Outside my office I overlook several buildings with flat roofs. Each of these roofs have gravel, or rocks, covering them. I can't see what the functionality is. In fact, the added weight would seem to be more a liability than anything!
2006-08-31 05:49:55 · 5 answers · asked by Joe Delamater 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Excellent question.
Someone explained it to me, and I'll do my best to remember.
It's ballast, keeping the tarpaper/rubber coating on the roof from separating from the structure, due to thermal expansion or changing air pressure inside the building.
Sorry for such a poor explanation. I'm sure you can google it.
2006-08-31 05:58:54 · answer #1 · answered by Mitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is to protect the felts and other roofing membranes underneath it. It also provides ballast and helps keep the roofing membranes from coming up or "bubbling" when water accumulates on the roof.
2006-08-31 12:58:18 · answer #2 · answered by PaganPoetess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the construction/architect world we call it "ballast". The main function is aesthetics. What looks better, a black tar roof or some nice river rock? It’s all about aesthetics...
2006-08-31 12:57:46 · answer #3 · answered by asw1212 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the shingles on your roof also has a gravel like suffice on them it helps prevent wear from rain etc.
2006-08-31 12:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by norsmen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey heres an idea why dont you go and ask them
2006-08-31 12:59:24 · answer #5 · answered by spider boy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