Have you noticed why some flat roofs have gravel or tar on them? South Windsor, CT, roofers have good reasons for putting gravel on many low-sloped or flat roofs in many commercial buildings. For starters, it can protect the roofing materials on built-up roofs (BURs). Secondly, they can weigh down said roofing materials like single-ply flat roofs.
In this article, the South Windsor Roofing Pros will reveal why roofers put gravel on commercial flat roofs.
Gravel on a Flat Roof: What’s the Purpose?
It’s common to see commercial flat roofs with gravel on top of them. But have you ever wondered why South Windsor, CT, roofers do this? We’ve briefly explained the reasons above, but we’ll get into detail here.
BURs, often referred to as tar-and-gravel roofs, are an effective flat roof style. Roofers use gravel to protect the underlying layer of roofing materials. This layer of gravel is generally placed for weatherproofing purposes and prevents damage such as cracking and blistering. The gravel can prevent these damages from occurring in the first place, further reducing the possibility of leaking or other material failures.
BURs have multiple layers intended to help the roofing system last longer. The alternating layers consist of roofing felt and hot-applied asphalt. A layer of gravel is placed atop the last layer of asphalt to safeguard the roofing materials from the elements. The top coat of asphalt is known as the flood coat, which can help the gravel stay in place.
Other Benefits of a Flat-Roof Gravel
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, there are other advantages to laying down a layer of gravel on flat roofs.
For starters, the layer of gravel can help still water from evaporating, therefore repelling heat from affecting the underlying roof structure. It can also help make foot traffic more tolerable because it can provide the necessary grip in case South Windsor, CT, roofers climb up your roof for repairs.
Lastly, this gravel layer can protect the roof from natural debris from obstructing the drains of the flat roof. When accumulated, debris such as leaves and twigs can prevent water from flowing freely down your drain. A gravel layer will trap this debris and keep them in place to be removed once a roofer arrives for the next roof inspection.
Disadvantages of Flat-Roof Gravel
Here’s a brief list of the disadvantages of having a gravel layer on your flat roof.
- Gravel is very heavy, so you may need to strengthen your roofing system’s support before you proceed with the application.
- Flat-roof gravel is not advisable in places with too much snow and rain.
- You need to cover every roofing membrane with gravel, or it can suffer from damage caused by intense sun exposure.
- If the underlayments aren’t correctly installed, tar-and-gravel roofs can suffer from leaks.
It’s important to understand that improper installation of these gravel layers can result in significant roof damage. Experts suggest commercial building owners hire a reputable South Windsor, CT roofer like the South Windsor Roofing Pros to get a tar-and-gravel roof professionally installed.
South Windsor Roofing Pros
6 Hunter Dr, South Windsor, CT 06074, United States
Phone: +18607354540