At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is a Built-Up Roof?
A built-up roof (BUR) is the most widely used material for covering flat roof surfaces. These roofs have been used for well over a century, and are made from multiple layers of reinforced fabric joined by a binding agent, or bitumen. Each layer of fabric is known as a ply, and higher numbers of plies are associated with more long-lasting and durable roofs.
There are two main types of built-up roofs and each is categorized by the binding agent, or bitumen, that is used. Coal tar is the more durable of the two bitumen products, and is made using by-products of coal production. Asphalt is less durable, but often less expensive, and is a by-product of petroleum manufacturing. The use of these two bitumens may be limited depending on regional availability and environmental laws.
Built-up roof installers begin by adding a waterproofing membrane to the roof deck. Two layers of building paper or rubber membrane are nailed to the surface, making the roof effectively waterproof before any additional BUR plies are added. Next the installers will alternate layers of roof felt or fiberglass with mopped-on asphalt or coal tar. Finally, the entire surface is coated with a protective top coat such as gravel or clear glaze. The average built-up roof will have between three and five plies, not including the waterproofing membrane layers.
The primary benefits associated with built-up roofing is the low cost of materials and installation, especially when compared to alternative roofing products like metal or rubber. Built-up roofs are also durable and low-maintenance, and are able to withstand wind or fire damage. They can also be easily patched and repaired over time as needed. Because a double layer of waterproofing is used on these roofs, the plies themselves are redundant and help to create a reliable and watertight installation.
Despite their many benefits, homeowners should also consider the potential drawbacks of built-up roof construction. The materials used to construct a built-up roof are susceptible to both sun and water damage. Prolonged exposure to these elements can cause small cracks to form in the surface, which will eventually cause the roof to fail. While a built-up roof is known for its durability, it is unlikely to last as long as many alternative materials. The bitumens used to construct a built-up roof tend to produce a foul smell during installation, and may release toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Woman holding a book]()
Woman holding a book
Discussion Comments
@Laotionne - The technology involved with roofing materials has changed considerably over the last couple of decades and it continues to change each year. The insulation materials that are applied directly on the wood part of a roof and below the shingles you choose are so good that they can make any topping material work.
Trying to repair a leak over the shingles with asphalt or tar is not as effective as directly covering the wood top. But no matter what materials you decide to go with, you need to make sure the job is done the right way by a certified roof contractor. The best materials aren't much good when they are not installed as they were meant to be installed.
@Laotionne - I have seen built-up roofing applied to commercial buildings. I had a friend who's father owned a car garage and the building had a flat roof. The building was built out of stone and cement block. Every so often the place would start leaking and my friend's father would have some guys come out and start spreading asphalt with the "hot mop".
The roof was not pretty, but because the edges of the building were built up higher than the roof you couldn't see the roof of the building unless you went on top. Also, the roofing materials didn't seem to do the job for very long. There seemed to always be someone on the roof patching holes and cracks.
My grandmother is having trouble with the roof on her house not keeping out the water as it runs off the roof. The shingles on the roof are not very old, so she definitely doesn't want to pay to have it ripped off and then pay the cost for a new roof installation. The roofer she called told her that he can patch up the bad places with roof materials to create a built up roof.
Post your comments