History of Tar & Gravel Roofs

Tar and gravel roofs, also known as built-up roofs, have been around for a long time. They are considered one of the most durable and cost-effective roofing options, and they have a rich history that spans centuries, going back to antiquity. In this blog, we will explore the history of tar and gravel roofs, their evolution, and how they continue

to be an important roofing solution today.

The earliest known use of tar and gravel roofs can be traced back to the Mesopotamian civilization that existed in what is now modern-day Iraq around 4000 BC. The flat-roofed houses of that time were made using a mix of mud and straw that was then covered in tar and sealed with gravel. This type of roof was instrumental in protecting homes from the harsh desert environment and the extreme temperatures.

The Romans, skilled engineers that they were, took the tar and gravel roof to the next level. They developed a more sophisticated method of using tar and gravel on their roofs, which involved the use of multiple layers of tar and felt. They would first lay down a layer of felt, then apply tar and repeat the process until they had several layers of tar and felt. The top layer was then covered with gravel to protect the tar from the intense heat of the Mediterranean sun.

Fast forward to the 19th century in the United States, and tar and gravel roofs were still in use, but they had undergone some significant changes. At this time, the industrial revolution was in full swing, and there was a demand for more durable and sustainable roofing materials.

In the late 1800s, asbestos was added to the roofing mixture as a reinforcing agent. This made the roofs even more durable and allowed them to last longer. However, we now know how harmful asbestos can be to human health, and it is no longer used

in roofing materials.

In the early 20th century, the asphalt industry began to grow, and with it came the development of asphalt-based roofing materials. Asphalt was cheaper than tar and could be made from petroleum instead of coal, which made it more widely available. The use of asphalt made the installation of tar and gravel roofs even easier, and the roofs became more affordable.

In the mid-20th century, the popularity of tar and gravel roofs began to decline as new roofing materials such as single-ply membranes and metal roofs were developed. However, tar and gravel roofs continued to be the preferred choice for commercial and industrial buildings that needed a durable and cost-effective roofing solution.

Today, tar and gravel roofs are still widely used, although they have evolved to include new and improved materials. The basic concept of a built-up roof remains the same, but the materials used have changed to reflect modern technology.

Modern tar and gravel roofs are typically made using multiple layers of asphalt or modified bitumen sheets. These sheets are then sealed together with hot asphalt or other adhesives. The top layer is still covered with gravel, which provides protection from the sun and helps to dissipate heat.

One of the advantages of modern tar and gravel roofs is that they are highly customizable. Different types of asphalt or bitumen sheets can be used to adjust the roof’s durability, and the amount of gravel used can also be varied to provide different levels of protection.

Another benefit of tar and gravel roofs is that they are relatively easy to repair. Because the layers of the roof are sealed together, patches can be made to damaged areas without having to replace the entire roof.

Tar and gravel roofs have come a long way since the days of the Mesopotamians. The concept of using tar and gravel to protect structures from the elements has been refined and improved over the centuries. Today, tar and gravel roofs remain a popular roofing solution, particularly for commercial and industrial buildings.

While newer roofing materials have come onto the market, tar and gravel roofs have remained a cost-effective and durable solution. As long as there is a need for sustainable roofing solutions, tar and gravel roofs will continue to be a popular choice for building owners and contractors alike.