Tar & Built Up Roof Contractor | New & Rebuild

Tar is also known as BUR or "Built-Up Roofing. The use of this product is wide spread. From large, flat commercial roofs to sloped decks on houses, grain silos to household shower pans, it is a versatile inexpensive material with a life span of appox. 7-15 years. With use of gravel or cap sheet life span can be increased slightly.

There are several types of Tar applications. Hot, is literally boiling hot tar. This product is melted in large kettles with propane fueled torches, until appox. 500 degrees farenheight. It is Layered with an asphalt or fiberglass based rolled material and durablity and protection are directly related to thickness and amount of plys (layers). Cold is an inexpensive tar/asphalt based, semi-liquid material used mainly for smaller jobs that by cost, or other restriction, do not require a more substantial roof. It's application similar to hot, but applied with a long handled brush or roller.

The capsheet used in conjuction with hot or cold tar is rolled, 36 inch wide, granulated material is used to cap off, or cover, the plain tar layers. Usage gives Ultra Violet, and physical protection to the layered tar roof. This material is not waterproof by itself, and must be used with a companion product. It is easily confused with roll roofing, which is made to be a stand-alone product.

Typically repairs to these types of roof systems will involve 3-coursing any cracks, meaning applying mastic, webbing, and mastic with granules to shear up the strength in an area. Sometimes, applying a coating will extend the life. Most often, if you are experiencing a history of leaks more than 1-2 rain seasons, it is time for a new roof. There are roof systems available on the market now that will end the most common flat roof problems.

If you have a TAR & GRAVEL ROOF SYSTEM, also referred to as BUILT-UP, HOT-MOP, and ASPHALT AND CAPSHEET SYSTEM, you can expect a life expectancy of 10-15 years. In rare cases, these types of systems do last longer, but that is only under the best circumstances.

These types of roof systems are typically applied to flat roofs; however, some pitched roofs do have these types of systems. When re-roofing a roof with adequate slope, you will always want to select a shingle system for replacement as the life expectancy is longer and shingle systems are more affordable and more attractive.

Signs of deterioration include missing gravel, cracking and blistering. As asphalt based systems age, they dry up and become brittle. Any movement or settling of the structure will cause cracking. When these symptoms are prevalent in the majority of the roof, the success rate for repairs is not good. Water will travel through the field making repairs difficult to achieve a watertight status.

Once you have narrowed down the field with reference to choice of contractor and materials, it is time to compare the written estimates. Make sure all the estimates cover the same workmanship and materials to complete the project. Some variables you might find or want to consider are as follows.

Re-roof or Overlay? Legally, you can install a new roof over your existing roof so long as it does not exceed three layers; however, this could change the fire rating. For instance, if you install a Class A materials over a material of a lesser fire-rating, it reduced the fire-rating of the new system. Even though the cost is somewhat higher to remove the existing roof, it is a recommended practice. Once the existing roof is removed, the contractor can check for any termite or dry-rot damage and make repairs before installing the new system. YOUR NEW ROOF WILL NOT LAST AS LONG IF YOU OVERLAY THE EXISTING ROOF

Underlayment and Sheeting: The felt underlayment is a critical part of the roofing system. It is the roofing felt that actually makes the roof watertight. Uniform building requires #15 felt, two layers if the pitch is less than a 4/12 pitch. It is advisable to upgrade your underlayment to a #30 felt or possibly two layers for roof systems such as tile applications. If sheeting is required, plywood is far superior to the less expensive OSB Board. Make sure you know what your contractor intends to use.

Flashings and Vents: Does the estimate include replacing all the rooftop metal and flashings? Even if the metal appears to be in fairly good condition at the time, it is more cost effective to replace all heating vents, plumbing jacks, and any flashings at the time your home is being re-roofed. It is much costlier to have to replace the metal at a later date. It is a nice addition to the appearance of your home if the contractor paints the rooftop metal to match the new roof.