Tar & Gravel or Torch Roofing - been there, done that--best avoid it!

Posted Mar 15th, 2018

Watertite Roofing has been in operation for over 40 years. During this time we have applied many flat and low slope roofing systems--including torch down modified and asphalt.  Why are they the wrong roofing choice for your building? One four letter word - RISK!  Roofing is a venture with unavoidable safety challenges. Why add an unnecessary problem?  Top of the risk-list with these roofing types is FIRE! Torch down systems and roofing product lines which have to be hot-mopped pose flash point potential. Hot tar is normally applied using a cotton headed mop with a wooden handle or paper base felts are torched into place. None of it makes sense, and most of it is an exclusion on insurance policies.

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Another reason to  reconsider your roofing choice is longevity. Tar, modified or rubber roofing eventually denigrates with exposure to the elements and when under water which is counterproductive to the purpose of waterproofing.

Having completed countless installations of built-up, tar & gravel, metal, EPDM and rolled roofs, we have seen the roofing construction industry transition from coal tar pitch, built-up tar & gravel,  rubber membrane and metals to a variety of new technology rolled roofing products.  After extensive experience and decades in this business, our roofing product line of choice is the North American made Duro-Last PVC thermoplastic pre-engineered system. We can find no longer-lasting or safer roofing alternative to offer our customers.

The last word:

"...should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive that energy devoted to patching leaks..." -- Warren Buffet