Why Is Gravel On Roofs

Of all the flat roofing options a tar and gravel roof is the most economical.

Why is gravel on roofs.

Tar has a low melting point. It provides excellent protection against uv rays and is an attractive option for windows and decks that overlook the roof. Now that you know why gravel roofing is often a preferred choice we will now move onto what a bur roof is. Contractors and builders use gravel on flat roofing for two primary reasons.

A flat roof typically has a rubber or asphalt impregnated membrane. 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. Tar and gravel roofs add substantially more weight to the building structure. A tar and gravel roof has a life expectancy of about 20 to 25 years.

Therefore you can save money in the long run. However both rubber and asphalt will lose plasticizers and other v. Built up roofs or burs also called a tar and gravel roof are a style of flat roof. Have you ever wondered why contractors install gravel on flat roofs.

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. After you add the layers of tar supporting fabrics and the top layer of gravel your roof can be an extra 5 10 lbs. Bur consists of many layers. 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.

It is made up of alternating layers of roofing felt or fiberglass and asphalt that is applied with heat. Also a tar and gravel roof is very rugged and safe to walk on. Talk to ten roofing contractors and you ll get ten answers on what the gravel is for but this seems to be the consensus. Gravel is used on flat roofs for two reasons.

Per square in heavier than before. Aside from its low installation costs the roofing material does not require frequent repairs or replacement. Top problems with tar and gravel commercial roofs added weight to structure. Gravel roof disadvantages on the other hand gravel roofs are hot energy inefficient heavy moisture trapping and unstable.

These materials provide the waterproof barrier that contains and sheds the water to protect the roof structure. What is a built up roof bur. Advantages of a tar and gravel 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 is an excellent fire retardant. To weigh down or secure the roofing material as is the case with single ply flat roofs.