NYC Torch Down Roofing
Torch Down Roofing Contractors NYC
About
If you live in New York City, you face some interesting challenges in maintaining your home or commercial building. If that building has a flat roof, those challenges are even more unique.
Flat roofs require special care to ensure they stand the test of snow and rain and the elements of New York City and New York State. So if you’re wondering: “Where can I find expert flat roof repair near me?” – look no further than NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros.
Don’t leave the beauty of New York’s architecture to chance. As a roofing contractor, NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros has the expertise to ensure your roof is fixed properly, with a torch down roofing process that keeps water out.
Torch down roofing gets its name from the fact it requires an open-flame propane torch to complete the seal. A modified bitumen torch down ensures the torch down rubber roof is sealed against the elements. The propane heats the material to make it adhere to the roofing surface. The roofing contractor has to get the layers to the correct temperature, melting the seams and creating a waterproof seal.
You want to be sure to find the experts in flat roof repair. So whenever you need to know “the best flat roof repair near me,” contact NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros to get your torch down roofing done right.
NYC Torch Down Roofing
What is a torch down roof system? Unless you’re a roofing contractor, it can be difficult to understand torch down roofing.
Simply put, torch down roofing utilizes a special process to ensure the best seal and waterproof finish in flat roofs and slightly sloped roofs.
Here’s how it works.
Torch down roofing material is an asphalt compound called bitumen. It’s then modified with rubber or plastic to add strength, and enable the material to expand and contract without causing cracks or melting.
The modified bitumen torch down means it’s then heated to the point that it seals and provides high tolerance to heat, cold and moisture. There are even different types of torch down roofing, including two-layer roofing and three-layer roofing.
The name comes from the fact that the method used to heat the product to seal it is by using an open flame propane torch to get the material to the right heat and adhere it to the building. By doing a “torch down” installation, also called torch on installation, the material is melted to the sheathing and then is sealed. This creates a secure attachment between the material and the flat roof, and ensures a waterproof seal to prevent leaks.
After all, a flat roof is likely to hold water from rain and snow for a longer period of time than a heavily sloped roof. Snow will stay on the roof until it melts, but water-resistant torch down roofing provides the protection your roof needs.
Torch down roofing material is ideal for the four seasons experienced in New York City and New York State. That’s because, besides the protection from rain and snow, it expands when it’s hot and contracts when it’s cold. That means resistance to cracking and melting that might occur with other roofing materials.
Finally, the cap sheet that’s applied to complete a torch down roofing system includes other benefits, like energy efficiency by reflecting sun to keep the building cool, and resistance to ultraviolet rays.
A torch down rubber roof is made for the flat roofs and slightly sloped roofs so common in our city and state. And the torch down roofing life expectancy is up to 20 years, substantial when you consider the environmental abuse a flat roof needs to resist.
Here’s the science behind the roof coating. Bitumen is made of asphalt, which is a durable material used in many roofing applications. Modified bitumen torch down is “modified” by having a polymer mixed in with the bitumen. Some call a torch down roof “rubberoid,” or a torch down rubber roof, but the additives or polymer aren’t always made of rubber.
There are several polymers used in torch down roll roofing. Here are two examples:
- Atactic Polypropylene (APP), a form of plastic that is flexible and responds well to both heating and cooling.
- Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) modified bitumen, a form of rubber that is also flexible but with a lower melting point than APP.
Some torch down roll roofing includes small granules embedded into the top of the membrane that add color, ultraviolet protection, fire resistance, or other desired characteristics.
And, a torch down roofing contractor often uses an initial layer of fiberglass, polyester, or other material that serves as the core for torch down roofing membranes.
And then there are two choices for torch down roofing systems: two layers or three layers. In both systems, there is a base sheet and a cap sheet. The three-layer system is finished with a granule cap sheet that helps extend the life of the roof and ensure energy efficiency and enhanced fire resistance. Our expert installation will ensure your roofing lasts. A two-layer system usually lasts about 15 years and a three-layer system can last up to 20 years or more.
