How to fix leaks in a Tar & Gravel roof?
 

Hi everyone, I have a property that has been recently purchased. The
building is quite old, approximately 100 years old. The property has a
flat roof section measuring 30x40 feet. The roofing type is tar and
gravel.

During the recent spring season, rain has penetrated in certain
sections to leak into the commercial tenant below. I have had a couple
roofing specialists come in, and all have recommended on re-roofing
with a torch on roof. Now that can get quite expensive.

Since its only a couple holes causing the leaks, can i not:
1. Scrape up all the rocks
2. Plaster a good coat of new tar all over the roof
3. Re-spread all the rocks

to heal the problem? If so, are there any recommendations on types of
tar to do this? Any insght would be appreciated as I am unfamiliar
with roofing options.

How to fix leaks in a Tar & Gravel roof?
 

How to fix leaks in a Tar & Gravel roof?
 

Thanks.

Is there a certain type of tar that is recommended? I hear there are
many types available. Is there any type where I won't need a hot pot?

Robert Allison wrote:
wrote:

Hi everyone, I have a property that has been recently purchased. The
building is quite old, approximately 100 years old. The property has a
flat roof section measuring 30x40 feet. The roofing type is tar and
gravel.

During the recent spring season, rain has penetrated in certain
sections to leak into the commercial tenant below. I have had a couple
roofing specialists come in, and all have recommended on re-roofing
with a torch on roof. Now that can get quite expensive.

Since its only a couple holes causing the leaks, can i not:
1. Scrape up all the rocks
2. Plaster a good coat of new tar all over the roof
3. Re-spread all the rocks

to heal the problem? If so, are there any recommendations on types of
tar to do this? Any insght would be appreciated as I am unfamiliar
with roofing options.



Yes, you can do that. You just need a hot tar pot. I have
never seen one of these for rent and I can't imagine that they
WOULD rent them, so you will probably have to buy one.

http://www.constructioncomplete.com/RoofingEquipment/RoofingTarKettles/HotTarDrawKettleSingleBurner.html

Get some roofing tar, melt it down, bucket it up to the roof
and mop it on. Spread the gravel back out while it is still
hot. Try not to get any on your bare skin or any other part
of your building.

On the other hand, you could just hire a real roofer.

--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX