By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Why BUR systems continue to be a smart choice for low-slope roofs. 

Built-up roofing (BUR) is a popular roofing system used on low-slope roofs because it provides excellent waterproofing and UV protection. While BUR has been around for over 160 years, the material and installation processes have improved and evolved over time. While roofing materials and building design has changed over the last century, we talked to the experts at United Asphalts, a leading manufacturer, to learn about why BUR still remains a top choice for roofs. 

1 - Longevity 

BUR has a longstanding reputation of being one of the most sustainable and durable systems for building owners. Built-up roofs incorporate multiple layers of asphalt alternated with ply sheets for exceptional waterproofing. Because BUR is so sturdy, the roof can withstand even the toughest weather conditions. These layers also make BUR systems easier to maintain and repair. In fact, with the use of coatings that reduce thermal cycling, BUR lifecycles can be extended far past the life expectancy of other roofs. 

2 – Cost effective 

BUR offers the biggest bang for your buck. While initial installation can be more expensive than other methods, BUR’s return on investment over its lifecycle is incomparable. BUR’s superior resistance to hail damage, mold and wind uplift means the roof rarely needs expensive repairs and is much more cost-effective to maintain. That minimal upkeep, along with its lower costs, makes BUR roofing an excellent choice for a roof installation that won’t break the bank. 

3 – Energy efficiency 

BUR systems are often the most energy-efficient option in climate zones where heating and cooling costs are evenly split over the course of the calendar year. The use of white solvent and water-borne asphalt coatings, elastomeric coatings and/or highly reflective cap sheets has emerged as a means of making BUR roofs compliant with cool roof energy standards leading to reduced cooling costs in the summer. Whatever the climate, BUR roofs are perhaps the most adaptable providing contractors the ability to choose the exact level of reflectivity needed for a specific building type and environment, resulting in improved energy consumption overall. 

4 – Time tested 

BUR has a long history of being an effective roofing solution. BUR dates back to the 1840s, when it was known as composition roofing. The concept was so viable that it captured more than 90 percent of the flat-roofing market by the 1960s. Roofing technology can only maintain this level of relevancy by being reliable, dependable, and adaptable. 

Conclusion 

BUR systems are proven throughout history to provide exceptional energy efficiency, return on investment and durability. With so many advantages to a built-up roof system, it is no wonder why BUR systems have remained so popular for so long. 

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop® or visit www.unitedasphalts.com.

Photo credit: United Asphalts

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The BUR asphalt manufacturer is attending the upcoming 2022 CRA Trade Show on March 10. 

This year's Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) Trade Show is all set to take place March 10 at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Aurora, Colorado. The Denver-based asphalt manufacturing company United Asphalts will have a booth at the trade show, so don’t forget to stop by and say hello! 

With all vendor spots sold out, the CRA Trade Show is expected to be quite a busy event. The show is a great way for Colorado roofing companies to get connected with other roofing industry members. Paul LeFevre, United Asphalts new regional representative for Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, will be attending along with other representatives from the company.  

Since the 1960s, United Asphalts has been a leading manufacturing company for oxidized asphalt. Their latest innovation is their ENDURAflex HT SEBS Modified Asphalt, a strong asphalt material that can withstand extreme weather. Swing by the United Asphalts booth at the CRA Trade Show for more information on this and their other asphalt products. 

Registration is still open for attendees and admission to the trade show is free! To attend the show, you must register in advance. Information on how to register and the trade show can be found here. 

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop® or visit www.unitedasphalts.com.  

About United Asphalts  

United Asphalts has been manufacturing oxidized asphalt for BUR since 1961. Based in Denver, Colorado, United Asphalts uses premium flux from local suppliers to produce ultra-high-quality type 3 and type 4 roofing asphalt as well as type 2 waterproofing asphalt. UA’s product has long been recognized as one of the best on the market, having been accepted by almost all major manufacturers offering NDL full-system warranty built-up roof systems. 

Photo Credit: Arapaho County Event Center

By United Asphalts. 

SEBS Polymer-modified Asphalt offers the weatherability of asphalt with the resistance to cracking and UV degradation of SEBS. 

