For many years, roof installation services have used tar and gravel for homes and businesses. These types of roofs are a viable option for your home. There are a number of benefits to using tar and gravel, especially for those flat roofs. Tar and gravel roofs are easy to install and have lower costs than other options. If you want a comprehensive look at tar and gravel roofs, take a moment to read this guide.
What Is Tar And Gravel Roofing?
A tar and gravel roof might sound expensive. The material used for the roof’s finish is composed of fiberglass asphalt sheeting. These sheets are applied in layers, and they can be spread on top of residential homes and commercial buildings. A tar and gravel roof is a good option for a home with a nearly flat or flat roof. You might think that asphalt shingles are the top material choice for roofs, but tar and gravel are popular options.
The roofing installation company will add hot bitumen to form a tight seal between those sheeting layers. After that, the top layer consists of more bitumen and a layer of rock, gravel, or stone. These materials will hold down the rest of the roofing components. Along with that, the rock and gravel can help protect the roof from weather abrasion or other exterior damages.
The Average Lifespan Of A Tar And Gravel Roof
The lifespan of a tar and gravel roof can vary from building to building. In some cases, it is not the most long-lasting roofing solution. However, it is an effective and cheap way to protect your home’s roof for a short-term fix. This roofing option is excellent for homeowners who want to quickly sell their homes, especially when the product’s longevity doesn’t matter to them.
In general, you can expect roofs with tar and gravel to last between 10 to 20 years. Once again, weather and other external conditions can reduce that lifespan. Extreme wind and heat are some factors that can make these roofing systems a poor choice for those who want a reliable and long-lasting option.
Tar And Gravel Roofing Advantages
Now that you know about a tar and gravel roof, you should learn about its benefits. If you have a flat roof, tar and gravel roofs are among the top choices. It is cheaper than other options. Plus, it is a simple roofing system to install on your home or business. The affordable price is a significant benefit for some individuals, even though these roofs have a shorter lifespan than other selections, such as metal or slate.
If you’re looking for other advantages, you can find plenty of roofing services to install these tar and gravel roofs. Many companies have experience with these roofs. When you choose a metal or slate roof, you need to find a highly trained specialist to install it. All of those licenses and years of expertise can lead to higher costs for installation. In addition to that, some areas might not have experienced roofers who can install those specialty roofs. When choosing a tar and gravel roof, you never have to worry about those issues.
For those who want an excellent fire-resistant material, you should take a look at tar and gravel. In addition to that, tar and gravel roofing can provide your roof with some great UV protection. Plus, this type of roof makes a good aesthetic finish for many buildings. A tar and gravel roof provides a solid walking surface for the top of your home. You cannot say that about every roof. If you need to do maintenance on the roof or perform other cleaning chores, this type of roof might be the best choice.
Tar and gravel roofs need a low amount of maintenance, but they will need to be replaced more frequently than other options. Like most roofs, with the proper care, you might be able to extend its longevity.
Tar And Gravel Disadvantages
While there are numerous benefits to tar and gravel roofs, they have some drawbacks. Rock and gravel make up part of the roof, adding additional weight. If your home doesn’t have a solid structure, you may want to reconsider your choice. Tar and gravel roofs are best installed on a flat surface, but some homeowners may not want to add more weight to their home’s framework. A few buildings might need to strengthen the roofing structure before applying layers of stone. Before considering this roof, talk about your options with a professional roof replacement service.
If your home needs heavy structural work, that project could negate the low cost of the installation. Repair costs are not expensive, but water leaks are almost impossible to find in a tar and gravel roof. Don’t forget that the tar and gravel can have a strong smell during installation. In addition to that, the tar can be messy. Some homeowners would rather not deal with those inconveniences during the installation. Keep in mind that these types of roofs are not designed to be installed by yourself. You need to hire a professional to ensure a safe and reliable installation for your home. Make sure to find an experienced roofer with plenty of references.
Despite a few of these disadvantages, tar and gravel roofs are still popular options for residential homes and commercial buildings.
Before choosing a new roof for your home, weighing all your options is important. Tar and gravel roofs are a popular choice, but they might not be the best ones for your home. Buildings with pitched roofs and those with weak structures might want to search for another type of roof. However, if you want a roof that is cost-effective and easy to install, then a tar and gravel roof is an excellent choice for you.
We Can Install A Variety Of Roofing Options
At RGB Construction, our team has experience installing many types of roofs, including tar and gravel. If you would like to learn more about our services, please give us a call at 856-264-9093.