If it sounds complicated, that’s why you should contact us. We can answer all your questions, like “What are torch down pros and cons?” and “How much does torch down roofing cost?” NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros are your experts in torch down roofing.
Torch Down Repair Roofer
Despite best efforts to keep your roof in top condition, there are times when your torch down roofing breaks down or leaks, and you need to find a flat roof repair expert.
Flat roofs or roofs that are slightly sloped are more prone to standing water from rain, snow, and melted snow, and therefore can be exposed to damage. The good news is, if you’re wondering: “is there flat roof repair near me?” – the answer is yes, NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros.
Working with the our NYC roofing company means your torch down roof repair will be done right the first time. They know how to expertly re-seal your roof and get it back to new again. Flat roof repair can’t be handled by just anyone.
Having a professional on hand will make certain seals are done properly, and ensure the work is inspected and any issues resolved as part of the repair process. Knowing how to do a torch down roof application is essential when handling any repairs and extending your torch down roofing life expectancy.
Our roof contractors can help with cracks, gaps in the roofing, or complete replacement of the fiberglass sheet and bitumen layers. They can also help with extra sealant to ensure adequate water resistance into the future.
You may also want to consider moving to a three-layer torch down roofing system. While it can be more expensive than the two-layer system, it will last longer and offer more benefits, such as fire resistance and added energy efficiency. It could help with torch down roofing cost of repairs down the road as well.
If you do have issues, start by identifying the problem. If you have a watermark or stain in the ceiling, it’s best to contact a professional to work with you to handle a full roof inspection. An expert in torch down roofing will be able to identify sources of water leaks, but can also pick out potential weak spots or faults in a torch down rubber roof that you may not be able to identify on your own.
Issues that could require repair include:
- Fine cracks in the surface of the roof. While they don’t look like much, it may be best to handle a repair before they get worse.
- Deep cracks in the surface of the roof. These may require more than a simple repair job.
- Shrinkage of the installation products. It could be that the fiberglass or bitumen has shrunk, is pulling away from the flashing, or is even pulling off the wall.
- Seams that have separated. They could appear because the installation wasn’t done properly, but could also be due to wear and tear on the roof.
A torch down roofing contractor will be able to identify issues and potential issues, and provide advice on the best method for repairing whatever is wrong with the roof. The roofer will then prepare the surface for repair work, including sealing any cracks or holes, and handling bitumen repair with an open-flame propane torch.
Handling open torch roof repairs on your own is not a good idea. Besides the expertise required to identify issues, and then use the proper technique to repair them, it’s dangerous to work with an open-flame propane torch. Heating materials to the wrong temperature, igniting nearby material, or managing the repair incorrectly are all hazards of trying to make it a “do it yourself” job.
You also have to be sure you have the right tools for the job, and don’t use incorrect materials like silicone caulking or roofing cement from your local hardware store. You could end up doing more damage than what was wrong in the first place! It’s best to contact an expert.
It’s also a good idea to have an expert inspect your roof every 5 years or so, to look for faults, maintain your roof, and handle any necessary torch down roof repair. So the next time you ask “is there flat roof repair near me?” look no farther than NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros.
Torch Down Installation Roofer
Torch down roofing is a specific type of roof covering suited for flat roofs and slightly sloped roofs. Due to the technique required for torch down roof installation, it’s best to contact experts like NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros to ensure the job is done right.
After all, if flat roof installation is done properly, torch down roofing can last up to 20 years, handling all the elements of a New York climate: heat and cold, rain and snow.
In fact, it’s not a good idea to try and manage the installation on your own, with the special requirements and potential danger of an open-flame propane torch. But here’s how flat roof installation is done, so you understand the expertise you’ll get with an expert torch down roofer like NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros.
The first step is to determine if the torch down roofing can be installed on top of the existing material. If not, the old roof covering has to be removed and properly disposed of, and the site cleaned and prepared for new roofing.
