Why Do Flat Roofs Have Gravel

Gravel is an excellent fire retardant.

Why do flat roofs have gravel.

First of all it weighs down the covering surface of the roof and secondly it protects the roof from sun damage. A flat roof is a roof which is almost level in contrast to the many types of sloped roofs the slope of a roof is properly known as its pitch and flat roofs have up to approximately 10. Also a tar and gravel roof is very rugged and safe to walk on. While effective built up roofing is laborious and time consuming to install.

If needed a base sheet can be fastened to the roof to create a flat and safe work space. Flat roofs have one thing in common with. A flat roof typically has a rubber or asphalt impregnated membrane. These consist of a thin single ply membrane generally made of durable rubber.

However both rubber and asphalt will lose plasticizers and other v. These layers can include roofing felt asphalt tar and gravel. To weigh down or secure the roofing material as is the case with single ply flat roofs. Property managers can choose three four or five ply roofs to meet their needs and budgets.

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. Have you ever wondered why contractors install gravel on flat roofs. Most flat roofs traditionally have tar applied over the roof decking to make it watertight. Gravel is used on flat roofs for two reasons.

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. The first layer can adhere directly to the roof substrate. It provides excellent protection against uv rays and is an attractive option for windows and decks that overlook the roof. A tar and gravel roofing system is installed by alternating layers of bitumen and reinforced fabric.

Of all the flat roofing options a tar and gravel roof is the most economical. To protect the underlying layer of roofing materials as is the case with built up roofs burs. These days so called roofing membranes are an increasingly popular choice. Built up roofing bur was the most common type of flat roof before modified bitumen and membrane roofing were developed.

Bur consists of many layers. Advantages of a tar and gravel roof. 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.