Press Release

Long Life Is Primary Reason for Specifying
Asphalt Built-Up Roof Systems, Says QARC

Preventive Maintenance is The Key to the Long Life of an Asphalt Roofing System

[Washington, DC] – According to the Quality Commercial Asphalt Roofing Council (QARC) of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), one of the main drivers of the demand for asphalt built-up roofing (BUR) systems is the desire of building owners for long roof system life cycles.

“A solid core of building owners and roofing professionals continue to advocate hot-applied asphalt systems because of their long lives,” says Reed Hitchcock, Executive Director of ARMA.

ARMA advises that the life expectancy of a BUR system depends on the commitment to routine maintenance on the part of the owner. “Asphalt roofing systems have the potential for a very long life, and preventive maintenance is the key to realizing that potential,” advises Hitchcock.

Problem areas can be detected and fixed before they develop into leaks. Inspections can reveal situations, such as a loss of gravel, which could lead to felt erosion or brittleness. Less commonly, punctures and cuts to the membrane can occur, so it is wise to remove sharp objects and debris from the roof. Clogged drains or poorly sealed flashings also present problems that are repaired easily. The effects of chemical exhausts on roofing materials should be monitored.

These and other preventive maintenance actions can help catch problems before they damage larger areas of the roof system. Inspections should be performed not only on aging roofs but also on new roofs to guard against errors in installation, design or specifications.

“Millions of square feet of commercial buildings feature hot-applied asphalt BUR,“ says Hitchcock. “A majority of low-slope commercial buildings are candidates for asphalt roof systems whether those roof systems are traditional hot-applied BUR, modified bitumen or a combination of the two. It is important that building owners understand that early detection of installation defects often is the key to extending the life of these systems.”

Multiple-layer asphalt roof membranes have great appeal to building owners and will continue to play a major role in the high-quality segment of the market where building owners demand systems that offer maximum performance.”

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About the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is the North American trade association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous-based residential and commercial fiberglass and organic asphalt shingle roofing products, roll roofing, built-up (BUR) roofing systems, and modified bitumen roofing systems.

About QARC
The Quality Asphalt Roofing Council (QARC) is an initiative created to support and promote built-up and modified bitumen roof systems under the auspices of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.  The council is composed of roll goods producers, asphalt suppliers, equipment manufacturers, packaging suppliers and others.

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