Your torch down roofer will then prepare the covering by securing the metal flashing to the roof edges, and then apply primer to the flashing. A fiberglass sheet is placed on top of the roof, and then nailed to the surface to ensure it’s held in place. The modified bitumen is then placed over the fiberglass, with the roofer cutting and extending the bitumen to make sure all the corners and any angles are covered.
These steps are essential to ensure the roof is fully covered, but then the real expertise comes into play to complete the torch down rubber roof fitting.
The roofer then lifts half the modified bitumen and fires the underside of it with an open-flame propane torch. The technique has to be followed to ensure a slow, steady torching that provides even heating. The heat makes the bitumen molten, and then the roofer rolls it back over the fiberglass and applies pressure to seal it. The other half of the bitumen is then applied in the same manner. The heat fuses the two layers of material to form the watertight seal that makes torch down roofing the preferred surface for flat roofs.
This method of torch down roof installation continues for up to three layers. You will have the option of a two-layer torch down roof, or a three-layer roof with a granulated surface for extra protection.
There are some really important steps in torch down roofing, and your roof installer will be able to determine exactly what you need for your flat roof installation.
For instance, do you need to add insulation under your torch down roofing? Insulation like the fiberglass sheet is important in a cold weather climate like New York City and New York State. But it’s actually ideal for any type of flat or slightly sloped roof. The best way to attach insulation will depend on your roof, and your expert installer will be able to provide guidance.
Your roofer also needs to have the proper expertise to ensure the board to which they attach the bitumen is installed properly, so that the roof is level. An uneven roof could cause rain and snow to pool and create headaches down the road. The roofer may also finish the job with additional flashing in any areas where there’s a feature like a chimney that penetrates the surface of the roof.
That’s why it’s essential to choose an expert installer, to be sure the seams are sealed properly with the right torch down technique, and you don’t end up with roof leaks.
Also, using a torch can be dangerous, even with a fire resistant material like bitumen. If it’s heated improperly, it can break down and become highly flammable. The other materials on the roof can also be in danger of catching fire if your roofer is not an expert, or if you attempt to do it yourself. This is not a simple DIY project. Contact NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros for your expert installation.
Flat Roof Repair
Flat roof repair is an excellent way to get your flat roof looking like new again. Flat roofs have a lifespan of 20 years, and after that the effects of sun, moisture, snow loads, hail damage and shingle degradation take their toll on the longevity of a flat roof. Once you’ve decided it’s time for flat roof repair , contact the roofing contractor.
Flat roof repair can be a complicated procedure if you have a flat roof, as it is much more difficult to work on than a sloped attic roof. Flat roofs are comprised of different components such as hot-mopped asphalt, felt paper, synthetic underlay and ice & water shields , all of which must be evaluated when determining how to perform flat roof repair. In addition to our recommendations on flat roof repair, speak with a reputable contractor about the best way to go about your project so you can take advantage of warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer. Our flat roof repair contractors will advise you on all of the options available to you to ensure you get the best outcome for your project.
If you have performed any repairs without consulting a professional roofer and are trying to attain warranty coverage, the manufacturer may not honor your claim. A flat roof is much more serious than a sloped roof, so if you have any concerns about repairing your roof on your own/ with an amateur, contact a professional immediately. In Brooklyn, NY there are a lot of commercial and residential buildings that require flat roof repair on a regular basis. This is due to the constant exposure these roofs receive from weather conditions such as wind, rain and snow with a lack of proper ventilation.
In some cases, your roofing contractor may not need to do that much at all because it could simply be an installation problem or a small patch job. However, patching flat roof is not as easy as patching a sloped roof. If your roof is damaged in the area of more than three feet or approximately 1 meter, it may require actual replacement which can be costly. So if you are able to do flat roof repair Brooklyn yourself, then you’ll save some money and reduce the impact on environment by using recycled materials.