Tar And Gravel Roof Vs Shingles

Also a tar and gravel roof is very rugged and safe to walk on.

Tar and gravel roof vs shingles.

The old tar and gravel roof type has been used on relatively flat roofs for over 50 years but many newer systems and specific material types including modified membrane systems are becoming increasingly available in residential applications. Because granule loss is one of the signs that a roof is getting older it is used by inspectors as a gauge of roof condition and a way to estimate additional roof life. By the 1980 s fiberglass asphalt shingles including multi layer composite shingles took hold followed by other alternative materials like wood fiber shingles. 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 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. Of all the flat roofing options a tar and gravel roof is the most economical. Most companies that don t like tar and gravel roofs base their underwriting decision on the fact that it cost more to replace this type of roof than a standard shingle roof.

Some other aging clues are curling at shingle corners lack of tab adhesion and broken off pieces as the shingles get more brittle with age. Bur built up roof and membrane systems. What are tar gravel roofs or built up roofs.