Built-up roofing systems are the most commonly used roofing material for commercial and industrial buildings. Built-up roofing is a type of flat or low-slope roof system consisting of several layers of asphalt, tar, felt, and other waterproof materials that form a barrier against weather conditions such as rain and snow. This system is also known as BUR (built up roofs). The process of installing built-up roofing requires specialized knowledge and skills to ensure that it’s properly installed so it can provide long lasting protection against the elements.
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When installing a built-up roofing system, there are several steps involved in order to ensure proper installation. The first step is to prepare the surface area by cleaning off any debris or dirt from the existing surface before applying a layer of primer or base coat. After this has been done, an underlayment made from either modified bitumen sheets or felt paper should be applied over top in order to provide additional waterproof protection before finally applying two more layers of asphalt saturated with hot tar on top of the underlayment. Once these three layers have been applied properly, they need to be sealed together using nails around all edges and seams so water does not seep through any gaps left behind when nailing down each individual layer.
The number one factor in determining how well your built up roof will hold up over time is having everything installed correctly according to industry standards by experienced professionals who understand what they’re doing every step along the way – from preparation right through sealing – ensuring no corners are cut throughout this entire process which could result in costly repairs down the road if things aren’t done correctly upfront. Roofers need to take their time during installation due diligence pay attention detail make sure everything’s lined up perfectly following instructions provided manufacturer avoid potential problems future because once you’ve got yourself set up with brand new BUR system, you’ll have peace mind knowing that your property protected underneath heavy duty protective shield keeps out whatever Mother Nature throws at.
Preparing the Roof Deck
When installing a built-up roofing system, proper preparation of the roof deck is essential for a successful and long lasting installation. To begin, the roofer should assess the condition of existing roof covering to determine if it needs to be removed or not. If there are multiple layers already on top of each other, then removal may be necessary in order for subsequent layering to adhere properly. Any damaged areas that could compromise the strength and integrity of the new material should also be addressed by either repairing them with patches or replacing sections as needed.
Next, after making sure that all surfaces are clean from dirt and debris, check for water drainage issues such as standing pools or puddles which can cause accelerated deterioration over time due to moisture penetration beneath the surface layer. Any pooling water should be diverted away from problem areas before proceeding further with installation preparations.
Finally inspect all edges around penetrations like chimneys and vents to ensure they have been sealed off properly against leaks using compatible materials such as butyl rubber tape or asphalt mastic sealant so that no additional damage is caused once construction begins in earnest.
Installing Underlayment
Installing underlayment is a crucial step when installing built-up roofing systems. It’s important to understand the different types of underlayment available, and their particular advantages in order to select the right one for your project.
The two primary categories of roofing underlayment are felt paper and rubberized asphalt sheet membranes. Felt paper is made from organic fibers, such as jute or wood cellulose, while rubberized asphalt sheets are synthetic materials that are highly durable and waterproof. Both materials provide an effective barrier against water infiltration into your home’s interior, but each type has its own unique benefits.
Felt paper provides excellent protection from rainwater and snow runoff due to its superior ability to absorb moisture without allowing it through the membrane surface. It also provides insulation value for your attic space because it acts as a buffer between outside temperatures and interior conditions within the home. On the other hand, rubberized asphalt sheet membranes offer unparalleled resistance to UV radiation, fire damage, high winds, hail storms and extreme temperature changes throughout all seasons–making them ideal for extreme climates or locations exposed to severe weather events year-round. They can be used with almost any type of deck material such as plywood or OSB sheathing boards so you can rest assured that no matter what deck substrate you use; there will be an appropriate option available in terms of installation material compatibility.
Applying Shingles or Sheets
When it comes to installing a built-up roofing system, one of the most important steps is applying shingles or sheets. This task requires considerable skill and attention to detail in order to ensure that all materials are properly installed and sealed. A skilled roofer must pay close attention to each step of the process in order to ensure a successful installation.
The first step when applying shingles or sheets is measuring out the space where they will be applied. It is important for this measurement to be accurate so that all materials fit together snugly without leaving any gaps or loose spots. After measurements have been taken, then the appropriate amount of material can be cut and fitted into place before being secured with nails or adhesive tape.
