Hot tar, often referring to heated asphalt in roofing applications, is primarily used to create durable roofing systems.
Using Hot Tar for Roofing Systems
The process for using hot tar, specifically asphalt in the context of roofing described, begins by heating the asphalt to a liquid state. This liquefaction allows the material to be effectively applied to the roof substrate.
Application Methods
Once heated to a liquid, the hot tar is applied to the roof surface. Common methods for this application include:
- Mopping: Spreading the liquid tar using a specialized mop.
- Spraying: Applying the tar evenly using a spray apparatus.
- Pouring: Directly pouring the hot tar onto the surface in sections.
Layering for Durability
A key aspect of using hot tar in roofing is the construction of multiple layers. A durable roofing system is built by alternating layers of hot tar with reinforcement materials such as asphalt-saturated felt or fiberglass.
This layering process typically involves:
- Applying a layer of hot tar over the roof substrate.
- Placing a sheet of felt or fiberglass reinforcement over the tar.
- Applying another layer of hot tar over the felt/fiberglass.
- Adding subsequent layers of reinforcement and tar until the desired thickness and durability are achieved.
This creates a robust, multi-ply membrane designed to protect the building from the elements.
