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Replacing shallow tar and gravel roof

11 years ago

In the October storm last year, an enormous maple fell across the roof of our shallow pitched tar and gravel 1960s contemporary home. Nobody does tar and gravel roofs now, and most of our neighbors have replaced with rubber membrane. Our second floor gets extremely hot in summer and shivery cold in winter - there is no attic - so we want to put in additional insulation when we reroof.

How do we determine how much insulation (inches or R value) we need? Any advice on TPO vs PVC roofs? White vs black? Any advice appreciated!

Comments (5)

brickeyee
11 years ago
EPDM
worthy
11 years ago
See this U.S. Department of Energy site for ZIP Code specific insulation recommendations.

Various solutions for adding insulation on the roof include: extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyisocyanurate, sprayed high-density foam* and mineral wool batts.

*This is not an endorsement.
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JXBrown (Sunset 24, N San Diego County)
11 years ago
We have the sprayed foam on our flat roofed mid-mod. It has made a huge improvement in comfort.
Jumpilotmdm
11 years ago
When choosing, look for aged R value. I think? poly-iso board R value deteriorates as it ages.
renovator8
11 years ago
Is the old roofing coal tar or asphalt? Is the roof sheathing damaged? What is the actual slope of the roof and how does it drain?

Your building code will stipulate the minimum insulation for an existing house but you should probably add more. the amount depends on your climate, roof orientation and heating system.

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