Once all pieces have been placed correctly, then an additional layer of protection must be applied such as bitumen paint or membrane sheeting. These layers help create a watertight seal around the entire surface which prevents moisture from seeping through any cracks or seams in between pieces of material. These protective layers also provide extra durability against extreme weather conditions like high winds and hail storms which can easily damage unprotected surfaces over time. With proper application techniques and attention paid during every step of installation, built-up roofing systems can last for many years without requiring significant maintenance work beyond occasional cleaning sessions throughout their lifespan.
Securing Accessories and Flashing
Installing built-up roofing systems is no small task. It requires a lot of skill and attention to detail in order to properly secure accessories and flashing on the system. To start, it’s important that you have all the necessary tools on hand such as ladders, hammers, nails, and trowels. Once everything is ready to go, begin by installing metal flashings around any penetrations or edges that may be present. Make sure that these are tightly sealed with asphalt-based mastic or sealant for added protection from water intrusion.
Next up comes accessories like vents and drains which need to be securely fastened into place with screws or bolts before being covered with a waterproof membrane layer. This will ensure their longevity against the elements while also preventing leaks from occurring in those areas of your roofing system. Make sure to use caulk around any exposed edges where two different materials meet – this will help create an additional barrier between them so water doesn’t seep through over time.
– Don’t forget about attic ventilation. It’s essential for proper air circulation within your home but can often get overlooked when installing built-up roofing systems since it involves more complex installation techniques than just nailing down some shingles onto a plywood baseboard like most other roofs do. However if done correctly attic ventilation can help extend the life of your roof while also improving its energy efficiency – both big wins in terms of value and performance!
Sealing Vents and Edges
When installing a built-up roofing system, sealing vents and edges is an important step in the process. Without proper sealing, moisture can leak into the home or building, leading to water damage and other problems. To ensure that your roof is properly sealed around vents and edges, it’s important to use high quality materials and apply them correctly.
First, select a sealant that has been specifically designed for use on roofs. Make sure you choose one with good adhesion qualities so it will remain firmly in place even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Once you have selected the appropriate sealant for your project, follow manufacturer instructions carefully when applying it along vent openings and edge flashings as well as any seams between panels or shingles. This step should not be rushed; take your time to make sure every area of the roof is properly sealed with no gaps or spaces where moisture could seep through over time.
Inspect all areas of your work once finished to verify that everything was applied correctly according to plan and there are no potential leaks present in any part of the roofing system before moving onto other steps in installation process such as attaching gutters or downspouts if needed for this particular job site. By taking these extra steps during installation you can help protect against costly repairs due from water damage down the line which makes completing this task now well worth doing right.
Inspecting for Leaks
Inspecting for leaks is a critical part of installing built-up roofing systems. As such, it is important to check the entire surface area and all components of the system before starting installation. This includes examining any existing flashing or sealants, inspecting the deck and substructure for signs of water damage or weak spots, and checking around vents, drains, curbs, skylights and other penetrations in order to make sure there are no gaps that could allow water in.
When assessing each component separately be sure to look out for signs like peeling paint which could indicate moisture has penetrated somewhere on the roof; standing pools of water on flat roofs which can occur if there isn’t adequate drainage; blistering material caused by trapped moisture between layers; rust staining from metal fixtures; algae growth indicating condensation issues with ventilation; wet insulation as this can cause mold formation.
Once you have identified potential problem areas during inspection then take steps to fix them before proceeding with installation otherwise this will lead to further complications down the line. Make sure that any necessary repairs are made using high quality materials that meet industry standards in order not to compromise safety standards or risk leaking once installed.
Maintaining Built-up Roofs
Once a built-up roofing system is installed, regular maintenance is essential for keeping the roof in good condition. If proper upkeep isn’t done on time, it can lead to costly repairs and replacements down the line. It’s important that all potential weak points are inspected frequently and addressed promptly if any problems arise. This includes checking the seams of tar paper or felt layers and examining the underlying boards for signs of water damage such as rot or mold growth.
Flashing around chimneys and other penetrations should be inspected regularly to make sure they are still firmly sealed against moisture intrusion. The metal components should also be checked periodically to ensure they aren’t corroding due to exposure to water or extreme temperatures. Any loose nails should be secured immediately since they can cause tears in the protective membrane layer over time if left unattended.
It’s important that moss buildup is removed from built-up roofs on a regular basis since this can impede drainage which could lead to extensive water damage over time if not dealt with properly. Moss removal should ideally occur at least once per year but may need more frequent attention depending on local conditions such as humidity levels in certain areas of the country where moss tends to grow rapidly during certain times of year.