What is torch down roofing and how does it work?
Torch down roofing involves laying out sheets of modified bitumen—a material that is used as a binder in asphalt—and then using a hand-held propane torch to heat the material so it bonds permanently with the roof.
What are the benefits of torch down sheets?
One torch down sheet can be up to three times thicker and a regular PVC roofing membrane. This means that many falling objects won’t puncture or penetrate your roof. Heat is known to move from your home’s interior to the exterior which creates condensation. Light-colored roofs tend to rot as they reflect solar radiation.
Can you use torch down in the rain?
Unlike some other solutions, torch down can be applied when it’s wet and rainy, as well as in warm weather. This means it’s a great choice if you’ve just had roof repairs or there’s a lot of wet weather and you want to protect against leaks.
How long does torch down roofing last?
12-15 yearsSheets are “torched down” so they adhere to the roof and seams are joined. These are well suited to most climates, though heavy rain and snowfall can compromise the life expectancy of torch-down roofing systems. On average, these roofs last 12-15 years and represent a great value for most buildings with flat roofs.
Can you walk on a torch down roof?
The torch-on roofing is extremely durable. It has a superior strength that it can resist tears and punctures due to various external factors like walking on the surface. In relation to this, it's also low maintenance as you can leave it as is for many months without worrying about its condition.
What does it mean to torch down a roof?
Torch down roofing (sometimes referred to as “torch on” roofing) is so named because it requires an open-flame propane torch. In this installation method, sheets of modified bitumen are rolled out onto the roof, and a roofing professional uses a hand-held propane torch to heat the material and adhere it to the surface.
What is granulated torch down?
Torchdown is a ruberoid (rubberized) membrane modified with an APP weatherized asphalt for waterproofing. The material is strong, very durable and has a non-woven polyester mat. Torch down is light weight at less than 2 pounds per square foot. Torchdown membrane comes in smooth and granulated sheets.
What goes under torch down roofing?
Also referred to as a torch on the roof, the torch down roofing underlayment is common for slightly sloped or flat roofs. It consists of modified bitumen membranes applied using a propane torch. This makes the torch down roofing watertight and a great choice where water causes severe damage on the roof.
How much does it cost to install torch down roofing?
What Is the Average Cost of Torch Down Roofing? The average cost of a torch down ranges between $7,000 to $14,000 with a typical average of $10,400, including installation. The material alone typically costs between $2,300 to $4,600, and the labor costs between $4,600 to $9,200.
What is another name for torch down roofing?
Torch down roofing is still one of the most commonly used roofing types for flat commercial roofs. The official name of this type of roofing is modified bitumen. It is a rolled roofing product that consists of a tough waterproof roof membrane embedded in a thick layer of asphalt.
How thick is torch down roofing?
about 3-4 mmFlexibility and durability. This flexibility makes torch down roofing durable and long-lasting. Torch down roofing also has a consistent thickness (about 3-4 mm) across the entire roof, unlike other roofing materials that may vary in thickness. This conformity across the roof surface makes for a more durable roof.
How do you torch down a roof?
1:359:56How to lay down a Torch Down Roll and Torching technique - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right so you roll it back halfway you can see it rolls down halfway all right so you roll theMoreAll right so you roll it back halfway you can see it rolls down halfway all right so you roll the roll halfway. Back not all the way. And then you start torching the one half let me show you so when
Is PVC roofing torch down?
A PVC roof that is properly installed offers a 20+ year life span. Another benefit to PVC roofs is that they do not require regular coatings like torch-down roofs do. Because the PVC is welded to the roof you also don't have to worry about adhesives or taped seams which can cause issues to the roof itself.
What is the best material for a flat roof?
The 4 Best Materials for a Flat Roof (& How Much They Cost)EPDM membrane roofing. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber black membrane commonly used in commercial and medical facilities. ... TPO membrane roofing. ... PVC membrane roofing. ... Standing seam metal roof.
How many layers do I need for a flat roof?