The polymer-modified roofing asphalt ENDURAflex HT SEBS meets the increasing demand for materials and systems that can withstand extreme weather. This modified asphalt offers you the qualities of waterproofing and weatherability of traditional asphalt along with the elastic recovery, thermal-stability, tensile-strength, and resistance to UV degradation that SEBS provides. Plus, ENDURAflex HT can work with roofing systems of the future like green roofs! When your built-up jobs demand a high-quality product, choose United Asphalts ENDURAflex HT SEBS Modified Asphalt. 

Details 

• More architects are specifying the use of SEBS for built up roofs on schools, military and government installations 

• Best performance in extreme conditions including hail and high heat 

• Improved UV resistance over oxidized asphalt and SBS asphalt 

• Low permeability of water means excellent waterproofing properties 

• High tensile elongation allows movement without breakage 

• No new equipment! Thermal stability means no jacketed kettles required 

• Ideal for use in vegetative and inverted roof systems 

Easy to handle 50# keg 

• 48 Baby Kegs per pallet 

• 20 Pallets per truckload 

• 960 Baby Kegs per truckload 

• Average full truckload weight = 48,000 pounds 

Superior packaging 

Every pallet of asphalt shipped is protected by our heavy 6mil heat shrink shrouds. These high-quality, durable shrouds ensure that our asphalt will hold up in your inventory under the harshest of conditions. 

• Reduce inventory loss 

• Order more when prices are lowest 

• Greater customer satisfaction 

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop® or visit www.unitedasphalts.com. 

Original article source: United Asphalts 

About United Asphalts 

United Asphalts has been manufacturing oxidized asphalt for BUR since 1961. Based in Denver, Colorado, United Asphalts uses premium flux from local suppliers to produce ultra-high-quality type 3 and type 4 roofing asphalt as well as type 2 waterproofing asphalt. UA’s product has long been recognized as one of the best on the market having been accepted by almost all major manufacturers offering NDL full-system warranty built-up roof systems.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

50-pound cartons are lighter so you can increase your work speed with less risk of injury. 

United Asphalts understands that as a roofing contractor, time is money. When on a job site, you need a product that will make the job go as quickly and safely as possible. United Asphalts believes that a product should be easy to use down to the packaging. That is why they offer their premium asphalt in easy to ship 50-pound cartons. 

The weight of these kegs reduces heavy lifting and chopping, making it convenient for your crew to simply throw the 50-pound cube directly into the kettle and get to work. 

Exclusive to United Asphalts, you can ship 50-pound cartons in: 

• 48 cartons per pallet 

• 20 pallets per truckload 

• 960 cartons per truckload 

• Average full truckload weight = 48,000 lbs. 

Every pallet is adequately protected from the normal hazards of handling and shipping by their heavy six-millimeter heat shrink shrouds. You can be sure that with this superior packaging - on top of the high quality crude raw materials - you are offering your customers the best asphalt option available. 

United Asphalts goes well beyond protecting your order with double banding, slip sheets and a heavy plastic shroud that helps protect the asphalt long after after it is delivered. Reduce inventory loss with these high-quality, durable shrouds that ensure their asphalt will hold up in your inventory under the harshest of conditions. 

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop® or visit www.unitedasphalts.com. 

About United Asphalts 

Since 1961, the family-owned company, United Asphalts has been an industry leading manufacturer of high-quality asphalt products. They pride themselves on producing some of the best asphalt materials available today and ship within the U.S. and Canada as well as many other countries across the globe. Every member of their team cares about the quality of their products and works every day to ensure their processes and customer services operate with excellence.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RoofersCoffeeShop President 

With uncertainty about when supply chain issues will ease, contractors are turning to alternative solutions. 

We are living in uncertain times where roofing contractors are battling material shortages, price increases and lack of labor not to mention a pandemic.  Roofing companies are searching for options to combat these challenges.

According to an article from The New York Times, “The Great Supply Chain Disruption is a central element of the extraordinary uncertainty that continues to frame economic prospects worldwide. If the shortages persist well into next year, that could advance rising prices on a range of commodities.  As central banks from the United States to Australia debate the appropriate level of concern about inflation, they must consider a question none can answer with full confidence: Are the shortages and delays merely temporary mishaps accompanying the resumption of business, or something more insidious that could last well into next year?”

The article goes on to quote Adam S. Posen, a former member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee and now the president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, “There is a genuine uncertainty here. Normalcy might be ‘another year or two’ away.”

