Multi-ply Built-up Roofing Systems

Built-up roofing systems have been a staple roofing system for institutional and commercial facilities for decades. Property managers and architects have specified Built-up roofing systems because of their flexibility and durability. Built-up roofing systems consist of 3 or 4 plies of roofing felt mopped together with asphalt over the roof deck or roof insulation. Gravel or Coatings can be installed over the ply felts to suit the customer’s needs. An asphalt built-up roof is one of the oldest proven and time-tested roofing systems in the roofing industry.

Benefits of Built-Up Roofing

Built Up Roofing Systems have stood the test of time. Not only are they still used extensively for new construction projects, they are one of the most common types of commercial roofing systems in the world. Built up roofing systems are are designed to endure harsh weather conditions, in harsh climates, all year round, and we all know what kind of extremes exist in the Gulf Coast region.

Price Benefits of Built Up Roofing:
  • Inexpensive over entire life cycle
  • “Great bang for your buck”
  • Versatile options—choose the right system for your budget
Maintenance Benefits of Built Up Roofing:
  • Ease of repair
  • Low maintenance
Performance Benefits of Built Up Roofing:
  • Multi-layer protection
  • Thermal performance
  • Fire and up-lift performance
  • Durable, reliable
  • Suitable for all types of roof decks
  • Successful 100+ year track record
  • Redundancy of layers reduces chance for leaks
  • Superb tensile strength
  • Withstands high roof traffic
  • Strong and tough, today’s formulas resist weathering
  • Insulated systems achieve high thermal value
  • Adaptable to meet any penetration or flashing detail configuration

Hail Damage to Built-Up Roofing

One of the most vulnerable spots on any building is the roof. One hazard most building owners can expect to face at some point is hail. As we all know, hail can hammer the Gulf Coast and when it does, the potential for damage is real. Hail storms can shatter windows, damage the building’s exterior and, most important, destroy or damage the roof. One bad hail storm is all it takes to expose the weaknesses in your built up roofing system.

Built-up roofs comprise a large percentage of the commercial roofs today. The hail resistance of these roofs has been known to be substantial especially when covered with gravel. However, much debate has surfaced over the size hail needed to cause damage to such roofs as well as determining the characteristics of such damage.