Asphalt shingles are most often allowed in up to two layers, but no more. For flat roofs, materials such as EPDM and TPO are usually approved for use up to two layers.
Is torch down roofing safe?
The largest is its potential to catch fire. Modified bitumen has several problems of its own in its composition, but any torch down roofing, which utilizes a torch and propane tank, is incredibly dangerous.
Is a torch down roof good?
Torch down roofing is more long-lasting than some other types of flat roof systems. This is due to its flexibility in hot and cold temperatures, as well as its resistance to water damage.
How long does torch on waterproofing last?
15 to 20 yearsTorch On Waterproofing, also known as the torch-down roof, is one of the common roofing types used on flat roofs. When installed correctly, it can last from 15 to 20 years. This makes it a cost-effective roof for commercial businesses and the homeowner.
Can you torch down roof in rain?
Unlike some other solutions, torch down can be applied when it's wet and rainy, as well as in warm weather. This means it's a great choice if you've just had roof repairs or there's a lot of wet weather and you want to protect against leaks.
Why Choose Torch Down Roofing?
Torch down roofing comes with some clear benefits. Here’s why you should consider it for your flat roof installation:
How long does a torch down roof last?
Torch down roofs can easily last up to 20 years. Roof maintenance is an easy process when it comes to modified bitumen applications. If there is a gap or a rip in the membrane, patches are added to the damaged area. This re-creates that watertight seal.
Why do roofs rot?
Heat is known to move from your home’s interior to the exterior which creates condensation. Light-colored roofs tend to rot as they reflect solar radiation. The radiation creates heat which dries up the condensation. Torch down roofs are dark-colored and therefore absorb more solar radiation. The added heat dries up any moisture that may cause rotting.
What Is Torch Down Roofing?
Several factors determine the type of roofing your roofer will use, one such factor being roof pitch. Different roofing types are meant for different types of roof pitch. When it comes to flat roofs, or roofs with minimal pitch, single-ply membranes like EPDM or PVC are viable options. However, torch down roofing is the one more commonly used. But what exactly is torch down roofing, how does it work, and is it the right roofing type for me?
How Is Torch Down Roofing Installed?
The material typically comes in rolls. The sheets are then laid on top of your flat roof, and a torch or open flame is applied to the overlap areas, melting them onto the surface to create an impermeable layer.
How thick is a torch down roof?
One sheet can be up to three times thicker than the standard membrane in a PVC flat roofing system.
Why does my roof rot?
Lighter colored roofs tend to rot from the inside out because they reflect solar radiation, preventing them from getting hot.
Is torch down roofing cheaper than asphalt?
Though the cost heavily depends on the price of the components and roofing contractor you choose, torch down roofing normally costs more than standard asphalt roofing. When torch down roofing was first introduced, it was cheaper than hot tar roofing.
When to use torch down?
Unlike some other solutions, torch down can be applied when it’s wet and rainy, as well as in warm weather. This means it’s a great choice if you’ve just had roof repairs or there’s a lot of wet weather and you want to protect against leaks.
Why do you put torch down on a roof?
Torch down is melted onto a roof to create a waterproof seal and durable roof finish that protects the roof in a number of weather conditions, is long-lasting, and reasonably affordable to apply . One thing to remember about this method is that it’s a flat-roof solution.
What are the benefits of torch down roofing?
Firstly, this form of roofing is very affordable. Some other roofing solutions cost a lot more. It isn’t that easy to apply, but most roofers can do a good job. Some people who are good at DIY might decide to take on the job themselves, but working with hot materials isn’t really recommended unless you’re certain you know what you’re doing and have the right protective equipment.
Why is torch down roofing so popular?
Torch down roofing has become increasingly popular over the last few years. That’s because more and more roofing firms are offering it as a solution. not only that, but its’ a relatively cost-effective way to seal and protect a roof. It’s widely available in most locations with good roofing options, so it might be a good idea to ask your roofer about torch-down roofing today.
How long does a torch down last?
