Gravel is a familiar sight on older Winchester commercial roofs, and it’s there for a reason — but it’s also part of why that style of roof is being replaced rather than repeated.
Why Do Commercial Roofs Have Gravel?
Gravel ballast weighs down and protects an older built-up roof from UV and wind uplift, but it also hides leaks and adds roof-deck weight.
A built-up roof (BUR) is layers of asphalt and felt, and the gravel on top — called ballast — shields those layers from sun and holds the membrane down against wind. It is a proven system, which is why so many older commercial buildings in Winchester and Clark County still have it. The tradeoff is that gravel also makes visual inspection and leak-tracing harder than a single-ply membrane, since the surface you’d actually need to see is buried under stone. See built-up roofing vs. single-ply for the full comparison.
Should an Old Gravel Roof Be Replaced with TPO?
When a BUR roof nears the end of its service life, or ponding and leaks become chronic rather than occasional, the usual move is a tear-off to a modern single-ply membrane instead of another gravel-surfaced system. TPO membrane in this area typically runs $6.50 to $9.00 per square foot installed — see our roof coatings & maintenance page for what can extend the current roof first.
Common Questions
Is a gravel roof the same as a flat roof?
Not exactly — gravel describes the surface of an older built-up roof, while flat roof refers to the low-slope design itself. TPO and EPDM are flat roofs without gravel.
Can you walk on a gravel roof safely?
With care — loose stone shifts underfoot and can hide soft decking, so a roofer should assess it rather than a maintenance crew walking it unassisted.
Does gravel roofing still get installed today?
Rarely on new commercial work — most reroofs now use single-ply membrane instead, though existing gravel BUR systems can still be maintained.
Winchester Commercial Roofing is operated by Central Roof Repair.
Call or text (859) 310-1209, or request an estimate below.
Related: roof coatings & maintenance | built-up roofing vs. single-ply | TPO vs. EPDM vs. PVC
Source: National Roofing Contractors Association.
Last updated: November 6, 2026