Home / Commercial Roofing / Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

— Commercial · Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofing in Wisconsin from a BBB A+ rated contractor.

Buckshot installs, repairs, restores and replaces built-up roofing on commercial buildings across Wisconsin. Family-owned since 1979, the company offers a free on-site assessment and responds within 2 hours. Buckshot's own crews lay every ply and flash every parapet and penetration.

✓Install · Repair · Restore✓Own crews✓Since 1979

BGC

Free built-up roof quote

WI & IA · We respond in 2 hours

Free built-up roofing assessment.

Buckshot inspects your built-up roof on site at no cost and sends a clear, itemized proposal for a new system, repair or restoration.

✓Free assessment✓Own crews✓Any carrier✓Since 1979

MultiPly Redundancy1979Family-Owned Since4.9★200+ Reviews Companywide

$0Assessment Cost

— What Is Built-Up Roofing

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What is built-up roofing?

Built-up roofing (BUR) is a multi-ply membrane for flat and low-slope commercial roofs, assembled on site from layers of bitumen and felt ply sheets. Commercial buildings have relied on built-up roofing for over a century.

✓Multiple ply sheets

Built-up roofing usually stacks three to five ply sheets of fiberglass felt. If one ply is compromised, the plies beneath still keep water out.

✓Hot or cold bitumen

Each ply is set in hot-mopped asphalt or cold-applied adhesive, which bonds the felts into one membrane. Cold-applied adhesive works without a hot asphalt kettle.

✓Gravel or cap sheet

Gravel set in a flood coat of bitumen or a mineral-surfaced cap sheet forms the top layer. Either surface shields the plies from sunlight and foot traffic.

✓Made for low slopes

Built-up roofing suits the large, low-slope roofs of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. Tapered insulation under the plies can add slope that moves water to the drains.

Building owners still specify built-up roofing because its layered plies resist water and wear on heavily used roofs. The usual alternatives are modified bitumen, which uses factory-made sheets, and single-ply TPO or EPDM.

— Why Choose BUR

SEC 02 / 06

When built-up roofing makes the most sense.

Buckshot recommends built-up roofing for buildings that match these conditions.

You want redundancy, with several waterproofing plies instead of one sheet.The roof sees foot traffic, which gravel or cap sheet surfacing absorbs.Durability is the priority, and BUR has protected commercial roofs for decades.You're matching an existing system, repairing or replacing a BUR roof in kind.

— Why Buckshot For BUR

SEC 03 / 06

Commercial BUR Installation

Built-up roof installation by our own crews.

Built-up roofing performance depends on details, from ply laps and bitumen coverage to flashing at parapets, curbs and penetrations. Buckshot's own crews handle each detail and back the work with a written workmanship guarantee. Buckshot holds Wisconsin license DC-080900045 and also serves Iowa.

— Repair, Restore, Or Replace?

SEC 04 / 06

Repair, restore or replace a built-up roof?

Buckshot matches the fix to your built-up roof's condition, because a full tear-off is the costliest and most disruptive option.

Repair localized leaks, blisters, splits and failed flashing at parapets and penetrations.Restore or recoat a sound but aging membrane to add years before replacement.Replace the BUR system once it reaches the end of its service life.Storm damage documented for your insurance claim; we work with any carrier.

— How It Works

SEC 05 / 06

How a built-up roofing project works.

Buckshot runs every built-up roofing project in four steps.

Free assessment

We inspect the plies, surfacing and flashing, then deliver a clear, itemized proposal.

Recommend the right path

We recommend repair, restoration or replacement based on the roof's condition.

We do the work

Our own crews install the full system with minimal disruption to your operations.

Walk & warranty

We walk the finished roof with you and back the work in writing.

— Built-Up Roofing FAQ

SEC 06 / 06

Built-Up Roofing

(608) 909-9109

Free assessment · own crews

Q.01 — What is built-up roofing (BUR)?

Built-up roofing (BUR) is a multi-ply commercial roof membrane made of felt ply sheets bonded with hot asphalt or cold-applied adhesive. Gravel or a mineral cap sheet protects the top, and the layered plies keep water out if one is damaged.

Q.02 — What does a built-up roof cost?

Built-up roof cost depends on roof size, condition, ply count, surfacing and access, so Buckshot prices each building in an itemized proposal after a free on-site assessment. Schedule assessment →

Q.03 — Is built-up roofing better than TPO or EPDM?

Built-up roofing is the better choice when you need multi-ply redundancy and a surface that handles foot traffic. Single-ply TPO and EPDM are lighter and install faster, and Buckshot matches the system to your building after a free assessment.

Q.04 — Can a built-up roof be repaired or restored?

Yes, Buckshot repairs localized damage on built-up roofs and restores aging but sound membranes with a recoat. Either option can add years of service before the roof needs a full replacement. Commercial roof repair →

Q.05 — Will the work disrupt my business?

Disruption stays minimal because Buckshot plans built-up roofing work around your operations, coordinating timing, access and safety so your building keeps running. Your proposal lays out the schedule.

Q.06 — Do you handle storm damage and insurance?

Yes, Buckshot documents storm damage on your built-up roof for the claim and works with any insurance carrier. Your insurer and policy determine coverage and approval. Insurance claims →

Q.07 — How is built-up roofing different from modified bitumen?

Built-up roofing is assembled on site from several felt plies and hot or cold bitumen, while modified bitumen uses factory-made polymer-modified sheets in fewer layers. EPDM vs modified bitumen →

— Explore

Commercial Systems & Services

TPO RoofingSingle-ply membrane→EPDM RoofingDurable rubber membrane→Commercial RepairLeaks & storm damage→Commercial RoofingAll commercial services→

Buildings & Next Steps

Multi-FamilyApartments & complexes→HOA & CondoAssociation roofing→Free AssessmentNo-obligation proposal→Reviews4.9 stars from 200+ Google reviews→

— What Homeowners Say

Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Joy I 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot.

The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service!

All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shelly Ziegler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Stephens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free.
Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Anast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very customer focused company.  Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago.  Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again.  In process now to replace my roof and siding.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   paolo masone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great!  The roof was replaced in one day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug Cooper 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   christos karampetsos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for.

Thanks !!

— Home Base

Madison, WI · Centerville, IA

Free Assessment · Built-Up Roofing

Protect your building with built-up roofing.

Call (608) 909-9109 or schedule online for a free built-up roof assessment and a reply within 2 hours. Buckshot works with any insurance carrier, and 200+ Google reviews average 4.9 stars.

Buckshot General Contracting is a family-owned exterior contractor (since 1979), headquartered at 621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5, Madison, WI 53704, and licensed across 24 states. Star ratings and review counts reflect Buckshot customers companywide across our service area, not a single project type. Roofing system suitability, scope, specifications, and cost vary by building and are provided in a written proposal after an on-site assessment; system characteristics described are general to built-up roofing and not a guarantee for a specific roof. Insurance coverage and claim approval are determined by your insurer, not by Buckshot. Estimates and assessments are free with no obligation. Family-Owned Since 1979.