Why You Might Need To Remove Gravel From Your Roof

29 August 2022
 Categories: , Blog

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Your commercial roof might be covered with loose gravel. If this is the case, you'll need to have professional roofing contractors remove the gravel for several reasons. This is an important part of a commercial roof repair process.

Find Leaks

If you are looking for leaks on your roof, you will need to remove loose gravel. This frees up your roof so that other tests can be performed such as an infrared test. If a test is able to detect moisture in the insulation, this can be used to help pinpoint the location of the leak.

Install a New Roof

When installing a new roof over an existing roof, you will not be able to place the roof over loose gravel. This will not create a stable surface upon which you can install your roof. Even if you place a board over the gravel, the gravel will shift and cause the slope of your roof to be thrown off. This can interfere with the ability of your roof to drain properly. Your roof might also not be insulated as well if it is built on top of loose gravel.

The Best Way to Remove Gravel

A commercial roofing company will remove loose gravel using a method known as "wet vacuuming." Water is used to wash the roof, and the vacuum then removes the loose gravel. The gravel can also be removed using a shovel, but this is more expensive and will take much longer.

If the roof is flat, it can be much easier to remove the gravel. However, if the roof has multiple levels, the company will have to drag the equipment around more, and this can become more expensive. However, there are many advantages to hiring professional roofers to do the job for you.

Have Your Roof Inspected

While a roofer is removing the loose gravel, they will also be able to inspect the roof to make sure that it's not damaged. A commercial roofing contractor will want to look at various aspects of the roof such as the roof vents, flashing, field tears, gutters, and drainage pipes. A common issue that a roofing contractor will need to look for is whether there is any ponding on your roof. 

Being proactive with a commercial roof is essential because you will want to catch problems before they get out of hand. Then, you will be able to make sure that your roof lasts a long time.

Contact a company like AD Roofing Siding & Gutters to learn more.