Most houses with flat or nearly-flat roofs are topped with built-up roofing, or "tar-and-gravel" roofing, made from fiberglass-based asphalt sheeting that is applied in layers, with hot bitumen mopped on between each layer.

The surface is coated with bitumen and a layer of gravel or crushed rock to hold the roofing material down and minimize damage from the sun and from abrasion. The light-colored gravel also reflects the sun’s heat. Built-up roofs can last from 10 to 20 years, depending on the severity of the weather.

Similar to built-up roofing is roofing made from a single layer of asphalt-impregnated material, called asphalt roll roofing. This is used more often on garages and outbuildings than on houses because of its relatively short life span (5 to 15 years). It is generally the least expensive roofing material available.