jobs are finished with a layer of gravel spread out over the last layer of asphalt.
SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene)
- ASTM D6162: SBS sheet using a combination of both polyester and glass fiber
- ASTM D6163: SBS sheet using glass fiber reinforcement
- ASTM D6164: SBS sheet using polyester reinforcement
ASTM D6164 has two type classifications, Type 1 and Type 2. Typically, the higher the type, the larger the mass and physical properties.
There are two grades of SBS sheet:
- Grade S: The sheet has a smooth surface
- Grade G: The sheet has a granule surface
ASTM number, type and grade are specified by the architect in most cases.
APP (Atactic Polypropylene)
- ASTM D6222 – APP sheet using polyester reinforcement
- ASTM D6223 – APP sheet using a combination of both polyester and glass fiber reinforcement
ASTM D6222 and D6223 have two type classifications, Type I and Type II. Typically Type II will have a larger mass and higher physical properties than Type I. There are two grades of APP sheet:
- Grade S: the sheet has a smooth surface
- Grade G: the sheet has a granule surface
ASTM number, type and grade are specified by the architect in most cases.
EnergyCap™
1 See the applicable manual for installation temperature instructions and ranges at https://www.gaf.com/document-library.
2 GAF warranties and guarantees do not cover leaks or other damage due to wind speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour (unless additional wind coverage is purchased on eligible jobs). Refer to gaf.com for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions.
3 GAF warranties and guarantees do not provide coverage against punctures (unless additional puncture resistance coverage is purchased on eligible jobs). Refer to gaf.com for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions.
4 Require the use of RUBEROID® "EnergyCap™" Products.
5 See the applicable manual for installation at https://www.gaf.com/document-library. See applicable warranty or guarantee for complete coverage restrictions.BUR
Roofs of essential buildings that need to stay open and operational at all times
BUR is a solution that has been used for over 100 years. The redundant applications allow for increased protection against damage and leaks.
APP
Roofs that need the reliability of a redundant asphaltic system without the odor and labor required for hot mopping.
APP is often used in smaller commercial roofing jobs, especially in urban areas. APP sheets are torched on to the surface below, therefore there is no need for a kettle, buckets or the inconvenience of getting asphalt onto the roof. In addition, APP systems typically consist of fewer plies than BUR jobs, allowing them to be installed faster and with a smaller labor force. Switching from a hot mopped application to a torch application will also reduce the odor around the work location allowing for more comfortable conditions for the workers and building occupants. A CERTA (Certified Roofing Torch Applicator) certification is required for a roofer to use a torch.
SBS
For roofs requiring the reliability of asphalt with more flexible application methods and labor availability.
Like APP, SBS can also be applied utilizing a torch (heat-welding). A CERTA (Certified Roofing Torch Applicator) certification is required for a roofer to use a torch. Many local ordinances also restrict the use of torches on roofs due to their risk as a potential fire hazard. Unlike APP, SBS can be applied in a variety of other ways including hot-mopped, cold-applied or self-adhered. Cold-applied applications are popular because they don’t produce as much odor as hot-mopped and do not require professional certifications like torching. Self-adhered is also a popular method because there is virtually no odor and it is typically faster to install.
EnergyCap™
For buildings that require ENERGY Star® certification or to be LEED® certified.
Utilize an EnergyCap™ sheet with any BUR, APP, and SBS system for projects that require the reliability of asphalt roofing and Energy Star® and LEED® certified solutions.