Tar and gravel roofing since 1982
Tar and Gravel Roofing in Boston, MA
Susi & Sons repairs and replaces tar & gravel (built-up) roofs in Boston, MA, on homes, multi-family buildings and commercial flat roofs. Infrared leak detection, tear-offs and free estimates.
Built-up roofs
How a Tar and Gravel Roof Works
A tar and gravel roof, also called a built-up roof or BUR, is made of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric, topped with a layer of gravel that shields the surface from sun and weather.
With age the surface can crack, blister or split at the flashing, and water gets into the layers below. We repair these roofs while they can be saved, and tear them off and install a new membrane such as EPDM when they cannot. Tar & gravel work is available in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Dorchester, Framingham, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Woburn and Worcester.
A different roof system?
We also install and repair rubber (EPDM), torch down and polymer-modified bitumen roofs. See EPDM rubber roof replacement.
Roofing services
Built-Up Roofing and Other Flat Roof Services
Flat Roof Repair
Rubber Roof Repair
Tar & Gravel Roofs
Asphalt Roof Coatings
Torch Down Roofing
EPDM Roofs
Built-Up Roofs (BUR)
Polymer-Modified Bitumen
Flat Roof Coatings
Roofing Tearoffs
Flat Roofing Installation
Rubber Roof Replacement
Thermoplastic Membranes (PVC, TPO)
Thermoset Roof Membranes (EPDM)
Infrared Roof Leak Technology
The process
How We Work on a Tar and Gravel Roof
Inspect
We check the gravel surface, seams, flashing and drains, and scan for trapped moisture with infrared leak detection.
Repair
Cracks, blisters and failed flashing are repaired with new materials where the roof can still be saved.
Replace
A roof that is worn out gets a tear-off and a new membrane, such as EPDM rubber.
Gravel and leaks
Why Tar and Gravel Roofs Leak
Most built-up roof leaks trace back to cracked or blistered layers, flashing that has separated from a wall or curb, or low spots where water stands.
Water can travel between the layers, so the leak inside is often some distance from the damage on the roof. That is why we scan with infrared before repairing. See a recent tear-off and replacement: Boston rubber roof replacement.
Layers
Alternating layers of bitumen and fabric make up a built-up roof.
Gravel
A gravel top surface shields those layers from sun and weather.
Standard built-up roof construction
Questions
Tar and Gravel Roofing Questions
What is a tar and gravel roof?
A tar and gravel roof, also called a built-up roof (BUR), is built from layers of bitumen and fabric with a gravel top surface.
Can a tar and gravel roof be repaired?
Yes, as long as it can still be saved. We repair cracks, blisters and failed flashing, and we recommend a tear-off and a new membrane when the roof is worn out.
What do you replace a tar and gravel roof with?
Commonly a new EPDM rubber membrane, though we install other flat roofing systems too. We go over the options at the free estimate.
Do you do roof tear-offs?
Yes. Roofing tear-offs are one of our services, and we do them ahead of new flat roof installation when an old roof is worn out.
Request a Free Tar and Gravel Roof Estimate
Cracked, blistered or leaking built-up roof? We will inspect it and tell you whether it can be saved.
Request a free estimate online.