Flat Built-Up Roofing: An Assessment of Current Practice

The research first investigates the functions performed by flat built-up roofs and the means of fulfilling those functions. The research then proceeds to a consideration of the practice of built-up roofing design and construction.
Flat built-up roofing frequently develops faults early in its service life. This is traced as, in large, stemming from the exacting demands made upon the roofing in current practice. Other causes are found to include fragmentation of responsibility in the design and construction process and pressure to undercut prices under competitive tender. Also, due to price considerations, traditional fiat built-up membranes continue to be used where proprietary systems with enhanced performance are called for.
The research finds communication of information to be one of the outstanding problems in the roofing industry. Roofing practices producing defect conditions persist where improved techniques obviating defects already exist. There is much need for a roofing design guide to promote good practice.
Designers are advised that probability of early failure in flat built-up roofing greatly increases as the requirements are increased in standard and complexity.