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4 Ply Built-Up Roof

4 Ply Built-Up Roof

Also known as “tar and gravel” type roofs, a Built-Up Roofing System (BUR), an example of a hot roof, is installed through a process of laying down alternate layers of both asphalt and tar, along with reinforced fabrics that provide a support system for the roof. A cold roof however is the type of roof that has the insulation layer installed between or under the rafters.

Built-Up Roofing

Generally, BUR systems are made up of 3 primary parts which include ply sheets, bitumen material, and surfacing materials. The ply sheets are usually reinforced with some type of organic material or fiberglass. The ply sheets are put on top of the bitumen material, which is used as a bonding agent that keeps the ply sheet attached to the roof. When the bitumen material is heated and is left to liquefy during the roof installation, it is known as “hot” bitumen.

On the other hand, “cold” bitumen material is applied directly, much like a regular adhesive material. On top, surfacing materials, such as gravel, finish the roof’s look. The surfacing materials also function as both a protective layer against sunlight and other debris and as a structural layer making the roof sturdy enough to carry people’s weight. This means it is safe to walk on top of a built-up roof.

If necessary, base sheets can be applied to the initial layer of the roof in order to create a flat workspace. The roof consists of repeated layers of bitumen and ply sheet or fabric. Usually, property owners opt for either 3 or 4 ply built-up roofs, depending on both needs and the budget for the project.

Lifespan 

On average, BURs can last around 2 to 3 decades, and even up to 40 years with the right construction and proper maintenance practices. Lasting longer in warmer climates, built-up roofs may not fare as well in Yonkers NY. However, the quality of the material, construction, and installation also factor in how well a built-up roof is made to last. Getting the right contractor for the job is critical to getting the most years out of your BUR.

Advantages

Thus, it often doesn’t cost property owners to keep it in great shape long term.

In summary, these are the advantages that property owners get from their built-up roofs

Waterproof and Sealed 

Built-up roofs have a solid surface on the top layer.  With no joints or seams, there are no weak points that make the roof prone to leaking. The sealed surface makes the entire top layer of the roof waterproof.

UV Ray Reflection 

The surfacing materials, as well as the aggregate layer that makes up the topmost portion of the roof,  reflect UV rays and are also fire-resistant.

Low Maintenance Costs 

The sturdy construction of the built-up roofing system makes it durable and extremely easy to maintain. The solid surface allows people to walk on top of the roof, making it easier for contractors to assess areas that need repair.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of a built-up roofing system is that it can take longer to install when compared to other roofing systems. When using hot bitumen during construction, dangerous fumes are released. This is hazardous to the roofers working on the project. Installing a BUR can be costly. Plus, while this type of roof is cheaper to maintain, it still requires regular maintenance if you want it to last more than 15 years.

In summary, these are the disadvantages that property owners get from their built-up roofs.

Longer Installation Time

Each layer needs to have enough time to set. Hurrying the process will only give a low-quality outcome.

Health Hazard

The fumes that come from the heated bitumen are extremely hazardous. Only professional roofers with the right equipment should handle this type of roofing installation.

Added Weight 

Not all buildings are capable of carrying a built-up roof because of the materials used for each layer.

High Costs

The layering of sheets, tar, and gravel takes time. The added costs of labor and the cost of materials can add up. Built-up roofs are not a cheap roofing option.

4-Ply Roofing System

4 Ply Built-up roofs are made up of 4 layers of plies, with the layer of asphalt or bitumen in between each ply sheet. As explained above, alternating layers of ply sheet and hot/cold bitumen is topped with a surfacing material to give the roof UV ray protection, fire-resistance, and a finished look.

If you are looking for the best roofing contractor in Yonkers NY to install a 4 Ply Built-up Roof, Hudson Contractor NY is a family-owned and operated full-service home improvement construction company, with years of experience installing a wide range of roofing systems for both residential and commercial properties.

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 What is a Cold Roof?