Tar and Gravel Roofs in New Mexico: Repair, Maintain, or Replace?

Tar and gravel roofs are common on older flat and low-slope homes in New Mexico. They are strong, have several protective layers, and can perform well when properly maintained. However, our intense sunlight, temperature changes, wind, hail, and monsoon rain can gradually damage the roof.

So, how do you know whether your roof needs routine maintenance, a targeted repair, or complete replacement?

This guide explains how tar and gravel roofing works, its advantages and disadvantages, the problems Roof Repair Today commonly finds, and what homeowners should do when warning signs appear.

What Is a Tar and Gravel Roof?

A tar and gravel roof is a type of built-up roofing system, often called a BUR roof.

The system is usually made by installing several alternating layers of reinforcing roof material and asphalt. A final layer of asphalt and gravel is placed over the surface. These multiple layers create one continuous waterproof barrier.

Although people commonly call it a “tar roof,” many modern built-up roofs use roofing asphalt rather than traditional coal tar.

The gravel is not merely decorative. It helps:

• Protect the asphalt from direct sunlight and UV exposure

• Shield the roof from hail and minor physical damage

• Hold down the surface material

• Protect the membrane from normal service foot traffic

• Slow down the aging of the asphalt below

Built-up roofing has been used for more than 100 years and remains a recognized system for flat and low-slope roofs.

Why Are Tar and Gravel Roofs Common in New Mexico?

Many homes in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and surrounding communities have flat or low-slope roof designs. This is especially common on Pueblo Revival, Southwestern, and adobe-style properties.

Tar and gravel roofing has traditionally been a practical option for these buildings because it creates a thick, layered surface. However, New Mexico weather places special stress on the system.

A roof may face:

• Strong sunlight and high UV exposure

• Hot daytime temperatures followed by cooler nights

• High winds and blowing debris

• Hail and thunderstorms

• Heavy rain during the monsoon season

• Snow and freezing temperatures in higher-elevation areas

The repeated heating and cooling of the roof can make its materials expand and contract. Over time, this movement may contribute to cracking, separation, and blistering.

New Mexico’s summer monsoon can also bring thunderstorms, hail, strong wind, and sudden heavy rain, making drainage and waterproofing especially important.

Interesting Facts About Tar and Gravel Roofs

• A tar and gravel roof is not made from one waterproof layer. It normally uses several layers to form a complete roof membrane.

• The gravel helps protect the dark asphalt from sunlight, but it can also hide cracks and other damage.

• The roof may look dry on the surface even when moisture is trapped between its layers.

• Many leaks begin around penetrations, walls, flashings, drains/canales, and other roof details.

• A small ceiling stain does not always show the exact location of the roof opening. Water can travel between roof layers before entering the building.

• Blisters may grow as trapped air or moisture expands during repeated heating cycles.

  
  

Advantages of Tar and Gravel Roofs in New Mexico

Multiple protective layers

Built-up roofing contains several layers of reinforcing material and asphalt. This creates a thick roof membrane instead of depending on one thin layer.

Protection from UV exposure

New Mexico receives intense sunlight. Properly distributed gravel shields much of the asphalt surface from direct UV exposure.

Resistance to minor impact and foot traffic

The gravel and layered construction can provide some protection from small hail, falling debris, and necessary service traffic.

Proven roofing system

Built-up roofing has a long history of use on flat and low-slope buildings. Professional roofers are familiar with its installation, inspection, and repair requirements.

Repair may be possible

A roof with damage limited to a few identifiable areas may not need immediate replacement. Penetrations, cracks, flashings, parapet transitions, and small damaged sections can sometimes be repaired separately.

Whether a repair is appropriate depends on the roof’s age, condition, drainage, and the amount of moisture already inside the system.

Disadvantages and Common Challenges

Gravel can hide damage

One of the biggest inspection challenges is low visibility. Gravel can cover cracks, open seams, deteriorated asphalt, previous repairs, and small punctures.

A roofer may need to carefully move gravel away from a suspected area to inspect the membrane below. Looking at the gravel from a distance is not enough to determine the roof’s condition.

The roof is heavy

Multiple membrane layers and gravel add considerable weight. The building and roof deck must be able to support the complete system.

Finding a leak can take time

Because the roof has several layers, water may travel away from its original entry point. Gravel also makes the surface underneath harder to inspect.

Repairs must be compatible with the existing roof

Applying random caulk, tar, or coating over a wet or dirty area may only hide the problem temporarily. The repair material and method must be appropriate for the existing roof system.

Dark, exposed asphalt absorbs heat

The gravel protects covered areas, but asphalt exposed around penetrations, walls, drains, and worn sections can absorb considerable solar heat. This may speed up drying, cracking, and deterioration.

Common Problems With Tar and Gravel Roofs in New Mexico

Roof Repair Today works with tar and gravel roofs regularly. The main issues we see include cracking around penetrations and parapet walls, blisters in the roof membrane, and hidden damage that is difficult to see because of the gravel.

Cracking around roof penetrations

Roof penetrations include:

• Plumbing vents

• Furnace and water-heater vents

• Skylights

• HVAC equipment

• Electrical lines

• Roof drains

• Other pipes or equipment passing through the roof

These areas are common leak points because different materials meet and move around them. Strong sun and daily temperature changes can dry exposed asphalt and repair material. Movement between the roof and the penetration can then create a crack or opening.

A crack may look small but can allow water to enter during monsoon rain or melting snow.

Cracking where the roof meets parapet walls

Parapet walls extend above the roof around many Southwestern-style homes. The transition where the horizontal roof meets the vertical wall requires careful waterproofing.

