Getting quotes on redoing our 40 year old very low slope, tar and
gravel roof that has given excellent service. This is a fairly severe
climate; long winters, windy, ocean side corrosion.

Simple bungalow, shed roof, 62 by 37 feet. No dormers, gullies or
valleys. Maximum slope is approx 3 feet in 17. Only apertures are; one
double flue brick chimney, one 3 inch vent stack, one electrical mast
through eave at one end. No gutters.

In response to enquiries most roofers propose "Hot torch" roll
roofing, at about twice the cost of 'redoing' the tar and gravel.

I have asked about re-coating and re-gravelling (quite a bit of
original pea gravel has been blown or washed away), knowing there are
buildings around here over 100 years old with old fashioned tarred
roofs.

Your opinions appreciated, not so much that the higher cost of 'Hot
torch' (which sounds a bit like an exotic dancer????) is a major
factor. But certainly concerning the technical aspects/comparison of
the two methods, for a roof that has given a minimum of problems since
1970.

Many thanks for any comments or information.

"terry" wrote in message
...
Getting quotes on redoing our 40 year old very low slope, tar and
gravel roof that has given excellent service. This is a fairly severe
climate; long winters, windy, ocean side corrosion.

Simple bungalow, shed roof, 62 by 37 feet. No dormers, gullies or
valleys. Maximum slope is approx 3 feet in 17. Only apertures are; one
double flue brick chimney, one 3 inch vent stack, one electrical mast
through eave at one end. No gutters.

In response to enquiries most roofers propose "Hot torch" roll
roofing, at about twice the cost of 'redoing' the tar and gravel.

I have asked about re-coating and re-gravelling (quite a bit of
original pea gravel has been blown or washed away), knowing there are
buildings around here over 100 years old with old fashioned tarred
roofs.

Your opinions appreciated, not so much that the higher cost of 'Hot
torch' (which sounds a bit like an exotic dancer????) is a major
factor. But certainly concerning the technical aspects/comparison of
the two methods, for a roof that has given a minimum of problems since
1970.

Many thanks for any comments or information.

Do a little research, don't trust my comments alone. You won't get anywhere
near 40 years out of a torch down roof. 10-15 depending on the material
grade used.

Your old roof was fully contact glued to the sheathing. The torch down
stuff is not fully welded to the sheathing. Wind can be a problem.

Installed in accordance with the MFG instructions requires a 3" wrap over
the edges of the roof. Not real attractive.

There is no gravel protection the material. UV degradation sets in much
sooner.

Remember the warranty is only as good as the company who provides it and the
manufacturer will always claim installer error.


--
Colbyt
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