Torch down is also a durable solution that provides good protection against a number of weather conditions. It can last many years before it needs repairing if you get a good torch down job. It is considered a quick and easy job by many roofers.
Is torch down roofing easy?
Torch-down roofing is not only affordable, it’s also quick and easy to install. That means a good quality roofer can get everything sorted and sealed within a day. That’s one of the reasons why it’s cheap, but it’s also a reason why people are choosing this method of roofing when they need their roof sealed quickly. Maybe the weather is setting in and you don’t have a sealed roof after some repair or a new installation. That’s a good reason to choose this solution.
Can you torch down a flat roof?
Not only that, but it’s a great option for other buildings that have flat roofs, as many do. If you have the right expertise, you can also apply a torch down roof yourself, although you will need to be careful as it requires hot welding and melting along with equipment, as well as having to access a roof.
Is torch down roofing better than asphalt shingles?
Yes, torch down roofing is better than asphalt shingles because it is more water resistant and helps to keep out insects. It also lasts longer than traditional roofing materials.
Are torch down roofs good?
Yes, torch down roofs are good. Though they cost more and require skilled labor, they also last longer than traditional roofing materials.
What Are the Advantages of Torch Down Roofing?
The primary benefit of the torch down method of asphalt roofing is in its flexibility. It becomes extremely resistant to heat and cold since it can expand and contract a great deal without becoming damaged. This means that it can handle weather extremes much better than most other roofing methods.
How Is the Installation Performed?
Torch down roofing is relatively simple to install, but it should always be done by a trained and certified professional because of the need for an open flame. In most areas, only professionals are allowed to perform the work due to the difficulty of acquiring insurance.
What Is Torch Down Roofing?
You can define torch down roofing as the method in installing a torch down roof. It is a widespread type of roof. The life span of this roof is about 15 to 20 years. There are many bitumen membranes present in this type of roof.
What is Torch Down Roofing Underlayment?
The underlayment of the torch down roofing system consists of the materials that are used in it. The underlayment of flooring means a thin layer of a specified material. It can be made up of a felt, foam, rubber, or fiber. Majorly, this roofing system requires bitumen sheets. All these sheets are rolled on your roof.
What is a TPO Roof?
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. TPO roof is a type of roof that consists of a single layer of roofing membrane. It is a type of roofing system which consists of synthetic’s thin layers of reinforcing scrim and synthetics. The manufacturers have made TPO with the help of products that are environmentally friendly.
What is torch down roofing?
Torch down roofing—also known as “torch on roofing”—is one of the most common types of roofing for flat and slightly sloped roofs. Torch down roofing consists of multiple modified bitumen membranes, applied with a propane torch. This installation process gives torch down roofing a uniquely watertight seal, making it a great choice ...
How thick is torch down?
This flexibility makes torch down roofing durable and long-lasting. Torch down roofing also has a consistent thickness (about 3-4 mm) across the entire roof, unlike other roofing materials that may vary in thickness. This conformity across the roof surface makes for a more durable roof.
How many sheets of torch down roofing?
roofing contractor will unroll each sheet individually during the installation process (two sheets for two-layer, three sheets for three-layer). You might be able to find a torch down roofing contractor in your area by searching for a rolled roofing installation company.
How long does a torch down roof last?
The lifespan of a torch down roof is one of its main selling points, at 15 to 20 years. Torch down roofing is more long-lasting than some other types of flat roof systems. This is due to its flexibility in hot and cold temperatures, as well as its resistance to water damage.
What are the different types of torch down roofing?
There are two different types of torch down roofing systems: two-layer and three-layer.
Can you use a torch on rolled roofing?
For this reason, torch on roofing should only be applied or repaired during dry conditions.
Is it better to mop or torch down?
If you’re deciding between a torch down and mop-on roof coating, one factor to consider may be the fumes. Torch down roofing isn’t free from unpleasant smells, but it emits much less harmful fumes than mop on asphalt roofing. With mop on roofing, your roofer may need to take more breaks to ensure they aren’t breathing in too much.
