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 on felt roof.
Here alternating layers of roofing felt usually fiberglass and hot applied asphalt are combined to create a long lasting roof system.
Use the type of felt most compatible with your roof selecting from asphalt infused felt polyester felt tar saturated felt or another kind.
Roofing felt public domain wikimedia commons kelly e.
Most houses with flat or nearly flat roofs are topped with built up roofing or tar and gravel roofing made from fiberglass based asphalt sheeting that is applied in layers.
As ballast the gravel will help anchor the material underneath and lower the risk of it being blown off in high winds.
Roof gravel provides a protective layer to flat roofs reducing the weather damaging effects from uv rays and heavy snow hail and wind.
This is then applied to a fibrous membrane which is typically made of fibreglass polyester or hessian.
It also provides protection from foot traffic.
Newer flat roofs on the other hand are often made of rubber.
Follow the 10 steps below in order to felt a flat roof.
Of all the flat roofing options a tar and gravel roof is the most economical.
Bitumen in terms of materials please note that there are several different weights for the roofing felt.
Step by step guide for felting a flat roof.
A layer of gravel or small stones is applied on top of the final.
This guide will use the more durable 30 roofing felt although you can use 15 felt.
This is called built up roofing.
Gravel to protect built up roofs.
Gravel is an excellent fire retardant.
An extra coating of sand or fine gravel can be added on top to improve the aesthetic appeal.
Light colored gravel is used to cover the dark layers.
A top layer of bitumen and extra top mineral coating is also added.
The two main methods of its application are pour roll and torch on.
Gravel flat roofs and pea shingle flat roofs.
The standard roofing for this situation is built up from layers of hot tar and thick roofing felt and topped with a layer of gravel.
It provides excellent protection against uv rays and is an attractive option for windows and decks that overlook the roof.
Gravel and pea shingle have two primary purposes on a flat roof.
Use asphalt gravel or cap sheet on top of the felt if necessary and follow manufacturer instructions for the particular material.
Tar and gravel roofs are usually made of 3 to 5 laminated layers of asphalt based sheets hot tar and roofing felt.
They provide a loading coat and they afford uv protection.
Roof felt adhesive e g.
If you have a home with a flat roof a tar and gravel roof may be a good option for you.