Applying Acrypol plus over ballast pebbles Information, help and advice on maintaining, installing and repairing a flat roof. Post your questions and view answers here

[Loiner1989]

Just about to apply acrypol plus over a flat roof, just how vital is it to physically scrape off all the old ballast pebbles that are stuck onto it beforehand? It's a lot of extra work that we could do without. Around 40% of them were loose enough to just brush off, the rest are stuck down. Anyone got experience of this? Any shortcuts to get them off easier if it's crucial that we do? Weedwand flame to heat the bitumen holding them on? Thank you!!

[stoneyboy]

Hi loiner1989,
If you paint over the existing surface you will seal in dirt and vegetable matter. If you try to remove the shingle using heat you will find the stones roll into the bitumen holding them in place. Either way you should consider painting a flat roof as a stop-gap measure which will only be effect for 1-2 years.
Regards S