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Coal Tar Pitch Roofing Manufacturers List & Website Directory

By Roof Online Staff • Last updated March 25, 2024

Learn more about coal tar pitch roofing on our Coal Tar Pitch Roofing page.

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Coal Tar Pitch Roofing Manufacturers
Installing a coal tar pitch roof (image courtesy openPR)

Coal tar pitch roofing is a type of built-up roofing system in which coal tar pitch as the waterproofing agent. Coal tar, derived from the distillation of coal, is known for its durability, water resistance, and ability to self-heal minor punctures or cracks.

What is Coal Tar Pitch Roofing?

  1. Composition: Coal tar pitch roofing systems are made by layering coal tar pitch with reinforcing fabrics, typically fiberglass roofing felts, over the roof deck/insulation. These layers are built up to create a thick, impermeable barrier.
  2. Application Process: The installation involves heating the coal tar pitch to a liquid state so it can be applied. The reinforcing fabric is then embedded into the hot pitch, and additional layers are added, with each layer being fully saturated with the hot pitch to ensure thorough bonding and waterproofing.
  3. Finishing: The top layer is often coated with a layer of mineral aggregate, like stone or gravel, to protect the roofing system from ultraviolet (UV) light degradation, mechanical damage, and to provide fire resistance.

Key Points:

  1. Waterproofing: Coal tar pitch is inherently water-resistant, making it an excellent material for waterproofing roofs, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or standing water.
  2. Durability: Coal tar pitch roofs are known for their longevity, often lasting several decades with proper maintenance. They are resistant to many forms of environmental degradation.
  3. Self-Healing: One of the unique properties of coal tar pitch is its ability to “self-heal” minor punctures or cuts due to its viscoelastic nature. This can help in maintaining the roof’s integrity over time.
  4. Chemical Resistance: Coal tar pitch is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making it suitable for industrial applications where the roof might be exposed to chemical spills or emissions.
  5. Low Maintenance: While no roofing system is entirely maintenance-free, coal tar pitch roofs require relatively low upkeep due to their durability and resistance to environmental factors.
  6. Versatility: This type of roofing can be applied on a variety of deck types and can be adapted to different roof shapes and configurations, and is especially suited for roofs with extreme low slopes.

Despite these advantages, it’s important to note that coal tar pitch roofing also has drawbacks, such as the potential for harmful fumes during installation and environmental concerns associated with coal tar products. Moreover, the installation process requires experienced professional roofers due to the hot application method, and there are considerations regarding the weight of the system on the building structure. Always consulting with roofing professionals to assess the suitability of coal tar pitch roofing for a specific application is advisable.

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If you are a reputable and qualified coal tar pitch roofing manufacturer and feel that we’ve overlooked your company, feel free to contact us to ask to be added to this list.

Coal Tar Pitch Roofing Manufacturers List