The life expectancy of a built up roof can vary widely depending on the materials and installation practices used, as well as the weather and environmental conditions it is exposed to. Generally, a well-installed built-up roof should last between 15 and 25 years, although some roofs have been known to last more than 35 years.
To ensure a long life, it is important to have the roof inspected and maintained regularly, especially after severe weather events. Inspectors should look for weather damage and signs of moisture or obstructed drainage, as well as signs of aging and deterioration.
During maintenance, the roof should be checked for proper drainage and insulation, and repairs should be made as needed. Additionally, appropriate coatings and treatments should be applied every 5-10 years, depending on the roofing material and local climate.
This will help protect against moisture, weather, and UV damage, as well as extend the roof’s life span.
Are built up roofs good?
Yes, built up roofs are generally considered to be good. Built up roofs are constructed from several layers of asphalt-saturated felt, which makes them highly durable. The felt layers are typically held together with tar and then covered with additional tar and gravel.
This design allows built up roofs to be highly resistant to wind and weathering, making them a great long-term roofing solution. Additionally, due to the multiple layers, built up roofs are also effective at providing additional insulation and helping to keep temperatures more consistent inside the building.
Built up roofs are also quite economical when compared to other roofing options, making them an often attractive option. However, they may require more maintenance than other options such as membrane roofs, so this should be taken into consideration when choosing a roofing solution.
What are the most common roofing problems?
The most common roofing problems are leakage, wind and hail damage, rotting, missing, or cracked shingles, and poor installation, maintenance, or ventilation. Leakage is one of the most common and costly problems associated with roofs, as water can cause significant damage to wood and other building components.
Wind and hail damage can be caused by severe weather events, such as hail storms or high winds, and can result in torn or missing shingles, as well as structural damage to the roof. Rotting of the roof is another problem which is often caused by water leakage and inadequate ventilation, as well as from debris or mold growth, and can significantly reduce the life of your roof.
Cracked or missing shingles are another common roofing issue, and can lead to larger problems, such as water leakage, if not addressed. Lastly, poor installation, maintenance, or ventilation can cause all of these problems – and many more – in the long term, as these preventative measures help to ensure the longevity of the roof and its components.
What does it mean when a roof is built up?
When a roof is built up, it means the roof is being constructed with multiple layers of material. This could include multiple types of decking material, insulation, waterproofing membrane, and sometimes even rubber.
The process of building up a roof begins with creating a solid base and installing the appropriate layers of material, followed by installation of the roofing material. Building up a roof is more time consuming and labor intensive than other roofing methods, but it can also be more durable and provide better protection.
Additionally, it can create an aesthetically pleasing look that can enhance the look of a building.
How thick is built up roofing?
Built-up roofing (BUR) typically consists of several layers of materials. The exact number of layers and thickness of each layer will depend on the specific type of BUR used and what type of protection is needed.
Generally, the number of layers range from three to five, and the total thickness of a complete system can vary from 30-120 mils. The individual layers typically consist of bitumen, which serves as an adhesive and waterproofer, and large organic or inorganic felts that reinforce the bitumen and provide additional protection against water damage.
In some cases, the BUR surface may contain aggregate such as gravel, crushed stone or sand to provide an additional level of protection. The total thickness of the roofing system is determined by the number of layers installed and their respective weights, which also helps to dictate the lifespan of the roof.
To ensure a long-lasting and stable roof, manufacturers recommend that BUR be installed over a solid substrate, like plywood or concrete, although in some cases lighter substrates may be used if the local building codes permit.
What are the layers of built up roof called?
The layers of a built-up roof, also known as a tar and gravel roof, are made up of three different layers. The first layer is a waterproof base sheet. This sheet prevents moisture from entering the roofing system and provides an extra layer of protection.
The second layer is a reinforcement layer, which is typically made of fiberglass-mat or glass-fiber felt. This layer adds strength and provides a bond to the layers outside of the decking. The third layer is a gravel-surfaced cap sheet.
This layer helps protect the reinforcing layer from sun and weather damage and also provides a uniform, economic solution for large areas that would be difficult to shingle. The gravel also helps reflect the heat away from the roof, providing added insulation.
