A flat or low slope roof is often not a suitable surface for shingles or other roofing materials because moisture can t flow off them.
Purpose of gravel on flat roof.
Parts and composition of tar and gravel built up and flat roofing systems with a helpful tar and gravel roof construction diagram.
Built up roofing bur was the most common type of flat roof before modified bitumen and membrane roofing were developed.
One solution to this is a built up or tar and gravel roof where many layers of hot asphalt or bitumen tar paper and a waterproof membrane are applied and then covered with gravel.
Of all the flat roofing options a tar and gravel roof is the most economical.
Flat roofs are an ancient form mostly used in arid climates and allow the roof space to be used as a living space or a living roof flat roofs or low slope roofs are also commonly found on commercial.
Gravel is used on flat roofs for two reasons.
Just enough slope to drain water but also flat enough to be a problem if not constructed properly.
Have you ever wondered why contractors install gravel on flat roofs.
A gravel or pea shingle on a roof serves two purposes.
One is to act as ballast to weigh down the covering surface and help prevent it being blown off in high winds.
Bur consists of many layers.
Built up roofs or burs also called a tar and gravel roof is a well established and popular style of flat roof that is made up of alternating layers of roofing felt or fiberglass and asphalt that is applied with heat which combine to make a long lasting sturdy roofing system.
Also a tar and gravel roof is very rugged and safe to walk on.
Advantages of a tar and gravel roof.
The purpose of gravel on a flat 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.
Flat or almost flat roofs can collect a tremendous amount of water especially if their outlets or downspouts become plugged with leaves and debris.
Gravel is an excellent fire retardant.
It provides excellent protection against uv rays and is an attractive option for windows and decks that overlook the roof.
The purpose of stone or gravel ballast on a flat roof published by justin on september 19 2019 september 19 2019 it is not unusual to find a gravel top coat on commercial roofing systems.