Flat Roofing
- Built Up Roofing (BUR) Built up roofing is a generic term for a roof system that is literally built by adding layers. ...
- Single-Ply Roofs. ...
- Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Sprayed polyurethane foam is a relatively new product that is sprayed onto the roof as a liquid in order to form a single, continuous, seamless structure.
- Hire an Experienced Roofer. ...
Which flat roof is best?
How to choose the best roof for your house
- Asphalt shingles. These are the most popular, are relatively simple to install and, generally speaking, are the least expensive.
- Wood shakes and shingles. These are typically made from cedar, redwood, or southern pine. ...
- Tiles. ...
- Slate. ...
- Metal. ...
Are flat roofs better than tiled roofs?
While shaped roof tiles are commonly preferred for use on more traditional home designs. With all things considered, the pros and cons of both flat roof tiles and shaped roof tiles are nearly the same, the only real difference between these are a homeowner’s personal choice of aesthetic appeal. Ajax Gregson TIles
How do you install a built up roof?
Install Metal Panels
- Align the first metal roofing panel so that it overlaps the edging by 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch and is square to the roof line.
- Be sure the larger edge is laid so that the small edge of the next panel will overlap it.
- Follow the roof panel manufacturer’s guidelines for screw placement on the panels. ...
What is the best roofing system for a flat roof?
What is the best system for a flat roof?
- Torch on felt. This technique came about as an improvement on the previous mineral felt roofing used in the 1960s and 1970s.
- EPDM Rubber Roof. Introduced to the UK market several years ago, these roofs have become increasingly popular. ...
- GRP Fiberglass. Normally laid in one or two layers with a jointless finish and completed with factory made trims. ...
What is a built up roof?
Built-Up Roofing, or BUR for short, first appeared around the mid 1800's. It is a roofing system where multiple layers of asphalt get applied between ply sheets (or felts) over the roof deck and insulation.
How long does a flat built up roof last?
A properly maintained flat roof can last for decades, depending on the materials. A built-up roof or layers of modified bitumen can last for up to 20 years. Lightweight thermoplastic polyolefin or spray-on coatings of polyurethane foam, acrylic or silicon have a similar lifespan.
What are the different types of flat roofs?
What are the different types of flat roofs? Built-up roof (BUR), modified bitumen roof (MBR), and rubber membrane roof (EPDM).
What are built up roof layers called?
ply sheetsThe fabrics or layers used on built-up roofing are also known as ply sheets. These sheets are typically reinforced with fiberglass or organic mats, depending on the roof.
How often should a built up roof be replaced?
15-50 yearsAn average roof needs to be replaced after 15-50 years, depending on the material used, ventilation and climate factors like humidity, heat and cold. You should get a roofing contractor to perform a roof inspection every year to see what condition your roof is in and tell you if it needs to be replaced.
How do I know if my flat roof needs replacing?
Signs your flat roof needs replacingDesign and installation. ... Tears, splits, cracks and exposed timbers. ... Adhesion failure, bubbling and blistering. ... Ponding, poor falls and small outlets. ... Organic growth. ... Adjoining walls and upstands.
What type of flat roof is best?
EPDM Membranes Quite possibly the best flat roofing membrane, EPDM is a relatively low-cost flat roof material that offers a number of significant advantages. Clean, straightforward installation, incredible strength, a long lifespan, and a smart finish combine to make EPDM membranes a difficult one to beat.
What is the best roof for a flat roof?
The 4 Best Materials for a Flat Roof (& How Much They Cost)EPDM membrane roofing. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber black membrane commonly used in commercial and medical facilities. ... TPO membrane roofing. ... PVC membrane roofing. ... Standing seam metal roof.
How do I know what type of flat roof I have?
If your roof appears reflective white or gray in color and has what looks like a sprayed-on pattern, you likely have a polyurethane flat roof. In the installation of SPF, base layers of dense polyurethane foam are sprayed onto the surface of the roof with a sprayer or wand.
How thick is built up roofing?
How thick is built-up roofing? A BUR roof system comes in multiple layers, most often between two and four. The thickness depends on the materials used and the number of built-up roofing layers applied, but typically the selvage area ranges between two to four inches.
How do you repair a built up roof?
First, with a built up roof construction, contractors lay and fastened base sheets to the subsystem with roofing nails. Next, they use adhesive, asphalt, concrete, or tar, to glue felt over the base sheeting. Last, the final layer roofers install cap sheets or gravel, then topped off with a layer of asphalt.
How do you remove a built up roof?
0:302:41Precision Roofing: Flat Roof Removal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea by confining debris to an isolated area and accurately depositing into the dumpster below onceMoreArea by confining debris to an isolated area and accurately depositing into the dumpster below once the metal deck is prepared the precision crew lays down insulation.
How long does a modified bitumen roof last?
about 20 yearsModified bitumen roofing systems have a lifespan of about 20 years. It's important to note that these roofing systems require very little maintenance, and with proper cleaning and attention to any necessary repairs, modified bitumen roofs can actually last for much longer.