The layers of a built-up roof are essential to its longevity and durability, protecting the decking material underneath and ensuring the roof lasts for years without needing to be replaced.
Is a built up roof a flat roof?
No, a built up roof is not a flat roof. A built up roof, sometimes called a bunched up roof, is made up of several overlapping layers of roofing material. These layers are reinforced with a combination of tar and gravel, and are held together with specialized adhesive, nails, or roofing felt.
Built up roofing is a sturdy roofing system that is ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs. It is also used on commercial and industrial buildings due to the durability and cost-effectiveness of this system.
While the traditional flat roof is a single layer of material such as rubber or tarpaper, a built up roof is more complex.
What is the difference between built up roofing and single ply roofing?
Built up roofing is a system of multiple layers of asphalt or tar, normally reinforced with fiberglass or a similar material which is then topped with a layer of gravel, stone or a similar material to protect the roof’s surface.
The multiple layers of Built up roofing are usually four or more layers but the exact number of layers can vary. Built up roofing is a cost-effective, reliable roofing solution with a very long lifespan, typically 25-40 years.
Single Ply roofing is another type of roofing system that uses only one layer of material to cover the roof. The materials used for single ply roofing are either synthetic rubber or thermoplastic polymer.
Single ply roofing is a quick, easy way to install a roof and can also be relatively inexpensive compared to other roofing systems. Single ply roofing has a generally shorter lifespan than Built up roofing usually between 10-20 years.
What is built up bitumen roof?
Built up bitumen roofs (also known as BUR or tar and gravel roofs) are an economical, long-lasting type of roofing system. As the name implies, these roofs are constructed using multiple layers of bitumen or asphalt and reinforcing fabrics applied over a solid deck.
The final layer typically consists of a thick coating of gravel or a mineral-based surfacing material such as mineral granules or slag.
The benefits of a built up bitumen roof include low installation and maintenance costs, fire resistance, ease of repair, and long service life. The bitumen provides waterproofing protection, while the reinforcing fabrics provide additional strength and support to the roof.
Built up roofs are often used for flat roof surfaces such as commercial buildings, churches, warehouses, and low-slope structures. In conjunction with metal edging and flashings, these roofs can last for more than 20 years and provide an attractive, durable finish.
How long will a built up roof last?
A built up roof (BUR) can last anywhere from 15–30 years depending on the quality of the materials used, the climate and environment the roof is in, maintenance and repairs, and the installer’s expertise.
The critical aspect of any BUR system is that all components must be correctly installed and maintained to ensure a long lifespan. Typical BUR systems include multiple layers of felts, adhesives, and bituminous layers applied in alternating directions to form a strong, waterproof barrier.
Toopings are sometimes used for additional waterproofing and UV protection. The average lifespan can be extended by regular inspections and maintenance, ensuring that any problems are addressed as soon as possible.
Additionally, BUR systems typically come with a warranty from the manufacturer, and can even be extended with additional roof coatings. It is important to note that proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of a built up roof significantly, allowing it to provide reliable protection for much longer than the typical 15-30 year range.
What are common problems with built up roofing?
Built up roofing is an older, more traditional type of roofing and can require frequent maintenance to ensure it continues to protect your building. While it is typically seen as a cost-effective option, built up roofing has some common problems that should be taken into consideration when choosing this type of roofing.
One common problem associated with built up roofing is that it is potentially more prone to punctures and tears than other types of roofing. Built up roofing is typically composed of multiple layers of material, such as asphalt-soaked felt paper, that may not be as resilient as single-ply materials, like rubber or plastic membranes.
If any of the layers sustain an extensive puncture or tear, it could damage the entire roof.
In addition, built up roofing can also be vulnerable to moisture buildup, which can lead to rotting and poor insulation. When installing built up roofing, it is important to ensure the roof is properly sealed and ventilated, as this can help to reduce the risk of moisture buildup.
If a built up roof does become significantly damaged by moisture, it can be difficult or impossible to repair in some cases, and may need to be completely replaced.
Finally, built up roofing can often be difficult to install, as it requires special tools and equipment. This can increase labor costs, and may also present a difficulty for DIYers. It should also be noted that built up roofing typically needs to be inspected by a roofing expert at least once a year to make sure it is still in good condition.