Torch Down Repair Roofers NYCWhat is the Torch down Roofing method?
If you have a flat roof or a slightly sloped roof, it’s time you knew about torch down roofing.
What is a torch down roof system? Quite simply, it’s a system of roofing for flat roofs that provides a superior seal and long-lasting finish. Here’s how it’s done. Layers of a substance called modified bitumen are applied to a roof using an open-flame propane torch. Heating the bitumen sheets along with layer of fiberglass sheets provides a secure bond to metal roof flashing. This method gives the roof resilience against the many types of weather it will endure in New York City and New York State. Stability is provided to the roof and its covering means it can withstand rain and snow, cold and heat, sunshine and ultraviolet rays. That’s because a torch down rubber roof includes a tough membrane that’s embedded in a layer of asphalt, or modified bitumen. “Modified” means rubber additives and resins are added to the asphalt layer to allow for expansion and contraction of the product in hot and cold weather changes. Other systems may crack in temperature swings. The material also bonds to the metal flashing that it’s “torched” or attached to, so that it provides a tight seal against moisture. Even with the ability to expand and contract, the material maintains its seal. That flexibility combined with durability make torch down roll roofing systems the roof covering of choice for flat roofs and roofs that have a slight pitch. You’re probably wondering, what are torch down roof pros and cons? When it comes to protecting your flat roof, there are many pros that make torch down roofing the superior choice:
Torch down roofing is designed specifically for flat roofs or slightly sloped roofs, and it requires a special technique for installation and repairs. NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros are experts at selecting the proper torch down roofing material, and then installing it, as well as handling any flat roof repair needs. There are two different layer systems for torch down roll roofing, with a choice of two layers or three layers. A two-layer system includes a base layer followed by a torch down layer. A three-layer system adds a granular layer that provides extra life to the roof. Both types of systems are exceptionally durable for flat roofs. The three-layer system does tend to last longer and can require less maintenance. Either system can also include extra features like thicker layers, or an underlay. You can choose extra protection with coatings for added fire resistance, or to reflect the sun and provide additional energy efficiency. There are other options for your torch down rubber roof like membrane choices that are either smooth or granulated. Then there are color choices with the granulated sheets. Ask about getting an energy star rating to add extra energy efficiency to your roof, and extra savings in your pocket. An expert roofer will provide advice on the possibility that your torch down roofing system can be applied over the existing roof material. Or, it may be better to remove the old material and apply the torch down roofing material. If installed properly, a torch down rubber roof can provide years of ease of mind, as you’ll have a flat roof that’s sealed against the elements. If you do need flat roof repair, NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros can handle those as well. What’s the torch down roofing cost? That will depend on the size of your roof, the number of layers you choose, and any additional components you may want for your roof. It can be slightly more expensive than traditional asphalt roofing, but your investment will provide you with a roof that is more resistant to damage and wear and tear. Your roof will be resistant to New York weather. You should save money on repairs over the life of the roof. And, with added energy efficiency, you could save money on energy costs with a torch down roof system. In fact, it’s not recommended that asphalt shingles be applied on roofs with a pitch of less than 4 inches of rise per foot. That makes torch down roofing the superior choice for your flat roof, including torch down installation and flat roof repair. It also makes NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros the superior choice for your torch down roofing installation and repair. Torch down installation requires special tools and special technique, so it’s best to use an experienced roofer. Mistakes can be made by an inexperienced installer, such as under-heating or over-heating the seams, compromising the waterproof quality of the product, damaging the integrity of the bitumen, or even causing fire damage. Contact NYC Torch Down Roofing Pros to make sure your torch down roofing is installed or repaired by experts. |
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What are the pros of a torch down roof and the cons?
Pro: Water resistance.
The main job of any roof is to keep water out. With flat roofs, this job becomes much harder than a steeply sloping roof. This is especially a headache in parts of the country with heavy snowfall and slow melting when heavy snow builds up on the roof and then melt off very slowly, maybe refreezing once or twice in the process. The use of heat-sealing in the seams and highly waterproof membranes are what make torch down roofing a highly water-resistant flat roofing method. This watertight seal makes it a popular choice for homes in areas of snow with flat roofs. as its particular advantages and disadvantages, below.
When installed correctly by the Team at NYC Torch Down roofing pros, torch-on roofing prevents water from dangerously collecting and pooling on the roof, which can lead to future problems and promotes the efficient drainage of water. Torch down roofing is also ideal in protecting structures from damage from snow buildup.
Pro: Flexibility
The modified bitumen sheets used in torched down roofing expand and contract as the temperature changes, without issues like cracking and splitting. Some other alternative roofing materials and systems are more rigid and may be more easily damaged by widely changing temperatures, torch-on roofing works well in almost any kind of climate, hot and cold, wet and dry. This flexibility makes torch down roofing durable and very long-lasting. Torch down roofing also has a consistent thickness – usually roughly about 3-4 mm across the entire roof, unlike some other competing roofing materials that may vary in thickness. Variable thickness means unevenness and that again can encourage damaging puddles to form. This uniformity across the whole roof surface makes for a more durable and long-lasting roof.
Pro: Energy efficient.
Torch down roofing provides protection against summer UV rays and heat, especially with the added cap layer included in three-layer roofs. The surface of your torch down roof can really significantly help reduce your air conditioning bill in hot weather. The total system if fitted correctly also helps keep you warm in winter, again reducing your bills.