How long do rubber flat roofs last?
between 30-50 yearsRubber roofing is suitable for extreme conditions, giving you one of the most durable and reliable roofs available that typically lasts between 30-50 years.
How long does a flat roof last in Florida?
The average lifespan of a flat roof in Florida is 10-12 years. Flat roofs are susceptible to leakage and termites, which can cause significant damage to your home. You can expect regular roof maintenance to increase the lifespan of your roof – which means that you won't have to replace it for a long time!
How long does a flat roof last in Arizona?
Foam: 50+ years with proper maintenance Polyurethane foam roofs are the most popular roofing systems for flat roofs in Arizona and are widely used for commercial roofing systems.
What is a Built-Up Flat Roof?
These are a very traditional kind of roof system that is usually composed of hot tar and gravel. BUR is made up of many layers and usually, the top layer is where the tar and gravel are. It is very interesting to note that out of all the flat roofs that are around today, built-up roofs are the ones that have been around the longest.
How Thick is Built-Up Roofing?
The roofing felts, for instance, are reinforced with either glass-fiber mats or organic mats. Felts are produced with a standard width of thirty-six inches. This equates to a metric width of about one meter. The bitumen that is used in BUR roof systems is asphalt, coal tar or cold-applied adhesive. A professional roofing company will be able to properly discuss all the layers and why they are important for the surface of your roof system.
What is the Difference Between Built-Up Roofing and Modified Bitumen?
There are several distinct differences between built-up roofs and modified bitumen roofs. Please review the following bullet points to discover more.
What is the phone number for a roof in Yukon?
The best roofing team to call for your built-up roof in Yukon and Oklahoma City, OK is ours. Please reach out to us today at (405) 470-9115.
Is a metal roof fire resistant?
For example, metal roofs perform very well under extreme temperatures, and are naturally fire-resistant. Slate roofs are also an excellent choice because they are made out of stone, which is also fire-resistant.
What is a built up roof?
A built-up roof is a roof that has been treated with the application of specialized roofing materials to strengthen, seal, and finish low-slop roofs. A BUR consists of multiple layers of adhesive materials, alternating ply sheet fabrics, and surfacing materials and finishes.
How much does a flat roof cost?
Smaller buildings with smaller roofs will be less expensive, but the average figures are around $4.00 to $5.55 per square foot of roofing.
How Long Does A BUR Roof Last?
BUR has been commonly used worldwide for many years, but how long does this type of roof last?
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Built-Up Roof?
Built-up roofing systems are some of the most cost-effective flat roofing systems available. We have established that these roofing systems are excellent for their price, but how much does it cost to replace a built-up roof?
What is a bur roof?
BUR consists of layers of roofing materials placed on top of one another to build up the roof. Once the layers are in place, an adhesive seals the roof and is then covered with an aggregate material such as gravel or slate slabs to protect the roofing from harsh sun rays and impact damage.
What factors affect the lifespan of a bur roof?
Other factors that affect the lifespan of BUR are the climate exposure of the roof and how well the BUR is installed and applied. Cold temperatures reduce the lifespan of BUR. The number of layers in the BUR will also determine its longevity.
Why does my roof have blisters?
Heat or moisture under the top layer of roofing or roofing seal typically causes BUR blisters. Expanding vapors or air within the roofing material force the sealant layer to expand, causing a bubble within the roofing.
What is a bullasted roof?
But on a Ballasted roof, an unsealed waterproof membrane is held in place with piles of rocks. This style of BUR roof can feature rock piles from a few inches high up to a foot high.
What is the top layer of a roof?
The top layer of stones gives the roof a finished look while protecting the bottom layers from impacts by debris and sunlight. You can even have a reflective layer added to the top to meet cool roof requirements.
What is the sealant on a tar and gravel roof?
Another significant variation between the two systems is that on Tar & Gravel roofs, a bitumen chemical sealant goes over the top of the rocks to keep them in place. This sealant can be heat or cold applied.
Why do we need tar on a bur roof?
Because BUR roofs consist of multiple layers of tar, which is water-resistance by itself, topped by a layer of pea-sized ¼" thick gravel, it prevents water from getting beneath the materials to create leaks that can damage your structure.
What is the benefit of a bur roof?
There are many benefits to choosing a BUR roof type for your home. First, BUR roofs have excellent waterproofing. Second, the construction also protects the roof from damage against UV (ultraviolet) rays.
How much does a bur roof weigh?
The final concern about BUR roofs is the heavier weight, which may put too much strain on your roofline. A ballasted roof weighs more, with 10 to 25 pounds per square foot.
How much does it cost to install a bur roof?
A: Installation for a BUR roof using tar & gravel can cost between $3,750 and $6,750. The final cost varies depending on the roof's size, slope, and pitch. For example, one square foot (12" x 12") can cost $2.50 and $4, equaling $250 to $400 a roofing square (100 square feet).
What is built up roofing?
