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History Of A Gravel Roof

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During the 1950s, America hummed with energy, optimism and a desire to leave the hard times of the past behind. Furniture, homes, fashion, automobiles and even art began to veer away from the traditional and embrace a modernistic tone. These trends continued throughout most of the 1960s as well. One movement that was very much in vogue during these two decades was the construction of homes with flat or low-slope gravel roofs. These types of roofs soon fell out of fashion for homes, primarily to the unique problems that they presented. What Is a Gravel Roof? What most people call a gravel roof is a type of built-up roof that contains layers of hot asphalt and roofing felt. There are seldom more than five layers; four is considered average although some …show more content…

Therefore, the first problem you may encounter is finding a legitimate, reputable contractor with experience installing, maintaining and repairing these roofs. Flat gravel roofs require regular inspections; it is best to have them inspected twice each year. Leaf debris can collect on low-slope roofs, and rotting vegetation will reduce the roof's life. Moss can begin to grow, shortening the roof's life even more. If you have a low-slope gravel roof, plan to have gravel replaced frequently. The area along the ridge is prone to gravel loss, which leaves the asphalt exposed and susceptible to damage from UV radiation. Once the asphalt breaks down, leaks can develop and cause damage to the interior and/or the building's structural components. Ponding is a common problem with flat gravel roofs. As a rule, any puddles of water that remain on the roof more than 48 hours after it stops raining are a problem. Standing water increases the risk of water penetrating to the roof decking or home's interior, but it also provides a convenient location for mosquitoes to lay their

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