CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorLow-Slope RoofingMedium

A crew is installing a gravel-surfaced BUR system on a 3,000 sq ft roof section. The flood coat of asphalt is applied at 60 lb per square, and gravel is embedded at a rate of 400 lb per square. How many total pounds of gravel are required for the section?

  1. A4,000 lb
  2. B1,200 lb
  3. C18,000 lb
  4. D12,000 lb
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 12,000 lb

3,000 sq ft ÷ 100 = 30 squares. Gravel rate is 400 lb/square, so 30 squares × 400 lb = 12,000 lb of gravel required.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This mistakenly uses the flood coat asphalt calculation logic instead of gravel.
  • B. This figure would only cover 3 squares, far too low.
  • C. This overstates the requirement by using an incorrect multiplier.

BUR Gravel Embedment Rate

The standard application rate of ballast gravel embedded into the hot asphalt flood coat of a built-up roof, typically 400 lb per square, to protect the membrane from UV and weathering.

  • 1 square = 100 sq ft
  • Standard gravel rate: ~400 lb/square
  • Flood coat asphalt rate: ~60 lb/square

Memory trick: Squares times four-hundred gives your gravel grand.

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