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Rocks are placed on commercial flat roofs for many different reasons:

  1. If the roof is what is called a ballast roof, it is not fastened or adhered down throughout the whole roof. The membrane is most likely an EPDM membrane that is fastened at the edges only and being held down by the weight of the rock on top of it. The rock is called ballast. This system is typically an 8-year system and needs to be replaced once the integrity of the roof is gone.
  2. Various types of rock are embedded into asphalt roofs to add strength to the roof and help it last longer.
  3. Pea gravel is sometimes placed on top of a smooth BUR asphalt roof to protect the roof from the sun's harmful UV rays. This protects the asphalt from "alligatoring", or cracking, from exposure to the sun.
  4. Small #11 roofing granules are sometimes used on foam roofs by embedding them into the top layer of an elastomeric roof coating. This is done to add additional strength to areas that may have more traffic, and also to prevent birds from pecking at the foam on the roof.

There are some benefits to having rock on a flat roof, especially if it is a black rubber or asphalt roof, as it adds additional reflectivity and protects the substrate from UV rays. However, with the advancements in elastomeric roof coatings, it is much better to go with a highly reflective white roof coating over rock. Look into the Reflective Roof Coating Institute's study on reflectivity and energy efficiency.

Jason Popovich

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Q: Why is rocks placed on a flat commercial roof?
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Related questions

What is flat roof?

flat roofing is simply a flat roof structure, ie their is no slope in the roof, it is completely flat. For that reason it has to be super waterproof has rain will collect and stay on the roof.


What are the different types of commercial roofs?

A flat roof is a common type of commercial roof in Utah that can be found in many commercial properties likes malls, warehouses, etc. Due to their affordability and the fact that they are rather quick and easy to install, it is a popular roofing choice for many commercial operations. Another style is what is known as a low slope roof. Such buildings like apartments, industrial properties, and more may have this style of roof. Unlike flat tops, while they may seem flat from far away, a low slope has a slight incline (thus the name) and are relatively easy to maintain. A pitched roof is not as common as the aforementioned styles, mainly due to the fact that they are more expensive. A pitched roof creates a very beautiful roof, but it can be difficult to work on and maintain.


Why rocks on a roof?

the rocks on the roof is use to add weigth on the roof specially when heavy wind is on your place


Ballasted Roofs are no Longer a Good Choice for Commercial Roofing?

Commercial flat roofs often carry an asphalt roofing system incorporating rocks or stones, and are defined as a ballasted roof. The difficulty with a ballasted roof is the issue of water pooling and excessive condensation leading to ice dams. With asphalt and gravel application, it is difficult to create a proper seal at all seams and connection points. Leaks on ballasted roofs are greatly more complex to diagnose as water travels in any direction on a flat roof. Contending with water pooling on a ballasted roof exacerbates the problem. Ballasted roofing is no longer an option that customers seek.


Can I have more information on flat roofs?

A flat roof is a type of roof that is nearly horizontal to the building itself. A flat roof design is intended to allow water run-off by building the flat roof at a slight incline.


Why would a sloped roof be better than a flat roof?

A flat roof would be better than a sloped roof because a flat roof is significantly cheaper to build. Another consideration of a flat roof would be that it is a more modern design and would fit a more contemporary home.


Why would a flat roof be better than a sloped roof?

A flat roof would be better than a sloped roof because a flat roof is significantly cheaper to build. Another consideration of a flat roof would be that it is a more modern design and would fit a more contemporary home.


Would a pyramid-shaped roof be better than a flat roof?

On house, why might a pyramid-shape roof be better than a flat roof?


How much to tansform a flat roof into a slopping roof?

Usually the best way is to simply build a new sloped roof onto the flat roof.


What is roofing?

flat roofing is simply a flat roof structure, ie their is no slope in the roof, it is completely flat. For that reason it has to be super waterproof has rain will collect and stay on the roof.


Would a pyramid shaped roof be better than a flat roof?

On house, why might a pyramid-shape roof be better than a flat roof?


What advantages of pitched roof compare with flat roof?

A flat roof is a maintenance nightmare year after year. So many people have made that mistake only to later put a pitched roof over the flat roof to avoid any more hassle.