Built-Up Roofing Specialists Across Essex County Since 2003
Grayson Roofing & Chimney constructs built-up roofing systems throughout Essex County, having layered and sealed over 65 hot-tar and gravel installations since 2003 on Newark industrial buildings, East Orange commercial facilities, Irvington warehouses, and older multi-family properties. Our BUR crews (NJ #13VH08775100) apply alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing felts creating redundant waterproofing then finish with aggregate surfacing delivering proven 20-30 year performance, Class A fire ratings, and superior puncture resistance throughout Essex County’s commercial building stock. Built-up roofing represents America’s original flat roof system—over 100 years of proven field performance validating multi-layer redundancy newer single-ply membranes cannot replicate.
Why Essex County Homeowners Choose Grayson Roofing
12+ Years of New Jersey Expertise
Since 2013, we’ve specialized exclusively in residential roofing throughout northern New Jersey. Our extensive experience with Essex County’s diverse architectural styles.
GAF Master Elite Contractor Certification
We maintain GAF Master Elite status, placing us among the top 3% of roofing contractors nationwide. This certification qualifies your Essex County roof installation for enhanced warranty coverage including material defects, workmanship protection, and wind resistance guarantees.
Historic Architecture Specialists
Over 25% of Essex County homes were built before 1940. Our crews understand period construction techniques, proper flashing integration for slate and tile roofing, and structural considerations for century-old framing systems throughout Montclair, Glen Ridge, Maplewood, and Newark’s historic districts.
Insurance & Licensing Assurance
Grayson Roofing & Chimney maintains NJ Home Improvement Contractor License #13VH08775100, $2M comprehensive liability coverage, and full workers’ compensation insurance. Every roof installation meets building codes, permit requirements, and manufacturer specifications.
Built-Up Roofing Advantages for Essex County Commercial Buildings
Multi-Layer Redundant ProtectioN
Three to five alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing felts create redundant waterproofing—single punctures rarely penetrate all layers, providing fail-safe protection throughout Newark warehouses and East Orange industrial facilities where roof traffic occurs regularly.
Superior Fire Resistance
Gravel surfacing achieves Class A fire ratings—highest available protection against flying embers, rooftop fires, and exterior flame spread. Critical for Essex County buildings near high-fire-risk neighbors, industrial operations, or dense urban areas where fire protection matters.
Unmatched Puncture Resistance
Aggregate surfacing and multi-ply construction withstand foot traffic, equipment loads, and impact damage better than thin single-ply membranes essential for Newark commercial buildings, Irvington warehouses, and properties requiring regular rooftop access throughout Essex County.
Proven Century-Long Track Record
BUR technology dates to the 1800s—literally millions of installations demonstrate real-world performance across all climates. This extensive field history provides confidence throughout East Orange and Orange commercial properties where proven reliability outweighs modern marketing claims.
Our Roof Replacement Process
1
Initial consultation and inspection
2
Detailed estimate and material selection
3
Proper permits and preparation
4
Professional installation
5
Final inspection and cleanup
6
Warranty protection
Essex County Communities We Serve
Grayson Roofing & Chimney provides professional roof installation services throughout all Essex County municipalities:
Eastern Urban Essex County:
Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Irvington, Newark, Nutley, Orange
Western Suburban Essex County:
Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair, North Caldwell, Roseland, South Orange, Verona, West Caldwell, West Orange
Call (201) 310-7147 to confirm service availability in your specific neighborhood
Essex County Emergency Roof Repair Challenges
Essex County Built-Up Roofing Installation Challenges
Challenge 1: Hot Tar Safety & Odor Management
BUR installation involves heating asphalt to 400-500°F creating distinctive odors and safety concerns. Occupied commercial buildings throughout Newark and Montclair face tenant complaints about smells, while crews require strict safety protocols preventing burns and fire hazards. Our Solution: We schedule hot work during off-hours when feasible, notify all building occupants in advance, maintain fire watches during kettle operations, and use strict safety equipment throughout Essex County BUR installations. Modern cold-applied BUR alternatives eliminate heating concerns when odor sensitivity prohibits traditional methods.
Challenge 2: Weather Dependency During Installation
BUR requires dry conditions during ply application—bitumen doesn't adhere to wet surfaces, and rain during installation ruins incomplete work. Essex County's unpredictable weather creates scheduling challenges throughout Newark and East Orange commercial projects where forecast changes disrupt timelines. Our Solution: We monitor extended weather forecasts, schedule BUR work during stable weather windows, maintain protective covers ready for unexpected precipitation, and coordinate realistic timelines accounting for weather delays throughout Essex County installations.
Challenge 3: Aggregate Application & Embedment
Proper gravel embedment into hot bitumen requires precise timing—early application produces loose aggregate, late application prevents adequate bonding. Inconsistent embedment creates wind scour problems throughout Newark and Bloomfield commercial buildings exposing underlying bitumen to UV degradation. Our Solution: Our crews understand optimal temperature windows for aggregate embedment, apply gravel achieving proper bonding without excess bitumen, use appropriate aggregate sizes preventing wind displacement, and inspect coverage thoroughly throughout Essex County BUR projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do built-up roofs last in Essex County?
Traditional BUR systems deliver 20-30 year performance when properly maintained. Many installations exceed rated lifespans—35-40 year old built-up roofs remain functional throughout Newark and East Orange. Multi-layer redundancy and self-healing characteristics extend life beyond single-ply membranes requiring complete replacement when punctured.
What makes built-up roofing different from TPO or EPDM?
BUR uses multiple alternating layers versus single-ply membranes. This redundancy provides superior puncture resistance, self-healing properties, and fail-safe protection. BUR achieves Class A fire ratings with gravel surfacing, withstands heavy roof traffic, and costs comparably to premium single-ply systems while delivering proven century-long field history.
Can built-up roofing be installed on occupied buildings?
Yes, though hot tar odors require tenant notification and scheduling consideration. We coordinate installations during low-occupancy periods, notify all building users in advance, and use cold-applied alternatives when odor sensitivity prohibits hot work throughout Montclair and Bloomfield commercial buildings.
Does gravel surfacing require special maintenance?
Gravel requires periodic redistribution wind and roof traffic concentrate aggregate in low areas exposing bitumen. Bi-annual inspections identify bare spots requiring additional gravel throughout Newark and Irvington. Unlike membrane systems, BUR tolerates foot traffic without damage making maintenance access simpler.
Other Commercial Roofing Services in Essex County
Request Your Built-Up Roofing Assessment in Essex County
Invest in proven multi-layer protection. Call (201) 310-7147) for commercial property evaluation, BUR system recommendations, installation planning, and comprehensive proposals demonstrating time-tested performance for your Essex County commercial building.
Traditional BUR installations throughout Newark, East Orange, Irvington, Orange, Bloomfield, and Essex County’s industrial and commercial corridor.
Grayson Roofing & Chimney
436 MacArthur Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026
Phone: (201) 310-7147
Website: https://graysonconstructiongroup.com/
Century-Proven BUR Systems – Multi-Layer Commercial Protection
Contact us today:
Phone: (201) 310-7147 Address: 436 MacArthur Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026
About Grayson Roofing & Chimney
Since 2013, Grayson Roofing & Chimney has been Essex County’s trusted partner for residential roofing and chimney services. Based in Garfield, NJ, our experienced team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques to deliver roofing solutions that protect and enhance your home’s value.
Our commitment to quality workmanship, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service has made us the preferred choice for homeowners throughout the region. When you choose Grayson Roofing & Chimney, you’re choosing a local company with the expertise and dedication to get your roof installation project done right the first time.