As business owners, roofing contractors need to be looking at the current situation and, as noted, the potential of this lasting for another year or two. How do you protect your business?  It centers around adaptability and honesty about current and future market challenges.

Almost no one in the roofing industry has remained immune to the seemingly endless supply chain woes caused by the global pandemic,” stated Bud Polston of United Asphalts. “The now familiar game of longer wait-times and increasing material costs has contractors and distributors alike searching for answers.” 

“Lead-times are being stretched into the second quarter of 2022 making it difficult to manage customer expectations and keep crews busy. Most forecasters agree that prices are likely to remain volatile and shortages of many key materials will continue to result in delays for months to come. We are seeing this again as oil prices continue to increase,” continued Polston. 

Many contractors are looking at what is available and how they can incorporate that into their business. They are considering new and old systems that are more readily accessible. That includes the return to the kettle for many.   

“In some markets we are hearing about roofers dusting off their kettles and returning to asphalt as a solution for the metal fastener and low-rise foam adhesive shortages,” stated Polston. “Many are submitting hot alternative options to specifiers in an attempt to speed up a project’s lead time.”  

“We are fortunate that our inventory of oxidized and polymer-modified asphalts remains strong, and our order fulfillment rate has been effectively unchanged by the current climate,” noted Polston.  

As roofing companies continue to look for options, it will continue to be important to not only look to the future but also look at the past. As stated earlier, it is about adaptability to new and old systems and being honest with customers about alternatives. Systems such as hot built-up roofing may not be just a short-term solution but potentially a long-term solution until we get through the current supply chain issues, whenever that may be.

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the RCS Week in Roofing e-news. 

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Learn how United Asphalts ensures quality performance and premium packaging for the products you use every day.  

United Asphalts shows their products, process and packaging in a video playlist, available on RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS). Get a unique look at how these superior products can make your job site more efficient and see an inside look at what United Asphalts does to make your job a little easier.  

Quality control and testing 

Learn about how United Asphalts goes the extra mile to ensure consistent quality standards of every product. This quick video shows you the process that United Asphalts products undergo to meet the high standards that create such a superior product. See how the company’s products are dedicated to quality in this overview of how product testing is designed to ensure products meet and exceed ASTM standards. Watch United Asphalts advance asphalt before your eyes! 

United Asphalts new FastPack Box 

The FastPack Box is one of the many ways United Asphalts is modernizing the entire process of receiving roofing products. The FastPack Box is a quick-release box carton that enhances efficiency on the jobsite and is a compatible packaging option for every product offered by United Asphalts. See for yourself how this packaging makes using asphalt on the jobsite fast and easy. 

ENDURAflex HT from United Asphalts 

This video introduces you to ENDURAflex HT. As stated in the video, ENDURAflex HT is an outstanding product that offers improved elongation, tensile strength and better recovery for BUR systems with available class 4 hail rating. Notably, ENDURAflex HT can work with roofing products of the future like green roofs! 

 United Asphalts EnduraFlex 

Learn how ENDURAflex HT raises the bar for built up roofs with increased tensile strength, elongation and elastic recovery. As more and more specifiers and architects are requiring a class for hail resistant roof and demand for roofing systems that can withstand the most extreme weather conditions increases, learn about how ENDURAflex HT can provide excellent protection to the home. 

UA heat shroud process 

See how United Asphalts packages each and every pallet of asphalt in this quick video. Watch the process of how UA produces their Heavy 6mil heat-shrink shrouds to ensure that our asphalt will hold up in your inventory under the harshest of conditions. 

Hot asphalt comparison 

This interesting comparison video demonstrates how waste product on traditional asphalt can clog up your kettle compared to the clean asphalt produced by United Asphalts. See for yourself the difference United Asphalts products make.  

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop ® Directory or visit  www.unitedasphalts.com.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Don’t miss out on one of the largest regional roofing expos this September 21-23. 

Known as the premier regional roofing event in the United States, the Western Roofing Expo 2021 - September 21-23 at The Mirage Las Vegas - features a two-day trade show, 24 educational seminars, two keynote luncheons, the Roofing Games™, golf and sporting clays tournaments, an amazing welcome party and lively-silent auction and unbeatable networking with powerful industry connections. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be there, sharing information and handing out “Next Time You See A Roofer — Look Up To Them” bumper stickers. 

