Why Is Gravel On Roofs

Top problems with tar and gravel commercial roofs added weight to structure.

Why is gravel on roofs.

Of all the flat roofing options a tar and gravel roof is the most economical. Gravel is an excellent fire retardant. To weigh down or secure the roofing material as is the case with single ply flat roofs. Now that you know why gravel roofing is often a preferred choice we will now move onto what a bur roof is.

Bur consists of many layers. Gravel is used on flat roofs for two reasons. In a typical tar and gravel roof which by the way is gradually being supplanted by gravelless roof systems you put down a layer of tar paper then tar and finally gravel. Also a tar and gravel roof is very rugged and safe to walk on.

Built up roofing bur was the most common type of flat roof before modified bitumen and membrane roofing were developed. Per square in heavier than before. A flat roof typically has a rubber or asphalt impregnated membrane. What is a built up roof bur.

These materials provide the waterproof barrier that contains and sheds the water to protect the roof structure. Talk to ten roofing contractors and you ll get ten answers on what the gravel is for but this seems to be the consensus. It is made up of alternating layers of roofing felt or fiberglass and asphalt that is applied with heat. To protect the underlying layer of roofing materials as is the case with built up roofs burs.

Tar and gravel flat roofs are one of the most cost effective roofing solutions. The first is to protect the underlying layer of roofing materials on built up roofs burs and the second is to secure or weigh down the roofing material as is the case with single ply flat roofs. Built up roofs or burs also called a tar and gravel roof are a style of flat roof. Therefore you can save money in the long run.

Advantages of a tar and gravel roof. Tar and gravel roofs add substantially more weight to the building structure. Have you ever wondered why contractors install gravel on flat roofs. It provides excellent protection against uv rays and is an attractive option for windows and decks that overlook the roof.

A bottom layer or two of insulation board multiple intermediate layers of tar or asphalt alternated with layers of roofing felt and a top layer of gravel. Gravel roof advantages most gravel roofs are inexpensive to build offer some protection to vulnerable asphalt against uv damage and the stones are very durable. However both rubber and asphalt will lose plasticizers and other v. Aside from its low installation costs the roofing material does not require frequent repairs or replacement.

Gravel roof disadvantages on the other hand gravel roofs are hot energy inefficient heavy moisture trapping and unstable. Tar has a low melting point.