What Is Gravel Roof?
What Is Gravel Roof?
Gravel roof, also known as a ballasted roof, is a type of flat or low-sloped roof that uses stones or gravel in order to weigh down the membrane.
It is commonly used on large commercial buildings and provides protection from UV radiation and thermal shock.
Gravel roofs are composed of several layers including insulation, vapor barrier, felt paper and membrane topped by a layer of gravel.
The gravel acts as a barrier against water damage, fire damage, and insect infestations. They are relatively easy to maintain since they do not require additional sealants or coatings like other roof types.
In addition, they are incredibly durable and long lasting with many surviving for decades with very little maintenance.
What Is Better Than A Tar And Gravel Roof?
A metal roof can be a much better alternative to a tar and gravel roof. Metal roofs are more durable, more energy efficient, and require less maintenance.
They also come in a variety of styles that offer superior protection against the elements. Metal roofs are also more eco-friendly than traditional tar and gravel roofs; they’re recyclable, lightweight and transfer less heat than traditional materials, helping to reduce your home’s energy bills.
Additionally, metal roofs have a lifespan of up to 50 years—significantly longer than tar and gravel roofing systems—allowing you to make an investment in your home that will last for decades.
How Long Does Gravel Roof Last?
A gravel roof typically lasts between 25 and 40 years, depending on the quality of the materials and maintenance.
Factors such as climate conditions, geographical location, the amount of traffic on a roofs surface, proper installation and upkeep can all contribute to how long a gravel roof will last.
The most important factor in determining the longevity of a gravel roof is regular maintenance, which should include inspections and preventive repairs.
If a leak is detected during an inspection and is promptly repaired, then the life of your roof may be extended significantly beyond its normal lifespan.
What Are The Advantages Of A Gravel Roof?
A gravel roof offers many advantages, including increased fire and hail resistance, improved insulation properties due to the air trapped between layers of shingles and gravel, and protection from UV rays.
- The natural appearance of gravel roofs also provides a unique aesthetic appeal that is not easily replicated with other material types.
- Gravel also lasts longer than traditional asphalt shingles, often providing up to 50 years of service life with good maintenance.
- In addition, this type of roof allows for improved drainage and can provide greater protection against ice damage in colder climates.
- The reflective properties of the gravel make it energy efficient as well; helping reduce cooling costs during the summer months.
How Do You Seal A Gravel Roof?
To seal a gravel roof, you will need to start by preparing the roof surface. Loose gravel should be swept off and any cracked or damaged areas should be repaired.
Next, the gravel needs to be coated with a layer of bituminous based protective coating that is applied either by brush or roller.
After it has dried for 24 hours, a second layer of coatings can then be added on top.
Once this is applied and dried, the roof should have a waterproof seal from its loose-gravel surface that will protect it from water infiltration and weather damage.
What Type Of Gravel Is Used On Flat Roofs?
Gravel is commonly used on flat roofs as a type of built-up roofing (BUR). It consists of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics that are then covered with a layer of gravel.
The gravel acts as an effective water-shedding material, while providing insulation and protection against ultraviolet radiation.
As such, it’s ideal for low-slope roofs which may not have steep rises or falls like typical residential homes.
The most popular types of gravel used on flat roofs are rock slag, pea gravel, small stone chips, and even crushed asphalt shingles.
In addition to protecting the underlying layer from UV radiation, this multi-dimensional aggregate helps promote drainage away from the building and provides additional fire resistance.
