Bess Industries
From Troublesome Tar & Gravel to Low Maintenance Acrylic
Our Process
Problem at Hand
Bess Industries was dealing with recurring leaking around the perimeter and some skylights.
Solution Applied
Acrylic topped PolyUrethane Foam was choosen based on the specific requirements of this roof.
Results!
This new roof is, seamless, waterproof and insulates while reflecting radiant heat.
The Problem,
Bess Industries had an aging roof constructed using an antiquated roofing method known as tar and gravel. Tar & Gravel roofs, also called Built-Up roofs, comprised of alternating layers of fiberglass or felt applied with hot tar. This layer is then covered with loose gravel to protect the tar from damaging UV rays. These tar-based roofs are vulnerable to cracking and shrinkage caused by repeated heating and cooling. Cracks can randomly appear along the roof surface, allowing water to penetrate the lower layers if not completely through +as you can imagine, even the cracks that do not penetrate completely through will still speed the breakdown process.
Bess Industries contacted us because their roof had developed leaks around the drains and skylights. These are natural weak points made worse by a material prone to shrinkage. As the roofing contracted and pulled away, cracks formed, causing water leaks from rain and snow.
Getting Started
Simply put, the old roof was shot and needed to go. Repairs or patches were not an option. Yet, we could not tear the old roof off, leaving the exterior exposed to the weather. To start with, we used industrial-sized vacuums to remove the loose gravel from the roof surface. Now with all the loose gravel removed, we could finally begin.
Solving The Problem
No “Bandaids” or “Quick Fixes” Here!
Bess Industries wished to go with the best possible option.
Unique Problems Require Innovative Solutions, Enter Foam Roofing.
Spay Foam Poly-Urethane Roofing was the perfect candidate for this roof. After all, nothing else can level a rough surface like 1.5 inches of closed-cell foam.
Here is what we did,
