Built up roofing is a specific type of roofing that is generally used on commercial buildings.
Built up roofs are made from multiple layers of tar paper, felt paper or synthetic materials. Built Up Roofs are designed to provide substantial protection against water penetration and rot due to their multi-layer design. Built-Up Roofs are available with various types of underlayment depending on the building’s needs including asphalt shingle, wood shake, or metal panels for example. Built Up Roofs have an appearance that varies according to their composition and thicknesses as well as the roof construction material being used underneath it such as concrete slabs, plywood sheathing boards, or metal sheets. Built Up Roofs are ideal for commercial buildings and warehouses.
Advantages of built up roof
Protection against water penetration and rot.
Water penetration is the number one cause of roof failure. A properly built-up roof provides a barrier against water. Combined with round-off and counter-flashing, the built up roof becomes impervious to rain, snow, or hail that could penetrate into an otherwise easy access cavity created by overlapping plies.
Protection against physical damage.
The built up roof protects the vulnerable deck from exposure to weather extremes – wind-driven rains, hail, and flying debris from construction for example. Without a continuous barrier of waterproof material, roofs often get holes poked in them by nails or even bad weather. In the worst instances, the penetration leads to leaks that may not be discovered for a considerable period of time. Protection from physical damage is particularly important when roofers have to step on the deck during construction or repair, as well as protection from accidental damage by tools or equipment.
Protection against ultraviolet degradation and aging.
Outdoor weathering is the number two cause of roof failure. Roofers using asphalt shingles typically apply a coating of protective asphalt to the top surface of each successive layer of shingle placed. This helps prevent aging and breakdown due to ultraviolet (UV) degradation or sunlight. Asphalt, however, is not impervious to UV rays that can degrade the asphalt – especially at places where it is thin or absent. A built up roof that uses coal-tar pitch as a waterproofing medium provides superior resistance to weathering due to UV rays, allowing for a long lifespan of fifteen years or more. Protection from ultraviolet degradation and aging is also important to avoid premature failure caused by age or weathering.
Low maintenance and durable.
Built Up Roofing is constructed of multiple piles of waterproof material that are either hot tar– or asphalt-based built up on top of one another to form the finished surface. This method of roof construction prevents water leakage and provides excellent protection against wind-driven rain.
The most familiar characteristic of Built-Up Roofing is the appearance of uniform ridges and grooves over the surface of the roof. This appearance results from the built-up layers which are lapped over each other to provide a smooth, uniform finished surface. On buildings with low slope roofs, Built-Up Roofing is generally used over a layer of Built-Up Tar and Gravel with the addition of aggregate to provide an extra measure of protection against wind-driven rain.
Energy Efficient.
If you live in a colder climate, Built Up Roofing can help reduce energy consumption by protecting the roof deck from being exposed to extreme cold. By insulating the roof deck, it prevents heat transfer through conduction. In warmer climates, built up roofs are commonly used over concrete slabs which have superior insulation properties compared to plywood sheathing boards. This reduces heat transfer through radiation, helping to keep the roof deck temperature cooler during hot weather to help reduce cooling costs.
What To Look For in Built Up Roofing Contractor
When choosing a company to construct your Built Up Roofing, it is important to look for certain qualities when screening prospective contractors.
Experience and Knowledge of Local Building Codes.
In order to ensure that the built up roof project will comply with the building codes in the area, it is best to work with a contractor who not only has experience, but also knowledge of the local building codes. Look for a contractor that manufactures, supplies, and installs Built Up Roofing in Tyler that has been specially designed to meet prevailing code requirements nationwide.
Highly Skilled Craftsmen.
Since good craftsmanship is an important part of any roofing job, you should make sure that the company you choose has skilled craftsmen. Look for a company that is proud of its on-site craftsmanship and treats roofing as more than just a job, but as a profession that they are proud to be part of.
Quality Roofing Materials.
Choosing the right materials is critical to any successful roofing project. Ensure that your contractor uses only the highest-quality materials that have been engineered to meet all industry specifications, as well as local building codes. Materials should be factory tested and meet the requirements of all recognized roofing industry standards.
RM Commercial Roofing Tyler offers the experience, knowledge, and skill needed to complete your project on time and within budget. We are proud to offer estimates for all of our services.
Things to consider before installing a built up roof
Built Up Roofing is not appropriate for every type of roof. Hot tar-based material can damage surfaces that can’t support prolonged exposure to heat; this includes concrete, metal, and fiberglass. Built Up Roofing also requires protection from direct sunlight or high ambient temperatures which could damage the roof system over time. It’s also important that roofers use the right types of fasteners for Built Up Roofing, especially in places like Tyler where wind is strong and often blows through.
Built up roofing has become popular due to its combination properties of strength, superior weather resistance, and low cost. As Built Up Roofing has grown in popularity, its ease of installation has increased as well. However, it’s still important to consider some things before deciding if this is the right roof system for your Tyler business.
Maintainability
Built Up Roofing is generally easy to maintain after it’s installed on your building. However, there are some considerations to take into account before deciding on this type of roof. Asphalt is easy to work with and can be patched and repaired easily. The downside is that it’s essential for the building owner to regularly check and patch roofs in order to avoid damaging the structure or creating water leaks.
Water damage makes up a large portion of roof system problems. If you’re living in an area that has more frequent rainfall, then it’s important to consider how well your roof handles water penetration. Your ability to monitor and maintain your building is vital for avoiding long-term damage or expensive repairs.
Insulation
Built Up Roofing is also an affordable solution for insulation. Compared to other types of roof systems, Built Up Roofing can be installed on your building with insulation materials like fiberglass or foam board in order to keep the interior space warm in winter and cool in summer. Not only will you avoid high energy bills; by using insulation, you can reduce your carbon footprint on the environment.
Aesthetics
One of the important considerations for choosing Built Up Roofing is its aesthetics. Asphalt shingles are available in a few different styles that allow you to customize their appearance with color and surface texture. This means that if you’re looking for something that looks more natural, you can find a way to integrate that into the final design.
Tile and other types of Material
Artificial slate, tile, and other materials can also be attached to your roof system in order to give it a more authentic look. If you’re looking for specific aesthetics such as this then you should discuss the options with your Tyler commercial roofing contractor.
The right contractors know what they need to do in order to provide you with the best possible roof system. From discussing your needs and expectations to laying out exactly what’s involved in the installation, your contractor should always help you understand each step of the process so that there are no misunderstandings along the way. It’s important to remember that it’s not just about getting a good price; it’s also about getting a roof that’s right for your building and living up to the quality standards you expect.
Built Up Roofing Repair & Maintenance
Aside from selecting the right material, it’s also important to make sure that your roof system is properly installed. This means laying out all of the building components according to code in order to ensure that they’re level and correctly attached to one another. When you’re installing something like Built-Up Roofing, there are many supporting materials required in order to ensure the roof system is secure and waterproof.
It’s important to be sure that your Tyler business has reliable Built Up Roofing in order to protect it from the wear and tear of all kinds of weather conditions. If you want to be sure that your roof is properly installed and in good condition, then take the time to find reliable contractors who will meet all of your needs.At RM Commercial Roofing Tyler, We provide professional services for individuals in Tyler, Texas who are looking for commercial roofing services. We are available for any questions or concerns that you may have about your roof.