Tar and gravel are used as roofing materials for flat roofs. You can’t place shingles on the flat roof because shingles can’t protect the roof from rain if they are not placed at an angle. Tar and gravel roof is so called built-up roof; it is made of tar paper and tar and covered with gravel. This type of roof can last from 10 to 20 years. The most common problem with this roof is water leakage. If you find stains on the walls or ceilings, it is time for tar and gravel roof repair.

First thing you have to do is to find the leak. Sometimes it can be hard; the leakage is very often far from the spot on the ceiling. Water travels through the layers of the roof and starts to seep when it finds weak spot in the roof structure. Inspect the entire roof surface; start at the lowest point of the roof. Most probably, you will find ponding water in that area. Remove the gravel from a surface of 100 square foot and soak the water using clothes.  Clean thoroughly roof surface and remove the dirt. Look for blister and cracks in the tar. Cut the blister with utility knife making X section but do not damage underlayment. Open the cut flaps, soak the water underneath and dry thoroughly. Apply thick layer of tar and place back the flaps. Press them firmly. Put another layer of the tar over it; this layer should be at least 6 inches larger than repaired area.
Cut a piece of fabric. It has to be big enough to cover entire repaired area. Place the fabric in tar so that it gets saturated with the tar. Add thin layer of the tar all over the edges of the patch. Put back the gravel over the repaired area. Do it with your hands and not with the broom because that can disturb the patch. Gravel is used to protect the tar from the sunlight. Remember to wear protective gloves when working with tar.
This is quite simple work and you can easily do it yourself. But keep in mind that tar and gravel roof repair is always temporary solution.

It will last 3 to 6 months. After that time, another leak will appear, probably at the same place. In fact, when tar roof starts to leak, it usually means that you will have to replace it very soon. 3-6 months period gives you just enough time to explore all the available options.

The many trades involved in a kitchen remodel include carpenters, YP plumbers, and electricians