Flat Roofs · Kelowna & the Okanagan Tar & Gravel Roof Replacement.
We replace old tar and gravel roofs across Kelowna and the Okanagan. The old roof comes off, we check what is underneath, and a new flat roof goes on, most often two-ply IKO torch-on. We’re an IKO Certified Installer. Free estimates, backed by a 15-year workmanship warranty.
What is a tar and gravel roof?
A tar and gravel roof is a built-up roof: layers of roofing felt and hot asphalt, or coal tar on some older roofs, with gravel set into the top coat. The gravel shields the roof from the sun and the weather.
Where the gravel wears away, the roof underneath starts to break down. The gravel also hides what is going on underneath, so we look closely before we quote.
Signs it is wearing out.
A tar and gravel roof rarely fails all at once. These are the signs we look for when we walk one.
Bare Patches
Where wind, water or foot traffic has moved the gravel, the layers underneath are left open to the weather and start to break down.
Blisters
Air or moisture trapped between the plies swells in the heat and lifts the roof. A small one can be watched. A large or broken one needs fixing.
Cracks & Splits
A cracked, crazed surface, raised ridges and splits in the plies. Left to the weather, they open up and let water into the roof.
Ponding
Water that sits long after the rain. A new roof is the chance to add drains and give the roof more fall toward them.
Leaks & Wet Insulation
Water getting inside, or wet insulation under the roof. Wet insulation has to be found and replaced, whatever goes on top.
Repeat Repairs
If you have been repairing the same roof again and again, you are paying for a replacement in instalments.
Tar and gravel roofs we’ve replaced.
The church at the top of this page, an industrial building in Armstrong and a gas station canopy in Penticton: each one taken from tar and gravel to two-ply IKO torch-on.
Industrial.
A large industrial roof, taken from tar and gravel to two-ply IKO torch-on. Where the old roof had to come off, the tar and gravel, insulation and damaged plywood were removed and the deck repaired.
- 20–30 yrLifespan
- Two-PlyIKO Torch-On
- 2024Completed
How a tar and gravel roof is replaced.
A tear-off is the only time anyone sees your roof deck, so it is the one chance to fix what is underneath rather than covering it up.
The Old Roof Comes Off
The gravel and the old roof come off, down to the insulation or the deck, and go straight into disposal. On the church, the gravel came down a covered chute.
We Check Underneath
With the roof bare, we check the insulation and the deck. Anything wet or damaged is replaced, and you are told what was found and what it costs before it is done.
The New Roof Goes On
Most often two-ply IKO torch-on, as on all three of these jobs. Its cap sheet has mineral granules built in to shield it from the sun, so no gravel goes back on.
Repair or Replace?
A problem in one spot, on a roof with years left, is worth repairing. If the old roof is dry underneath, a new roof can sometimes go over it once the gravel is cleared off. If it is wet or failing everywhere, it comes off. We will tell you which one you have.
- RepairOne Failed Detail
- LayoverDry Underneath
- ReplaceWet or Failing
More for flat roofs.
Tar and gravel questions.
Need a tar and gravel roof looked at?
Tell us about the building and what you are seeing, and we’ll come and take a look. Free estimates.
Free estimates • Tar & gravel to torch-on • Kelowna & the Okanagan