Built-Up Roofing Systems for Tulsa Commercial Buildings
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a multi-layer membrane system built directly on the roof deck: alternating plies of reinforcing felt are bonded together with hot asphalt or coal tar, and the assembly is finished with a protective surfacing of gravel or slag. It is one of the oldest and most proven commercial roofing systems in existence — and Tulsa's retail centers, schools, warehouses, and apartment buildings still rely on it today. Proof Construction has installed and serviced tar and gravel roofs since 2015 as an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor with an A+ BBB rating and 4.9★ across 127+ reviews.
Tar & Gravel Construction
A BUR system layers vapor retarder, insulation, and multiple felt plies mopped with hot asphalt, then caps the assembly with gravel. Because the membrane is built up from several bonded layers, small punctures rarely turn into leaks — the redundancy is built in. We install BUR over wood, concrete, and steel decks.
Gravel Surfacing Benefits
The gravel top coat is not decoration — it blocks UV rays from cooking the asphalt, absorbs hail impact, protects the felts from foot traffic, and helps the roof earn a Class A fire rating. Gravel also sheds Oklahoma heat better than dark single-ply membranes, reducing cooling load on the floors below.
20–30 Year Durability
Few commercial roof systems match BUR's service life. With routine maintenance, a properly installed 4-ply built-up roof routinely lasts 20-30 years — two to three times the lifespan of a budget single-ply roof. That long-term value is why many Tulsa property managers still spec BUR for new construction.
Built for Tulsa Weather
Oklahoma's 100°F summers, hailstorms, and freeze-thaw winters punish roofing membranes. BUR's thick, multi-ply construction shrugs off hail impact that dimples TPO, and its gravel surface keeps the asphalt protected year-round. We recommend BUR for flat and low-slope commercial decks exposed to severe weather.
Cost Per Square
Built-up roofing in Tulsa typically costs $450–$900 per square (one square = 100 sq ft) installed, depending on ply count, insulation, and access. Expect the lower end for a 3-ply re-cover over an existing roof; 4-ply systems with tear-off and new insulation run higher. We provide free, itemized per-square pricing.
Repair & Maintenance
BUR roofs are remarkably serviceable. We patch blisters and splits, rebuild flashing, re-surface gravel loss areas, and apply asphalt emulsion or reflective aluminum coatings to extend life. Scheduled maintenance keeps a 20-year roof on track to see 30. See our commercial roofing services.
3-Ply vs. 4-Ply Built-Up Roofing: What's the Difference?
The ply count is the number of reinforcing felt layers bonded into the membrane — and it is the single biggest decision in a BUR installation. Here is how the two systems compare for Tulsa commercial properties:
- 3-ply systems — three bonded felt plies. Lighter, faster to install, and more budget-friendly (typically $450–$650 per square). A solid choice for decks in good condition with modest traffic and exposure.
- 4-ply systems — four bonded felt plies. Heavier and more expensive (typically $600–$900 per square), but with an extra layer of redundancy, better puncture resistance against hail and foot traffic, and the best odds of reaching the 30-year mark.
- Which should you choose? For Tulsa's hail exposure and long ownership horizons, 4-ply is usually the smarter investment — the added cost is a fraction of a premature replacement. For a tight budget or a building likely to be re-roofed in 15 years, 3-ply is a proven, honest option.
Either way, the details matter more than the ply count: proper asphalt temperatures, correct felt overlap, and a full gravel embedment are what separate a 30-year BUR roof from a 10-year failure. Proof Construction follows manufacturer and NRCA specifications on every square we install.
Built-Up Roofing Repair & Maintenance in Tulsa
Tar and gravel roofs age visibly — and that's an advantage. When you know what to look for, you can repair a BUR roof years before it needs replacement. If you spot any of these on your Tulsa property, schedule a free inspection:
- Bare or bald spots where gravel has washed or blown away, exposing asphalt to UV
- Blistering or alligatoring — cracking patterns that signal the asphalt is dried out
- Splits and tears around flashing, parapets, HVAC curbs, and roof drains
- Ponding water that remains more than 48 hours after rain
- Interior ceiling stains or musty odors — the first sign water is moving through the felts
- Vegetation or moss taking root in gravel and debris buildup
Common repairs include patching damaged sections, rebuilding flashing and terminations, re-coating with asphalt emulsion or reflective aluminum coating, and re-surfacing gravel in high-wear areas. Storm damage to commercial BUR roofs is typically covered by property insurance, and we document damage forensically to support your claim — see how insurance claims work.
Is Your Built-Up Roof Nearing the End of Its Life?
Saturated felts, widespread alligatoring, or repeated leaks after patching? Don't keep paying for patchwork — get a straight answer on repair vs. replacement, free.
- Free inspections & estimates — no charge, no obligation, same-week scheduling
- 3-ply & 4-ply installations — new construction and full tear-off replacement
- Repair-first philosophy — we tell you when a $2,000 repair beats a $60,000 replacement
- 3-year workmanship warranty — 3x the Oklahoma minimum, in writing
- $98/month financing available on larger commercial projects
Built-Up Roofing FAQ — Tulsa
Quick Answers
BUR lifespan: 20–30 years with routine maintenance.
Cost per square: $450–$900 per 100 sq ft installed, depending on ply count.
Repair vs. replace? Free inspection — we tell you honestly which you need.
Leaking now? Call (918) 734-4444 — same-week scheduling across the Tulsa metro. Request an estimate →
A built-up roof (BUR) is a classic commercial roofing system made of alternating layers — or plies — of reinforcing felt bonded together with hot asphalt or coal tar, then topped with a gravel or slag surfacing. Because it is built up from multiple bonded layers, a BUR roof is thick, heavy, and highly resistant to punctures and foot traffic. Many Tulsa commercial buildings from the 1960s through the 1990s were built with tar and gravel BUR roofs.
A properly installed and maintained built-up roof typically lasts 20-30 years — among the longest lifespans of any commercial roofing system. Tulsa's intense summer UV, hailstorms, and freeze-thaw cycles wear on any roof, so a 4-ply BUR system with a healthy gravel surfacing and regular maintenance gives the best chance of reaching the 30-year mark. Proof Construction installs, repairs, and maintains BUR roofs across the Tulsa metro.
The ply count is the number of reinforcing felt layers in the membrane. A 3-ply BUR system has three bonded felt plies; a 4-ply system has four. Four-ply systems are heavier, offer more redundancy and puncture resistance, and generally last longer — making them a strong choice for Tulsa hail exposure — while 3-ply systems cost less and are adequate for many decks and budgets. Proof Construction will recommend the right ply count for your building during a free estimate.
Built-up roofing in Tulsa typically runs $450-$900 per square (one square equals 100 square feet) installed, depending on ply count, insulation, deck condition, and roof access. A 3-ply BUR system generally starts around $450-$650 per square, while 4-ply systems and tear-offs run higher. These are 2026 market estimates for the Tulsa metro — Proof Construction provides free, itemized estimates on every commercial roof.
Yes — most built-up roofs can be repaired well before replacement is needed. Common BUR repairs include patching blisters and splits, replacing worn flashing at parapets and penetrations, re-surfacing gravel loss areas, and applying asphalt emulsion or reflective aluminum coatings to extend service life. When damage is widespread or the felts are saturated with moisture, a full replacement is the honest answer. Proof Construction inspects free and tells you which you actually need.