Tar And Gravel Roof Detail

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 tar mopped on between each layer.

Tar and gravel roof detail. A tar and gravel roof or built up roofing consists of several layers of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and a surface layer of mineral aggregate often smooth river stone. Pea gravel crushed rock and decorative rock white quartz are often dispersed into a flood coat of hot asphalt and applied over the top of the roof membrane. People have moved away from tar and gravel roofs because they are constructed with asphalt which is heated to 475 degrees and emits vocs volatile organic compounds that are polluting the environment said will knapp president of gardena based central roofing. A built up roof bur sometimes called a tar and gravel roof is a tried and true style of flat roof.

Tar and gravel roofs are usually made of 3 to 5 laminated layers of asphalt based sheets hot tar and roofing felt. A tar and gravel roof consists of built up layers of asphalt and tar paper or newer more sophisticated materials adhered with applications of molten asphalt. 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. Gravel to protect built up roofs.

A layer of gravel or small stones is applied on top of the final coating of asphalt to protect the roof from the elements including ultraviolet uv rays and hail. A top layer of bitumen and extra top mineral coating is also added. This surface layer weighs down the built up roof protects it from sun exposure and serves as decoration. In the mid 20th century tar and gravel was the prevailing material because many of today s options had yet to be invented.

This acts as an adhesive when it cools. Light colored gravel is used to cover the dark layers. Now there are more choices.