These areas can crack because:

• The wall and roof move differently

• Old flashing or roofing material has dried out

• UV exposure has damaged exposed asphalt

• Previous repairs have separated

• Water enters through the parapet wall or its top surface

• The roof-to-wall transition was not sealed correctly

The National Roofing Contractors Association identifies roof penetrations and connections between horizontal and vertical surfaces as important flashing locations. NRCA’s flashing guidance supports giving these details special attention during an inspection.

Blisters and raised areas

A blister looks like a bubble or raised section under the roof surface. Built-up roof blisters may contain trapped air, moisture, or both.

Heat causes the trapped material to expand. As the roof cools, it contracts. Repeated heating and cooling can make the blister larger or weaken the layers around it.

Not every blister is leaking, but it should not be ignored. Walking on it, cutting it open without a proper repair plan, or placing equipment on it may damage the membrane.

NRCA notes that built-up roof blisters can form over voids and develop through thermal cycling. NRCA’s roof blister guidance provides additional technical background.

Bare spots where gravel has moved

Wind, water, service traffic, and previous roof work can move gravel away from certain sections. This leaves the asphalt exposed to New Mexico’s strong sunlight.

Exposed areas may:

• Dry out faster

• Become brittle

• Develop surface cracks

• Absorb more heat

• Deteriorate earlier than protected areas

Ponding water and drainage problems

A “flat” roof should still direct water toward drains, scuppers, or canales. Low sections, blocked drainage points, or building movement can cause water to remain on the roof.

Standing water can speed up deterioration and may find small openings that would not leak during a short rain.

Failed previous repairs

Old patches may crack, peel, or separate from the original roof. This commonly happens when the surface was not properly cleaned, the wrong material was used, or the repair was applied over wet roofing.

Warning Signs Homeowners Should Watch For

Contact a roofing professional if you notice:

• Ceiling stains or bubbling paint

• A musty smell near the ceiling

• Water entering during rain or snowmelt

• Cracks around vents, skylights, or HVAC equipment

• Open areas where the roof meets a parapet wall

• Raised bubbles or blisters

• Large bare areas without gravel

• Loose or displaced flashing

• Ponding water that remains after the roof should have drained

• Soft areas underfoot

• Repeated leaks from the same general section

• Old repairs that are cracking or separating

Avoid walking across a roof if you are not trained to do so. Gravel can be loose, roof edges may be unprotected, and blisters or weak sections can be damaged by foot traffic.

Tar and Gravel Roofs in New Mexico: Repair, Maintain, or Replace?

The correct choice depends on the roof’s overall condition—not just its age or the appearance of one leak.

When maintenance may be enough

Maintenance may be appropriate when:

• The roof is generally in stable condition

• There are no active leaks

• Gravel has moved but the membrane is still sound

• Drainage areas need cleaning

• Small exposed sections need protection

• Flashing and penetration seals need routine attention

• Minor problems are found before water enters the roof system

Maintenance should focus on protecting vulnerable details and correcting small issues before they spread.

When a roof repair may make sense

A targeted repair may be reasonable when:

• The leak can be traced to a specific area

• Damage is limited to one or several roof details

• The roof deck remains solid

• Most of the membrane is still serviceable

• Moisture has not spread through a large portion of the system

• The repair can be properly connected to sound existing material

Common repair locations include penetrations, parapet transitions, drains, cracks, flashings, and damaged previous patches.

When replacement should be considered

Replacement may be the better long-term decision when:

• Leaks continue appearing in different areas

• Large portions of the roof are cracked, brittle, or deteriorated

• Widespread moisture is trapped inside the roof system

• The roof deck is soft or damaged

• There are many failing patches

• Drainage cannot be corrected with a practical repair

• Several roof layers have already been installed

• The cost of repeated repairs is no longer reasonable

• The existing roof cannot provide a reliable surface for further work

A professional inspection can help separate a repairable problem from system-wide failure. Visual inspection alone may not reveal all trapped moisture or hidden damage.

Roof Repair Today’s Tips for Homeowners

Schedule regular roof inspections

Have the roof inspected regularly and after major hail, wind, or rain events. A maintenance plan can identify debris, drainage issues, loose flashing, and other concerns before they cause more expensive damage.

Check the roof before monsoon season

Spring or early summer is a good time to inspect penetrations, parapet transitions, drains, scuppers, and canales. Repairs are easier to plan before repeated storms begin.

Do not cover a wet problem

Adding new tar or coating over trapped moisture does not remove the moisture. The damaged area should be evaluated and prepared correctly before repair material is installed.

Keep drainage areas clear

Remove leaves, dirt, branches, and other debris from drainage points. Do not push gravel into drains, scuppers, or canales.

Pay attention to exposed asphalt

If gravel has moved and the dark surface is exposed, ask whether the area needs to be protected. Do not simply spread gravel over a crack without first checking the membrane.

Keep records of inspections and repairs

Save photos, invoices, inspection reports, warranties, and the location of previous repairs. These records help a roofer understand the roof’s history and identify recurring problems.

Have blisters inspected before disturbing them

Do not puncture or flatten a roof blister yourself. Opening it incorrectly may create a direct path for water.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to repair, maintain, or replace tar and gravel roofs in New Mexico requires a careful look below the gravel—not simply a quick view from the ground.

A roof with limited cracking around a penetration or parapet wall may only need a well-prepared repair. A stable roof may benefit from preventive maintenance. However, widespread cracking, trapped moisture, repeated leaks, soft areas, and numerous failed patches may indicate that replacement is the more dependable choice.

Roof Repair Today regularly works with these roof systems and understands how New Mexico’s sun, temperature changes, wind, hail, and monsoon rain affect them. If you notice a blister, ceiling stain, exposed asphalt, or a possible opening around a wall or penetration, feel free to contact Roof Repair Today. A professional inspection can help you understand the problem before deciding what to do next.