Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 03, 2000 03:33am | #1

   *
   Flat hot mop roofs typically last only about 5-7 years. One re-roof is all that is allowed by code. After that, one tears the whole mess off, and starts over.

   The problem with hot mops are the inherent nature of tar paper, hot tar and gravel, which expands and contracts and ultimately splits.

   There is nothing wrong with a hot mop roof. They are cheap, fairly serviceable, and last a decent amount of time.

   The only real alternative one has is using a rubber roof, which is generally comprised of a rubber mat under a weather seal. That type of roofing job is a specialty, and is much more expensive.

   Personally, I would just keep the hot mop job. Given the limitations of a flat roof, this would be my first choice.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 03, 2000 04:46am | #2

   *Flat roofs can be too flat and they can also not be flat enough. Sounds crazy but it is true. If a roof is really flat it will not drain very well. Some pitch, or slope, to drains is desireable. Flat roofs can also have depressions that hold water. This can accelerate the degredation of the membrane and result in premature failure. Adding pitch can be expensive. The options range from a new "peaked" roof (discussed here before), to new decking over tapered sleepers, to sculptured foam. Even if you do not add pitch you should ensure that any depressions are addressed.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 04, 2000 02:57am | #3

   *A "Woofer"? Haw, Haw, Haw. FredieLu, You do have a sence of huemor with peeple who cant spel very gud.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 04, 2000 04:01am | #4

   *I was thinking a woofer was, well maybe, a flat woof specialist - or maybe Kieran has a i lispth.

2. 
   Kieran_Haley | Mar 04, 2000 08:28pm | #5

   *
   Dear Fred and all who gave me sensible advice.
   Thank you very much for your help. Regarding my spelling mistake,
   it actually happened when I used the Spell Check program at this site.
   To the childish people with the negative comments..grow up !
   Kieran

1. 
   Frank_LaPiana | Mar 04, 2000 09:56pm | #6

   *I ran across an interesting product site, "Grail Coat". It's a cement/latex mixture for roofing, siding, decking, etc. It looks cost effective and easy to apply. Does anyone have any long-term experience with it?http://www.grailcoat.com/

3. 
   Guest_ | Mar 05, 2000 09:37pm | #7

   *
   I guess I'd be a "woofer" even when I'm not roofing, eh?

4. 
   jaybub._W | Mar 09, 2000 04:49am | #8

   *
   tare the durn thang of an put a pichy pitch on it. so their

1. 
   Paul_F._Nichter | Mar 12, 2000 09:04am | #9

   *I've had twenty years of "woofing" experience and I know that a properly designed and applied built-up(tar&gravel) will last at least fiveteen years. But the onus is on "properly" To be well done it'll probably cos as much now as an EDPM rubber roof which will last you a liftime. Stay away from the "torchdown" and pvc materials.

5. 
   Kieran_Haley | Mar 12, 2000 09:04am | #10

   *
   I have suffered a significant number of leaks in the recent California Rains. It looks like (according to two woofers) I need to replace the entire roof. What should I stipulate to the woofers in terms of the best materials and process to use and what should I watch out for ? Right now
   my roof is tar and gravel and normally is baked in the California Heat.
   Any Advice would be appreciated.
   Thanks........Kieran.