Most built-up roofing is comprised of three parts: bitumen material, ply sheets, and one or more surfacing materials. The bitumen can be either “hot,” meaning it is heated so that it liquefies during installation, or it can be “cold,” which is more like an adhesive and is not heated. Cold built-up roofing can be sprayed or applied with a squeegee. It does not give off toxic fumes during application and is not dependent on weather. It also offers better performance than hot built-up roofing.
How long does a roof last?
Depending on the climate and the specific materials used, built-up roofing has an average life expectancy of 15 to 30 years, but some constructions can last up to 40 years. In general, built-up roofing tends to fare better in warmer climates than in cold regions.
What is a bur roof?
Built-up roofing, also called BUR, is the most common roofing material used on low-slope roofs. It is composed of alternating layers of reinforcing fabric and bitumen (asphalt) and is finished with a top layer of aggregate, such as stone or gravel. BUR is preferred for low-slope, or “flat,” roofs because it creates a continuous sealed surface.
How wide is a ply sheet?
Each ply sheet layer is laid over hot or cold bitumen to bond it to the roof. Ply sheets are commonly produced in a standard width of about 36 inches. Surfacing materials form the top layer and may consist of small stones or finer gravel, depending on the application.
What is ballasted roofing?
One special type of built-up roofing, called ballasted roofing, uses large stones (about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter) for the surface layer. With a ballasted system, the lower layers are not adhered or fastened to the roof structure, and the heavy surface layer keeps the roofing in place.
Is built up roofing new?
Built-up roofing is nothing new. The concept been around for over 100 years, although the material and its installation certainly have evolved during that time. Modern built-up products incorporate a rigid insulation layer for improved energy efficiency.
Can you use liquid applied coating on a roof?
You can also use liquid-applied coatings on top of the repaired area if chippings aren't available. Undulations or waves: Repair built-up roofing undulations by simply adding layers on top of the area to level it. Make sure the substrate is in good condition before making any repairs.
What is a built up roof?
Built-up roofs are installed using several layers of a special type of roofing felt that has been asphalt impregnated and embedded in bitumen applied with a hot mop.
How much pitch does a flat roof have?
Flat roofs are not flat, but have a very slight roof pitch of between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch per foot: just enough slope to drain water but also flat enough to be a problem if not constructed properly. Let's review the most common categories of flat roof materials available for your home: Single-layer membrane roof.
What is a membrane roof?
The membrane roof is the latest roofing technology and is also the roof of choice in commercial construction. Known technically as elastomeric or plastomeric roof membrane (depending on the material), single-ply roofs come in a few different varieties including: Of all these membrane types EPDM, synthetic rubber is the most common single-ply ...
How are membrane roofs attached?
Membrane roofs are attached in a variety of ways. They can be partially loose laid and held down with river rock ballast (requires roof structure to support the weight) or fully adhered to the roof deck. EPDM and Neoprene roof seams are fastened by adhesive and PVC roof seams are heat or solvent welded.
What is the grandfather of flat roofs?
Going back about 120 years, the grandfather of flat roofs is the built-up roof or BUR. Built-up roofs have solved the low pitch roof problem for ages, a challenge that asphalt shingles could never handle.
Why do you put a wear surface on a hot tar roof?
A wear surface of finely crushed stone granules is usually applied to the top layer of hot tar to protect the built-up roof assembly from UV light and weather.
What is PVC roof?
Polymer-modified bitumens. Of all these membrane types EPDM, synthetic rubber is the most common single-ply membrane roof material in both residential and commercial use.
What Are Tar & Gravel Roofs or Built-Up Roofs?
Built-up roofs or BURs (also called a tar and gravel roof) is a well-established and popular style of flat roof that is made up of alternating layers of roofing felt or fiberglass and asphalt that is applied with heat, which combines to make a long-lasting sturdy roofing system.
What is the purpose of weatherproofing a roof?
The weatherproofing aspects of the gravel embedded in the roof can prevent degradation like cracking or blistering that leads to leaks or other failures over time.
Why do you put tar and gravel on a flat roof?
Contractors and builders use gravel on flat roofing for two primary reasons; the first is to protect the underlying layer of roofing materials on built-up roofs (BURs), and the second is to secure or weigh down the roofing material, ...
Why do you need proof of tar and gravel roof?
This is because if a natural disaster or significant damage of some kind happens, you have proof of the prior condition of your built-up or tar and gravel roof, which will make your upcoming insurance claim much easier to process. You will thank yourself – and your public adjuster will thank you too – later.
How long does tar last on a bur roof?
Repairing tar and gravel is of course best left to the professionals, and since a properly maintained BUR roofing system can last for decades, chances are you will have to repair your roofing system at some point during its existence.
What is gravel on asphalt?
The gravel embedded on the top coat of asphalt (the flood coat) protects the underlying layers from the elements, including ultraviolet rays and natural threats like roof hail damage or heavy rains. Various types of BURs require a different type and weight of gravel depending on the underlying layers, the structure of the building, ...
How much of a tar and gravel roof needs to be replaced?
Most experts tend to say that if that if more than 25% of a tar and gravel roof is covered in patches, then the roof needs to be entirely replaced.
