Boulders on flat roofs of buildings, why is it used?
The roof of a building can be of several types . One of them is known as a flat roof , which in turn can be of two types: passable and non-passable . The first is the one that has a layer of protection that allows one or more people to move, or as its name indicates, transit through it. The second also has protection. Only the type of protection it has is not suitable for driving on it . The protections for non-trafficable roofs are diverse, and one of the most used is the protective layer of gravel, or boulders . Discover what its characteristics are and why it is used.
Non-passable roofs made of pebbles
When it is said that a non-trafficable roof has a protective layer of gravel or gravel , what it actually means is that this gravel is made up of boulders . This type of layer is one of the most used on roofs where traffic will not be allowed, although they do have to allow some access to carry out repairs. For this reason, among other things, this material is used as coverage in this type of roof.
But the pebble roofs have a very specific function in this type of building finishes: to protect the thermal insulation plates on the roofs . If these were in the air, they would be in danger of being sucked in and lifted from their position by the wind. As a consequence, the building would lose its insulation at the top and the top floors would not have protection against cold and heat. And they could even suffer from humidity. Of course, gravel covers cannot be created with just any type of boulder. They must have certain dimensions and appearance , as we will see below.
What are the pebbles used on flat roofs like?
The boulders that are placed as protection forming a layer on the roof are not very large. Generally, its diameter is usually between 1.6 and 3.2 millimeters . Of course, they are not very fine. Its minimum thickness must be five centimeters .
These edges also cannot be placed on the covers as they are collected. First, they must be treated appropriately, although the treatment that must be given to the edges that will form the gravel is neither excessive nor expensive. Simply wash them thoroughly with water . Of course, not just any water will do: it must be completely free of salt . Furthermore, when placing them, precautions must be taken so that plants or herbs do not grow between the stones. To achieve this, it is necessary to install a specific layer that prevents the growth of roots and grass between the boulders.
As for the color of the gravel in this type of roof, which despite being called flat has a very slight slope (between 1% and 5% inclination), they are usually rounded , and in many cases they have at least one side. flattened . As for its color, it can be white, reddish or yellowish . These are the pebbles that, among other products , can be obtained in quarries specialized in obtaining components for the protection of flat roofs, such as Vetonek . So, if you need to cover a deck with a layer of gravel, don't hesitate and contact them!