The Green Roof Revolution – A Growing Sector for BUR

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.