The CoffeeShop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with Northwest roofing contractors. View the trade show map to plan your time at the expo. Be sure to visit these RCS Partners: 

1. ABC Supply Co., Inc. Booth 719 

2. AccuLynx Booth 1029 

3. Angi Booth 223 

4. Art Unlimited Booth 611 

5. ATAS International Inc. Booth 731 

6. Beacon Building Products Booth 801 

7. BITEC, Inc. Booth 306 

8. CertainTeed Booth 909 

9. Cotney Attorneys & Consultants Booth 1215 

10. DaVinci Roofscapes Booth 912 

11. Equipter Booth 208  

12. EVERROOF Booth 613 

13. Franklin International/Titebond Booth 724 

14. GAF Booth 503 

15. GCP Applied Technologies Booth 201 

16. General Coatings Manufacturing Corp. Booth 712 

17. Geocel (Sherwin-Williams) Booth 1106  

18. Guardian Booth 226 

19. HOVER Booth 828  

20. IB Roof Systems Booth 300  

21. ICP Building Solutions Group / APOC Booth 601 

22. IKO Manufacturing Booth 919  

23. Integrity Insurance and Bonding Inc Booth 125 

24. JobNimbus Booth 930  

25. Johns Manville Booth 1218 

26. Leap Booth 419 

27. National Roofing Contractors Association Booth 107 

28. National Women in Roofing Booth 131 

29. New Tech Machinery Booth 106 

30. Owens Corning Booth 1101 

31. PABCO Roofing Products Booth 301 

32. Quarrix Building Products Booth 311 

33. Roof Hugger, LLC Booth 832 

34. S-5! Booth 1224 

35. Sales Transformation Group, Inc. Booth 113 

36. Sashco Inc. Booth 733 

37. SIKA Corporation - Liquid Applied Roofing & Waterproofing Division Booth 324 

38. SRS Distribution Booth 401 

39. United Asphalts, Inc. Booth 728 

40. Western Colloid Booth 406 

41. Western States Roofing Contractors Association Booth 1219 

And don’t forget to check out ATAS International, Inc. at booth 731. Frank Saldana, product representative at ATAS will be speaking on Thursday, September 23 at 10:15 a.m. about Sustainable Building Envelopes. You won’t want to miss what he has to say.  

Check out the newest RoofersCoffeeShop eBook for Integrity Insurance and Bonding, Inc. and be sure to visit them at the show to learn more. 

Join Trent Cotney and the team at Cotney Attorneys and Consultants for the following educational sessions: 

• Wednesday, September 22 

• Navigating Legal Issues of COVID-19, Ben Briggs 

• Empowering Your Field Leaders, John Kenney 

• Navigating Material Volatility and Supply Chain Issues, Trent Cotney 

• Thursday, September 23 

• The History of Roofing, Trent Cotney and John Kenney 

• Legal Issues When Using Subcontractors on Projects, Trent Cotney 

Register today so you don’t miss out on these opportunities to visit these RCS partners and better your business and roofing skills! 

Learn more about the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.wsrca.com.

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Why BUR is the ideal choice for use with vegetative roofs and what contractors should know about this growing market. 

In 2017, the Freedonia Group conducted a study to predict the demand for vegetative roofing systems. From their findings, they forecasted the demand to increase 11% per year through 2023. In 2019, Grandview Research valued the global green roof market at 1.1 billion USD and estimated it to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17% from 2020 to 2027. With tax benefits starting to be offered to companies who use green roofing as well as the public appeal to sustainable roofing systems, it’s safe to say the vegetative roof revolution is underway and could be the next momentous change in the roofing. 

What is a vegetative roof? 

A vegetative roof, also known as a green or living roof, is a system that includes several layers, just like a non-vegetative roof. It incorporates a waterproofing membrane and protective layer, such as Built-Up Roofing (BUR) asphalt, which plays a significant role in the performance of vegetative roof systems. 

Why is BUR the best option for vegetative roofs? 

Built-Up Roofing systems offer many advantages for supporting a green roof. Firstly, the monolithic structure of BUR systems provide superb waterproofing protection and form a root barrier that is nearly impenetrable. The importance of this function, as all contractors know, cannot be understated within these systems. Additionally, the asphalt in BUR systems can withstand deformation caused by the numerous layers of green roof materials, especially as these green systems age over time.  

