Gravel Roofing

Gravel, or built-up roofing (BUR), represents the old standard in flat roofing materials. These roofs were utilized for over 100 years, consisting of asphalt, tar and insulation fabrics topped with gravel. While it may be one of the longest-used roofing materials, gravel roofing doesn’t come without its drawbacks. Advancements in synthetic materials have made modern roofing more popular than gravel in a number of applications.

So, is gravel a good roofing material? It was. For many years, gravel roofing represented the best the industry could offer. However, the industry has come a long way, and the master-certified roofing contractors here at ARP Roofing & Remodeling have been working hard to keep up with every advancement that’s been made.

Regarding flat roofing options, we’re confident that far more efficient roofing materials can better serve a building, and we’re excited to explain their merits.

Difficulty Of Maintenance

The gravel topping of built-up roofing makes it challenging to identify a leak’s location. When the leak is found, it generally requires an extensive excavation process to fix, and it’s less than ideal all around.

Mold And Moss

Pooling water is a risk for any flat roof. Because gravel essentially recreates the same conditions as the side of a riverbed, it can become prone to growths like moss and mold.

Best Gravel Roofing Alternatives

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is a mixture of asphalt, polymerized rubber and reinforced fiberglass. When correctly applied, the combination creates a durable and flexible coating that acts as a waterproof membrane for your roof.

The material has an average lifespan of 20 years but can last much longer with diligent maintenance. A few benefits of modified bitumen are:

• Watertightness
• Ease of installation
• Wind resistance
• Flexibility in a range of temperatures

TPO/PVC

Both thermoplastic polyolefin (TPV) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are categorized as single-ply membrane roofing materials. They’re installed as overlapping sheets to create durable, watertight roofing.

While TPO and PVC fall into essentially the same category, they’re made using different processes and impart slightly different benefits. PVC tends to have lower installation costs and offers excellent protection against chemical spills and fire. While TPO, on the other hand, tends to be more rigid and provides more puncture and break protection.

Metal

Metal is synonymous with strength. When you think of metal, you think of something durable and long-lasting – metal roofing imparts these benefits and more.

Metal roofing is one of the most versatile roofing options on the market and comes with a variety of benefits:

• Durable
• Environmentally-friendly
• Versatile
• Customizable
• Fire-resistant
• Lightweight
• Insect-resistant

Property Protection Guarantee

Gravel can be messy, and its installation can be a cumbersome process. If you’re worried that its removal may risk damage or leave your property in disarray, you can rest assured that with the Property Protection Guarantee upgrade, we’ll leave your property looking better than we left it.

We go out of our way to install specialized netting around our work area to catch and maintain all debris and materials that may fall or accumulate during roof work. Save those delicate paws and feet from any roofing debris by partnering with a team that cares!

Relieve Your Gravel Frustrations With An ARP Restoration

When you’re looking for the most professional roofing company in San Antonio, Victoria, Helotes or San Marcos, don’t hesitate to call the master-certified roofers here at ARP Roofing & Remodeling today! We’re committed to providing a level of service that sets the standard for what customers should expect from a roofing company.