Is a Built-Up Roof worth the investment? Understand the hidden costs before you decide
| Category | Cost (per square foot) |
| Lowest | $4 |
| Average | $9.25 |
| Highest | $14.50 |
Thinking about installing a built-up roof? Learn how its cost per square foot can impact your budget
| Type of Built-Up Roof | Description | Cost per Square Foot |
| Built-Up Roof with Gravel | Layers of hot asphalt and felt or fiberglass, topped with gravel for UV and weather protection. Ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs. | $3.50–$7.50 |
| Built-up roof with Cap Sheet | Uses a granulated cap sheet instead of gravel for a smoother finish and reduced maintenance. Suitable for areas where gravel isn’t practical. | $12.50–$18.75 |
| Hot Asphalt Built-Up Roof | Roofing felt bonded with hot asphalt, offering excellent waterproofing and durability. Requires skilled installation due to high temperatures. | $5.50–$9.50 |
| Cold Built-Up Roofing | Employs cold-applied adhesive for bonding, offering safer and easier installation. Ideal for buildings with restrictions on hot materials. | $4.00–$10.00 |
| Ballasted Built-Up Roof | Features larger stones or concrete pavers as the top layer for enhanced durability and stability in high-wind areas. | $1.50–$2.00 |
Introduction:
The built-up roof cost typically ranges from $4 to $14.50 per square foot, depending on the type. For example, a “tar and gravel” roof costs $10–$14 per square foot, while a cap sheet roof costs $11–$14.50 per square foot. Beyond the built-up roof cost per square foot, additional expenses of built-up roof cost can include maintenance, repairs, and structural reinforcements, adding to the total investment.
Types of Built-up Roofing
Built-Up Roof with Gravel (Tar and Gravel Roof)
Made of layers of hot asphalt and felt or fiberglass, topped with gravel for UV and weather protection. This traditional option is ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs. The cost of a built-up roof with gravel, also known as a tar and gravel roof, typically ranges from $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot. Prices can vary depending on the roof size, surface layer, and other factors.
Built-up roof with Cap Sheet
The cost of a built-up roof with a cap sheet in Florida varies based on factors like the number of layers, roof slope, and the top layer selected. On average, installing a built-up roof with a cap sheet costs between $12.50 and $18.75 per square foot, making it a durable and stylish option for many properties
Hot Asphalt Built-Up Roof
A hot asphalt built-up roof uses roofing felt bonded with hot, liquid asphalt to create a durable, waterproof surface, ideal for flat or low-slope roofs. While it offers excellent weather resistance, the hot asphalt build-up cost can be higher due to the skilled installation required. This differs from an asphalt driveway, which is simpler and less complex in comparison.
high-temperature process. The cost of a hot asphalt built-up roof typically ranges from $5.50 to $9.50 per square foot, depending on the roof size and Labor requirements.
Cold Built-Up Roofing
Cold built-up roofing uses cold-applied adhesive instead of hot asphalt for bonding, offering a safer and easier installation process. It is ideal for buildings with restrictions on using hot materials or in environments where high-temperature applications are not feasible. The cost to install a cold built-up roof, also known as a tar roof, typically ranges from $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the project.
Ballasted Built-Up Roof
A ballasted built-up roof, commonly used in residential roofing, incorporates larger stones or concrete pavers as the top layer, adding substantial weight to secure the roof and enhance durability, especially in high-wind areas. This roofing system is cost-effective, with prices typically ranging between $1.50 and $2 per square foot, making it an affordable option for flat or low-sloped roofs.
Built-up roof cost vs other types of flat roof cost.
| Roof Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) | What’s Included |
| Modified Bitumen Roof Cost | $4 – $8 | Material, installation, waterproofing, longevity up to 20 years |
| Built-Up Roof Cost | $5 – $10 | Multi-layer construction, gravel top, long-lasting durability |
| TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) Roof Cost | $5.50 – $9.50 | Heat-welded seams, reflective surface, energy efficiency |
| EPDM Roof Cost | $4 – $8 | Flexible rubber, UV resistance, low maintenance |
| PVC Roof Cost | $7 – $12 | Chemical resistance, reflective finish, eco-friendly options |
Did you know built-up roofs can improve energy efficiency and withstand harsh weather? Find out how
Advantages of Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing (BUR) systems offer excellent durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs. Gravel-topped roofs provide superior UV protection, while cap sheet options reduce maintenance with a smoother finish. Hot asphalt BUR ensures strong waterproofing and cold-applied systems offer safer installation without the need for high heat. Ballasted BUR adds stability and insulation, especially in windy areas, protecting the roof from external damage. Understanding the ballasted asphalt built-up cost and BUR roofing details can help determine the best option for your project. Additionally, a built-up reflect roof can improve energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight. These features make BUR a reliable and versatile choice for various buildings.
To wrap up
When considering a built-up roof (BUR), it’s important to look beyond the initial installation cost, which ranges from $4 to $14.50 per square foot, depending on the type. While options like tar and gravel are more affordable ($3.50–$7.50), others such as cap sheet roofs can cost $12.50–$18.75 due to added durability and reduced maintenance. Additional expenses for maintenance and repairs should also be factored in. Understanding the full scope of BUR roofing details, including types like cold-applied and hot asphalt roofs, can help you make an informed decision. Despite the hidden costs, BUR systems offer excellent durability and long-term reliability, making them a valuable investment
Built-up roofing offers more than just longevity—explore its advantages, from cost-effectiveness to stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a built-up roof typically ranges from $4 to $14.50 per square foot, depending on the type and materials used.
The main types include tar and gravel, cap sheet, hot asphalt, cold-applied, and ballasted roofs. Each type offers different benefits and costs.
The ballasted built-up roof is the most cost-effective, priced between $1.50 and $2 per square foot.
Factors such as the type of roof, the number of layers, materials used (gravel, cap sheet, etc.), and roof size influence the cost.
Yes, beyond the installation cost, additional expenses can include maintenance, repairs, and structural reinforcements over time.