“Additionally, with vegetative roofing systems comes a marked increase in foot traffic and use of tools and equipment both small and large,” said United Asphalts. “Built-Up Roofing systems have proven far more resilient than single-ply systems when it comes to tool punctures and heavy foot traffic.”  

Vegetative roofs offer a wonderful opportunity for people in urban areas to use as gardens, so ensuring that the base of the system is strong, long-lasting and durable is crucial to the success of vegetative roofing systems. Along a similar vein, Built-Up Roof systems comparative longevity and low maintenance costs are indispensable benefits when offsetting the maintenance costs of vegetative roofs. 

The green roof revolution is here to stay and United Asphalts is meeting the demand by providing high-quality roofing asphalt to green roof contractors. 

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.unitedasphalts.com.

By United Asphalts. 

All your questions about United Asphalts ENDURAflex HT SEBS polymer‐modified asphalt answered. 

The worsening of extreme weather patterns across the globe has spawned a demand for more robust commercial roofs. Luckily, the polymer-modified roofing asphalt ENDURAflex HT SEBS meets this increasing demand for materials and systems that can withstand extreme weather. ENDURAflex HT SEBS offers a formula that increases elastic recovery, thermal stability, tensile strength and resistance to UV degradation.  

ENDURAflex HT SEBS is different from SBS (Styrene‐Butadiene‐Styrene); a modified asphalt that was made to improve the extensibility and durability of roofing asphalt. Unfortunately, SBS requires the use of expensive oil‐jacketed kettles to avoid damaging the chemical composition of the material, and it does not possess a level of UV resistance that is needed for multi‐decade effectiveness in many environments.  

SEBS (Styrene‐Ethylene‐Butadiene‐Styrene), on the other hand, utilizes the addition of an Ethylene midblock which serves to make the material both thermally stable and highly UV resistant. It does not require an oil‐jacketed kettle or any special equipment. This new material can be used in standard direct‐fire kettles and excels in a wide range of climatic conditions. 

ENDURAflex HT SEBS is best utilized wherever the most durable and longest‐lasting built‐up roof is needed. Owners of critical facilities, such as hospitals, schools, computer centers, airports and sensitive government buildings have come to realize the importance of installing a hail‐resistant roof assembly over their facilities. ENDURAflex meets or exceeds all requirements of ASTM D6152. In some cases, United Asphalts can also customize a batch to meet a specific specification.  

If you seek a hail-resistant, Class IV built-up roof, look no further than ENDURAflex HT SEBS polymer-modified roofing asphalt from United Asphalts for high-performance roofing material.  

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop® or visit www.unitedasphalts.com. 

Original article source: United Asphalts

By United Asphalts. 

United Asphalts is excited to return to the Western Roofing Expo and show off their new innovations.  

A lot has happened at United Asphalts since the last Western Roofing Expo in 2019 Coming back together and in person is sure to be meaningful as everyone adjusts to the new normal and catches up over what has changed in the last year. During this time, United Asphalts was hard at work updating and improving their polymer-modified asphalts and developing their FastPack carton, so it’s safe to say they can’t wait to show everyone what they have been working on! 

FastPack is a 50 pound box designed with a quick release liner for faster opening. The heavy-duty cardboard box carton opens in seconds, this isn't a hyperbole. Efficient in every sense of the word, their new package design is faster with less mess and waste as there is no chopping.  

The true innovation of the FastPack, however, lies in how much better this packaging is for the environment. FastPack cuts back on package waste as it does not include the typical metal bottom found in traditional kegs, which will reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. This convenient packaging has no individual plastic wrapper to contribute to coking of the contractor’s kettle. And of course, FastPack is 100% recyclable. 

United Asphalts will be stationed in booth #728 with a full array of information on their FastPack and the entire lineup of their products for the year 2021! They will also be raffling off some fantastic gifts, so make sure to stop by and get entered. United Asphalts has a lot to talk about at WRE 2021 September 21–23, 2021  and they are looking forward to seeing you there!

Learn more about United Asphalts in their RoofersCoffeeShop® or visit www.unitedasphalts.com.