Tar and gravel — built-up roofing, or BUR — is one of the most misunderstood roof types in New Mexico. Half the "you need a new roof" quotes we review turn out to be recoatable roofs sold as tear-offs.
What a real BUR inspection includes
- Ballast pulled at 3–5 test sections to see the actual membrane
- Blister and alligator-crack density mapped and photographed
- Flashing, drain, and scupper probe with corrosion notes
- Coating adequacy (flood coat + gravel embedment)
- Recoat-vs-replace scoring worksheet with defensible criteria
The recoat-vs-replace decision
Membrane in decent shape + isolated blistering + intact flashings = recoat candidate. Widespread alligatoring + failing flashings + wet insulation on infrared = replace. The score matters because the delta is often $15K–$40K on commercial jobs.
What NM does to BUR
UV cooks the flood coat faster than in most climates. South and west exposures alligator first. Monsoon pounding accelerates blister formation where existing voids exist. Every NM BUR inspection should include season-appropriate coating recommendations.
Book a BUR inspection
See scope and pricing at /tar-and-gravel-roof-inspection.