Asphalt Built Up for Flat Roofs

Asphalt Built Up for Flat Roofs

What is Asphalt Built Up?
by Roof101 – Asphalt built up is the most common form of roofing used for low sloped roofs (2:12) in America, constituting a large percentage of the overall number of roofs in the United States. Asphalt built up refers to several layers of reinforcing felt between asphalt and plies, or coal tar bitumen, which are covered with a surfacing material that serves as a ballast and holds them down, also reflecting UV rays. Usually the surfacing material used is gravel, and for this reason it is sometimes also called “tar and gravel roofing”. There are, however, other kinds of built up roofs, including smooth Asphalt built up, and Ballasted Asphalt built up. Depending on weather conditions, the average life span of asphalt built up roofs is approximately 10-20 years.

Maintenance of an Asphalt Built Up Roof
A built up roof requires annual inspections, as it is very common to find several leaks that have developed over the year. Additionally, penetrations on an asphalt built up roof such as vents, pipes, and ductwork, require repairing and inspection once annually, as they may gradually open and require periodic re-sealing. Seams and flashings may also need some repair work, and delaminations and blisters may also needs to but cut off and fixed before they develop into leaks. For all asphalt built up related services, Roof 101 has an expert on hand for all kinds of applications.

Problems with Asphalt Built Up Roofs
Although they can be prevented if detected early, there are many frequently occurring problems during the life of an asphalt built up roof. The most common is leaks, because asphalt built up is so sensitive to penetrations. Alligatoring and blistering are also regular, as pockets of air and moisture may lie between layers of the asphalt built up.

by Roof101

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RoofingMM.com Alhambra Roofing company Call (866) 733-5988 MeyersMaciel Roofing of Alhambra for hasslefree roofing estimate & affordable roof replacement or repair. Alhambra homes, commercial. Alhambra flat roof specialist with best price Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorhow much should i be sharged for a new roof?
i have a 1000ft ranch house in P.A. the roof is nothing special its pretty flat. some contractors priced me around $5,400. does this sound right? thanks!
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Roof101 – provides roof repairs, roofing contractors, roofers, roofing services and natural slate, asphalt shingle, skylights, wood shake flat, metal roofing materials and roof tiles installation.




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March 27th, 2010 | by roofing contractor |

2 Responses to “Asphalt Built Up for Flat Roofs”

  1. By accorn34 on Mar 27, 2010

    I have been doing asphalt roofing for about 23 years and believe it is always good planning to flash everything you can to keep water out. I recommend metal drip edge on all roof edges and make sure your roofer also applies ice and water shield on your roof under the shingles to help prevent ice dams. I have to go with your slate guy on this one.

  2. By Bob Hardin on Oct 25, 2010

    I am getting a roof-over my existing shingles. The old shingles are not curled. There is a drip edge under them. Do I need a drip edge under the new shingles? I know there is a special type for that application, but isn’t the existing drip edge sufficient if it is good condition?

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