Things You Need to Know About Built Up Roofing

Characteristics of Built Up Roofing

Built up roofing, also known as the BUR, is a roofing material that is often used on low-slope and flat roofs. It is a combination of alternating layers of reinforcing fabric and asphalt, finished with a top layer of aggregates such as stone or gravel. It creates a continuously sealed surface, whereas roof shingles are not sealed and are mostly used on steep roof slopes.

Built up roofing has a short lifespan of 15 to 30 years, depending on the material and where you live. Some of them can last up to 40 years; however, it has a shorter lifespan compared to other asphalt shingles and metal shingles. Built up roofing tends to last longer under warm weather compared to cold weather.

Most built up roofing is designed with three components: bitumen material, ply sheets, and one or more surfacing material. Bitumen material can be heated so it liquefies during the installation or can be cold to work as an adhesive. Installing cold offers better performance and does not create toxic fumes during the application. Ply sheets are special fabrics made with fiberglass or organic materials and come in a standard width of about 36 inches. Ply sheets are laid over the hot or cold bitumen. Surfacing materials are placed on the top layer consisting of small stones or finer gravel, depending on the application. This layer protects the roof from sunlight and damage from flying or falling debris.

There are three types of built up roofing systems: smooth surface insulated BUR system over a plywood deck, gravel-surfaced insulated BUR system over a steel deck, and mineral surfaced insulated BUR system with vapor retarder over a concrete deck. Consider talking to a professional roofer and local building department to ensure the best option for your home. You have to know your state’s code requirements and whether or not your house is suitable for the BUR system.

Repairing Built Up Roofing

Built up roofing requires regular checkups at least once a year to prevent from any damages happening. The coating of the roofing protects from strong sunlight, and the proper installation protects from water leakage. Coatings need to be replaced every four to six years, and have your roof checked up at least once a year by an inspector. If the coating is damaged or not properly done, it deteriorates faster and at a higher risk for premature leaking. You have to check also if the soffit and fascia need to be replaced. Roof leak is the last thing you want to happen to your roof. Here is a list of the most common damages and how to repair them.

1. Open joints – Open joints happen when the joints or seams have separated. The first thing you can try is adding cement under the open joint area to adhere to the substrate. If it doesn’t work, you can screw additional nails, then cover with cement. Once the cement dries out, spread some gravel over the cement and let it dry.

2. Cracks – For built up roofing, cracks are easily fixable. First, clean the crack area, make sure there aren’t any leftover pieces of gravel or debris on the roof. Apply a coat of asphalt cement over the area and install a roofing felt. Make sure to have more than 4 inches of overlap to cover the area. Repeat until you apply a final coat of asphalt cement. Once done, apply gravel on top of the cement.

3. Blisters – Minor blisters on the roof is easily fixable by simply cutting off the blister using a knife. Cut the blister until you reach the dry layer. Make sure to get rid of any damp top layers. Remove the plies and install new felt over the area. Apply asphalt, then cover with chippings. You can also use liquid-applied coatings on top of the repaired area if chippings aren’t available.

4. Undulations or waves – If the substrate is in a good condition, then you can repair undulations and waves damages. Add layers on top of the area to level it.

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