Evolving from Tar & Gravel to Modern Roofing Solutions

Evolving for Our Customers: Why We’re transitioning from Tar & Gravel to Modern Roofing Solutions

For decades, the standard for flat and low-slope roofing in Marin County was Tar and Gravel. It was a tough and durable system that served its purpose well. At McLeran Roofing & Gutters, we’ve installed our fair share of these traditional Roofs. But technology evolves, and a responsible contractor must evolve with it.

That’s why we’ve mad the strategic decision to transition away from old Tar & Gravel systems and embrace modern, high-performance solutions, specifically the advances self-adhering membranes from industry leader Mule-Hide Products.

This isn’t just a change in materials-it’s a fundamental upgrade in the value, safety, and quality we deliver our customers. Here’s why we made the switch and what it means for you.

The Challenges of a Classic: Why We’re Phasing Out Tar & Gravel

Intense Labor & Rising Costs: A Tar & Gravel roof is built layer by layer on-site, involving heavy materials and physical Labor. This lengthy, intensive process directly translates to higher labor costs for our clients.

Soaring Insurance Premiums: The single biggest factor for us, and a major hidden cost for you, is insurance. Tar & Gravel installation requires a large kettle of molten asphalt heated to 500°F. The open flame, extreme heat, and toxic fumes create a significant fire risk on your property. This risk leads to sky-high insurance premiums for contractors- a cost that inevitably gets passed on to the final project price.

The Unmistakable Smell & Disruption: Anyone who has been near a Tar & Gravel job knows the smell. The noxious fumes from hot asphalt can permeate a building for days, creating an unpleasant and potentially unhealthy environment for your family, employees, or tenants. The process is also messy and loud.

The Modern Solution: Mule-Hide SA-SBS Self-Adhering Systems

We have chosen to specialize in modern solutions like Mule-Hide’s SA-SBS Self-Adhering Cap Sheet. This product represents a leap forward in roofing technology.

It’s a “peel-and-stick” membrane, but on a commercial-grade, industrial scale. The “SBS” stands for Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, which means the asphalt is modified with rubber polymers. This creates a waterproof membrane that is incredibly tough, flexible, and resistant to cracking and weathering.

The Head-to-Head Comparison: Why Mule-Hide Wins for Our Customers

Tar & Gravel roofs are pungent, and can create noxious hot-asphalt fumes that can linger for days. Self Adhered Cap Sheet doesn’t use kettles or torches and make for a cleaner healthier job site.

Tar & Gravel roofs carry a high fire risk from open-flame kettles and torches that lead to higher insurance overhead that can impact your overall project cost. Self Adhered applications eliminate open flames, reducing risk and associated insurance costs.

Tar & Gravel installation is a slow, multi-layer process requiring a larger crew and more time on site, driving up labor expenses. Self Adhered application utilizes a smaller specialized crew that can install the system quickly, saving you money.

Tar & Gravel typically offers shorter warranty periods often with more exclusions due to the on-site fabrication. Self Adhered offers robust warranties directly from Mule-Hide of 15+ years.

Tar & Gravel is rigid, heavy, and prone to cracking as the building settles and temperatures fluctuate. Self Adhered has rubberized SBS material that expands and contracts, easily handling building shifts and Marin’s temperature swings for a longer, more reliable lifespan.

Our decision to move to Mule-Hide systems is a commitment to providing a better, safer, and more valuable service. It allows us to reduce disruption to your life, eliminate hazardous materials from your property, and provide a superior roof backed by one of the best warranties in the business.

If you have an old Tar and Gravel roof nearing the end of its life, or you’re planning a new low-slope roofing project, the choice is clear.

Contact McLeran Roofing & Gutters today for a free consultation and let us show you the future of flat roofing.