Why Are There Rocks On Top Of Roofs

It s called ita buki yane.

Why are there rocks on top of roofs.

It s also a bit of an aesthetic nicety on more modern roofs just for the crack as it were. If the tar dry s out. Various types of rock are embedded into asphalt roofs to add strength to the roof and help it last longer. Rocks and stones are just weights to protect the shingles from wind.

The gravel prevents sun hail errant baseballs etc from damaging the membrane the all important moisture seal created by the tar paper and tar. You may notice that a tar and gravel roof is installed on many low slope or flat roof commercial buildings. The stones keep the tar paper in place and prevent it from buckling or blowing away in a high wind. Yes it is for wind lift.

The first is to protect the underlying layer of roofing materials on built up roofs burs and the second is to secure or weigh down the roofing material as is the case with single ply flat roofs. The rocks on the roof is use to add weigth on the roof specially when heavy wind is on your place. That s all there is to it. The rocks are on top of tar the tar keeps the roof from leaking but the small stones are there to protect the tar and hold moisture so the tar does not dry out completely.

American society of home inspectors. A layer of gravel or small stones is applied on top of the final coating of asphalt to protect the roof from the elements including ultraviolet uv rays and hail. Pea gravel is sometimes placed on top of a smooth bur asphalt roof to protect the roof.

Contractors and builders use gravel on flat roofing for two primary reasons.