Why Is Gravel On Roofs

Built up roofing bur was the most common type of flat roof before modified bitumen and membrane roofing were developed.

Why is gravel on roofs.

Top problems with tar and gravel commercial roofs added weight to structure. Gravel is used on flat roofs for two reasons. After you add the layers of tar supporting fabrics and the top layer of gravel your roof can be an extra 5 10 lbs. 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.

Advantages of a tar and gravel roof. Aside from its low installation costs the roofing material does not require frequent repairs or replacement. It provides excellent protection against uv rays and is an attractive option for windows and decks that overlook the roof. Of all the flat roofing options a tar and gravel roof is the most economical.

Bur consists of many layers. Talk to ten roofing contractors and you ll get ten answers on what the gravel is for but this seems to be the consensus. Now that you know why gravel roofing is often a preferred choice we will now move onto what a bur roof is. 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.

To protect the underlying layer of roofing materials as is the case with built up roofs burs. Have you ever wondered why contractors install gravel on flat roofs. Tar has a low melting point. Tar and gravel roofs add substantially more weight to the building structure.

Gravel roof disadvantages on the other hand gravel roofs are hot energy inefficient heavy moisture trapping and unstable. Contractors and builders use gravel on flat roofing for two primary reasons. What is a built up roof bur. To weigh down or secure 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. Per square in heavier than before. However both rubber and asphalt will lose plasticizers and other v. A tar and gravel roof has a life expectancy of about 20 to 25 years.

Therefore you can save money in the long run. These materials provide the waterproof barrier that contains and sheds the water to protect the roof structure. 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. Tar and gravel flat roofs are one of the most cost effective roofing solutions.

A flat roof typically has a rubber or asphalt impregnated membrane. Also a tar and gravel roof is very rugged and safe to walk on.