What Is a Tar and Gravel Roof?

Tar and gravel roofing, also known as Built-Up Roofing (BUR), is a type of roof made from multiple layers of asphalt or bitumen alternated with reinforcing fabric sheets. After applying these layers, the roofing surface is covered with a protective layer of gravel or crushed stone. This gravel topping provides extra durability, UV protection, and extends the roof’s lifespan.

Tar and gravel roofs are especially effective on flat or low-slope roofs where other roofing types might fail to drain properly or hold up against the elements.

Why Should You Install a Built-up Tar Gravel Roof?

Installing a built-up tar and gravel roof offers unbeatable protection for the price. With it, you’ll have a multi-layered rooftop that shields your property from leaks, moisture damage, and harsh weather conditions.

With its gravel top layer, your new roof will have superior UV resistance, reducing heat absorption and helping your surface stay intact for longer. It’ll also have excellent insulation properties that help regulate indoor temperatures, improving energy efficiency and keeping your heating and cooling costs in check.

Elite Roofing Pros LLC’s Tar and Gravel Roofing Services

When water gets into your building, so many things can go wrong, from structural damage to problems with mold and mildew. You don’t want to put your health at risk or your property value in jeopardy. Bring us on for help building and maintaining a rooftop that won’t let you down.

Our services include:

• Roof inspection
• Roof installation
• Roof repair
• Roof replacement

• Roof maintenance
• Roof restoration
• Emergency roofing service

Our prompt tar and gravel roofing services can be tailored to your project’s unique specifications. We offer solutions that align with your budget.

Can You Put Tar and Gravel on a Flat Roof?

Yes. Thanks to their durability, weather resistance, and budget-friendly pricing, tar and gravel are the best options for flat and low-slope roofs. This built-up roofing (BUR) system is a solid choice for commercial and residential flat roofs because of its excellent performance and ability to withstand foot traffic.

How Is a Tar and Gravel Roof Installed?

The process of installing a tar and gravel roof must be done correctly to ensure the roof’s longevity.

Here are the key steps in the installation process:

1. Prepare the roof deck: We start by making sure the roof deck is clean, dry, and free of debris or damage.
2. Apply layers of roofing felt and tar: Multiple layers of roofing felt are laid down, with hot tar applied between each layer to create a waterproof and durable base.
3. Add the gravel layer: Once the tar and felt base is complete, a layer of gravel is spread evenly across the surface to protect against sunlight, weather, and physical damage.
4. Seal and inspect: The roof is inspected to ensure all areas are properly sealed. Adjustments may be made for maximum effectiveness.

The installation usually takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the size and complexity of your roof.

How Long Does It Take for Tar To Set on Roof?

On a warm, sunny day, the tar may start to set within a few hours, but it can take up to 24 to 48 hours to fully cure and harden. If the weather is cool or cloudy, the process might take longer. It’s important to allow enough time for the tar to be properly set before exposing the roof to heavy rain or other extreme conditions, as this ensures its durability and effectiveness.

How Do You Know You Need Tar and Gravel Roof Repairs?

You’ll know it’s time for tar and gravel roof repairs when you notice wear and damage that could compromise your roof’s effectiveness. If you see areas where the gravel has worn away, exposing the tar beneath, your roof may be at risk. Persistent leaks, water pooling, or soft spots on the surface are telltale signs that moisture is seeping into the layers and weakening the watertight barrier your tar and gravel should provide.

Schedule roof repairs when you notice:

• Leaks
• Cracks
• Blisters

• Bubbling tar
• Musty smells inside your building
• Water stains on your ceiling

Is your roof several decades old? That’s another element you’ll want to factor into your decision. Book an inspection to determine whether repairs will restore its integrity or if a replacement is the better option.

What Tar and Gravel Roof Maintenance Is Required?

Here are some essential maintenance tasks to keep your tar and gravel roof performing at its best:

• Regular inspections: Check your roof at least once a year and after major storms to spot and address any potential damage early on.
• Clear debris: Remove leaves, branches, and other debris that can trap moisture and lead to damage or leaks.
• Repair damage promptly: Fix cracks, splits, or blisters in the roof’s surface as soon as they appear to prevent further deterioration.
• Replenish the gravel layer: Over time, gravel may shift or be lost, so it’s important to redistribute or add more gravel to protect the roof.

How Long Does Tar and Gravel Roofing Last?

Tar and gravel roofing is well-known for its longevity. A properly installed tar and gravel roof typically lasts between 20 and 30 years, and with regular maintenance, its lifespan can be extended even further. The durability of the roofing materials, as well as the protective layer of gravel, make tar and gravel roofs a popular choice for commercial and industrial buildings that require a long-lasting and low-maintenance roofing solution.