How to Coat a Hot Tar Roof

Using hot asphalt on a roof is commonly used on a build-up roof, or BUR. Built-up roofs are typically used on roofs that have a flat surface and are commonly found on commercial buildings. The built-up roof is composed of layers consisting of the rooftop, a layer of tar, roofing felt, and gravel top. The gravel top helps prevent the breakdown of the asphalt by reflecting the sun’s rays and helping to evaporate water that has accumulated on the roof.

Protective clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection
Tar kettle
Asphalt
Base sheets
Roofing nails
Hammer
Tar mop
Mixing stick
Buckets
Roofing felt
Gravel
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Use a broom to clean off the roof you plan to tar. Remove as much dirt and debris as possible to prevent it from mixing with the tar.
- 2
  Lay down a layer of base sheets. Base sheets typically come in rolls and are fixed to the roof either by self-sticking adhesive or roofing nails. Apply the base sheets with a 2-inch overlap and nail them into place.
- 3
  Prepare your asphalt by melting it in your tar kettle. Heat the material to approximately 410 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that will give the molten asphalt the proper viscosity to bond with the roofing felt.
- 4
  Transport the melted asphalt to the roof, either by bucket or with a pump, if your tar kettle has one. Use a tar mop to spread the asphalt evenly across the roof.
- 5
  Place an even layer of roofing felt over the hot asphalt. Apply another layer of asphalt. Repeat the process until you have at least four layers.
- 6
  Spread gravel over the last layer of melted asphalt.

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