built-up roof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Construction
Quick answer
What does “built-up roof” mean?
A type of roof system consisting of multiple layers, typically including a structural deck, insulation, and waterproof membrane.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of roof system consisting of multiple layers, typically including a structural deck, insulation, and waterproof membrane.
Often refers to flat or low-slope commercial roofs, where materials like tar, asphalt, or modified bitumen are layered to create a waterproof seal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical and used in both varieties. Sometimes called a 'flat roof system' in more general UK descriptions.
Connotations
Technical, professional, implies a specific construction method rather than just a shape.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to larger prevalence of commercial flat roofs.
Grammar
How to Use “built-up roof” in a Sentence
The [building] has a built-up roof.They are installing a built-up roof on the [warehouse].A built-up roof consists of [layers].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “built-up roof” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The contractors will built-up the roof over the next fortnight.
American English
- We need to built-up this section of the roof where it's leaking.
adjective
British English
- The built-up roofing material is delivered on large rolls.
American English
- Built-up roof systems are common on big-box stores.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The facility manager is budgeting for the built-up roof replacement next fiscal year.
Academic
The study compared the thermal performance of green roofs versus traditional built-up roofs.
Everyday
Our office building's flat top is actually a built-up roof.
Technical
The built-up roof assembly shall consist of a minimum of four piles of felt and hot-applied asphalt.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “built-up roof”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “built-up roof”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “built-up roof”
- Using 'built-up roof' to describe any flat roof (must involve the layered membrane system).
- Confusing it with 'built-in roof' (which suggests integrated features).
- Pronouncing it as 'build-up roof' (eliding the 't').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, for flat or very low-slope roofs. The layered system requires a nearly flat surface for proper installation and waterproofing.
Typically alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing fabrics (like fibreglass or polyester felts), topped with a layer of gravel or a mineral surface.
With proper maintenance, a typical built-up roof can last 20-30 years, depending on materials, climate, and installation quality.
Yes, generally they are designed to withstand limited foot traffic for maintenance, but care must be taken not to puncture the waterproof membrane.
A type of roof system consisting of multiple layers, typically including a structural deck, insulation, and waterproof membrane.
Built-up roof is usually technical/construction in register.
Built-up roof: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪlt ˈʌp ˈruːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪlt ˈʌp ˈruf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A built-up roof over your head (play on 'a roof over your head' emphasizing security through layered construction).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: the roof is literally BUILT UP with layer UPon layer.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAYERING for PROTECTION (like layered clothing for weather).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a built-up roof?