Tar and Gravel Roofs: Weighing the Pros and Cons for Your Home

Most people don’t sit with friends and discuss their homes’ roofs. They only think of this household component once something goes wrong. Tar and gravel roofs have been around for many years and may be the perfect option for individuals when replacing the existing roof. Why should a person consider this option when they need a new roof?

The History of Tar and Gravel Roofs

Roofers began offering tar and gravel roofs early in the 20th century. Business owners appreciated this option because it was durable and cost-effective. Roofers would take organic rag felts and seal them with coal tar pitch to create a roof that would withstand UV rays and physical wear and tear.

Over the years, roofers have improved on the organic rag felts and coal tar pitch. They now use quality asphalt and synthetic fibers to extend the roof’s lifespan while increasing performance. The result is a rugged and low-maintenance option. What should a person know about tar and gravel roofs when deciding if this is the right option for their structure? Why are many homeowners choosing this option rather than other roofing materials?

Experienced roofers must install a tar and gravel roof. They pour hot tar on the roof to waterproof it and add layers of roofing felt, which adds strength. They alternate roofing felt and tar layers for added durability and finish with a heavy gravel layer.

An experienced roofer must complete this task to confirm the tar and gravel layers are appropriately handled. The correct sequence is essential to guarantee each layer has a solid bond to protect the building from water and air leaks. When properly installed, a tar and gravel roof will perform well for years if correctly maintained.

The Benefits of Tar and Gravel Roofs

A tar and gravel roof is affordable compared to other roofing options. It will last an average of 20 to 25 years, although some last significantly longer. Tar and gravel roofs offer outstanding weather protection and are fire resistant. Furthermore, they can easily handle small amounts of standing water.

A tar and gravel roof requires little maintenance and upkeep. Owners should inspect the roof yearly and remove any debris to prevent issues. In addition, they should check the roof after a major storm to ensure problems have not developed.

The Drawbacks of Tar and Gravel Roofs

Tar and gravel roofs have some drawbacks. They are not aesthetically pleasing, and their weight can present a challenge. The building structure must support the weight of the tar and gravel layers. Furthermore, a tar and gravel roof is only appropriate for homes with a low pitch.

Professional roofers must install the tar and gravel roof to ensure the job is done correctly. A poorly installed roof will not last 20 or 25 years. In addition, owners must regularly maintain the roof by replacing the gravel sealing seams and fixing any issues with the flashing. Failing to do so could lead to leaks and water damage.

However, care must be taken when walking on this roof because foot traffic can’t damage it. Falling debris and harsh weather conditions can also cause issues. Tar and gravel roofs aren’t environmentally friendly either because they consist mainly of petroleum-based parts, and the materials are not recyclable when the roof is no longer needed.

The first consideration when determining if a tar and gravel roof is the right choice for a building is its strength. If the structure can withstand the weight of this roofing material, The next consideration is weather conditions. Furthermore, the owner must understand maintenance requirements and the difficulty of many repairs.  Talk with an experienced roofer to learn about different roof options. Many homeowners find a tar and gravel roof suitable for their needs, but not all will. The roofer works to help clients make the right choice for their needs and building.