Gravel Ballasted Roofs

A built up roof for example will typically include the built up membrane itself with or without gravel as well as some kind of insulation and cover board which will vary in thickness from roof to roof.

Gravel ballasted roofs.

Magazine and roofing southwest although single ply roofs inherently have sun protective qualities ballast provides an extra layer of protection from uv rays. Most ballasted roof systems use gravel stone that is similar to what would be used in landscaping. Simply put a ballasted roof is easy to install and basically guaranteed maintenance work for a roofer. The gravel in a ballasted roof helps absorb heat preventing the sun from heating the roof materials below and making the roof more energy efficient.

For built up roofing the gravel was generally 25 5 inches in diameter. Once completed the epdm membrane is held in place using one of the following materials as ballast with a minimum weight of 50 kg m. Ballasted roof systems have been installed since the early 1970 s. Gravel in form of round smooth river washed aggregate without broken pieces nominal 16 to 32 mm.

They are known for their installation speed and pleasing aesthetics. The stones used in ballasted roofing are generally 1 5 2 5 inches in diameter and applied in a thicker layer. Some commercial single ply roofs are ballasted with gravel this report does not apply to these gravel roof advantages most gravel roofs are inexpensive to build offer some protection to vulnerable asphalt against uv damage and the stones are very durable. When it comes to estimating the weight of an existing roof field verification of the in place construction is necessary.

On the other hand ballast roofing might be the right choice for your commercial property if you live somewhere with a ready source of ballast rocks gravel of the appropriate size and you prefer the aesthetic look and texture of the larger stones. Ballasted roof systems are simultaneously a roofer s best friend and arch nemesis. The buildup is ballasted with a gravel layer of at least 50 mm and 80 kg m 2. It is very important to note that the amount of gravel being applied to a roof must be precise it depends on the specific roofing spec being used and the building type.

Ballast tar gravel roofing. Too much gravel can result in a structural issue due to weight. However other ballasted systems use pavers which are easier to walk on and can be. Holes mean roof leaks and roof leaks mean call the roofer.

Roof perimeters and penetrations are flashed in accordance with firestone specifications pdf. The gravel used in built up roofing what the roofing contractors were used to was not the same as that used in a ballasted roof. The single ply membrane and other roof components including thermal insulation are loose laid.