Pro: Longer Life
The longer lifespan of a torch down roof compared to some other solutions is one of its major attractions and a big selling point, as it goes from 15 to 20 or more years. Torch down roofing is far more long-lasting than some other types of flat roof systems that need regular fixing and even replacement. This is due to its designed- in flexibility in both hot and cold temperatures, as well as its great resistance to water, snow and frost damage.
Pro: Resistance to Fire
When fitted with a granulated cap layer, properly fitted torch down roofing is highly resistant to flames.
Pro: Easy repairs.
Torch-on roofing is very much easier to repair when compared to other roofing materials. It simply rolls on and also can be sealed relatively quickly, the process is less labor-intensive and less expensive than fixing different types of roofs.
Con: Fire hazard during construction if inexpertly fitted
Only experts should do your fitting. It is applied with an open flame and, therefore, always is a potential fire hazard if the fitter is not experienced. Never attempt DIY, do not use your local handyman and do not employ a general builder.
Con: Seam failure
In the case that the seams of torch down roofing material don’t seal fully, it can sometimes result in serious roof leaks. This is less common with a three-layer roof but can still happen. If this does happen, you need to repair quickly to seal the roofing seam to prevent damage spreading. This repair is relatively quick and easy.
Con: Trapped water
Water can get trapped between the layers of rolled roofing during installation or repair if you don’t have an expert doing the work. For this reason, torch-on roofing should only be applied or repaired during dry conditions by experienced roofers.
Con: Rips and tears.
A torch down roof is very flexible and highly durable, but it isn’t 100% resistant to rips, scratches and tearing. The waterproof seal of a torch down roof is vitally important to its longevity and performance, and if it gets damaged, the integrity of the whole roof system can be compromised over time. This can be easily avoided with regular roof checking, maintenance, and minor repairs and fixes when needed.
Con: It is still a flat roof.
Torch-on roofing is a form of flat roof system, which means it really must be highly water-resistant and durable. However, even with the best flat roof systems, you still have to make sure to maintain and inspect the flat roof regularly. Flat roofs are inherently more prone to pooling water and piling up snow, as well as a build-up of debris like moss, leaves, etc.. If you have a flat roof, you always have to make sure you have it inspected by an expert and fully certified roofing professional to make sure it is stable enough to withstand torch down roof application, as well as normal run of the mill everyday wear and tear.
Cost of Torch Down Roofing
The cost of a torch down roof really depends on the contractor you choose to employ and the actual quality of the components they use. Cutting costs can be a false economy. Cheap but bad is still bad and in the long run, is not actually cheap.
With higher-quality torch down roll roofing, applied by skilled professionals, you might have to pay just a little bit more at installation. However, you will also get a much longer-lasting roof that needs fewer repairs during its lifetime, and that life might be years longer before replacement, which will all end up saving you money, in the long term.
The main job of any roof is to keep water out. With flat roofs, this job becomes much harder than a steeply sloping roof. This is especially a headache in parts of the country with heavy snowfall and slow melting when heavy snow builds up on the roof and then melt off very slowly, maybe refreezing once or twice in the process. The use of heat-sealing in the seams and highly waterproof membranes are what make torch down roofing a highly water-resistant flat roofing method. This watertight seal makes it a popular choice for homes in areas of snow with flat roofs. as its particular advantages and disadvantages, below.
When installed correctly by the Team at NYC Torch Down roofing pros, torch-on roofing prevents water from dangerously collecting and pooling on the roof, which can lead to future problems and promotes the efficient drainage of water. Torch down roofing is also ideal in protecting structures from damage from snow buildup.
Pro: Flexibility
The modified bitumen sheets used in torched down roofing expand and contract as the temperature changes, without issues like cracking and splitting. Some other alternative roofing materials and systems are more rigid and may be more easily damaged by widely changing temperatures, torch-on roofing works well in almost any kind of climate, hot and cold, wet and dry. This flexibility makes torch down roofing durable and very long-lasting. Torch down roofing also has a consistent thickness – usually roughly about 3-4 mm across the entire roof, unlike some other competing roofing materials that may vary in thickness. Variable thickness means unevenness and that again can encourage damaging puddles to form. This uniformity across the whole roof surface makes for a more durable and long-lasting roof.
Pro: Energy efficient.
Torch down roofing provides protection against summer UV rays and heat, especially with the added cap layer included in three-layer roofs. The surface of your torch down roof can really significantly help reduce your air conditioning bill in hot weather. The total system if fitted correctly also helps keep you warm in winter, again reducing your bills.
Pro: Longer Life
The longer lifespan of a torch down roof compared to some other solutions is one of its major attractions and a big selling point, as it goes from 15 to 20 or more years. Torch down roofing is far more long-lasting than some other types of flat roof systems that need regular fixing and even replacement. This is due to its designed- in flexibility in both hot and cold temperatures, as well as its great resistance to water, snow and frost damage.
Pro: Resistance to Fire
When fitted with a granulated cap layer, properly fitted torch down roofing is highly resistant to flames.
Pro: Easy repairs.
Torch-on roofing is very much easier to repair when compared to other roofing materials. It simply rolls on and also can be sealed relatively quickly, the process is less labor-intensive and less expensive than fixing different types of roofs.
Con: Fire hazard during construction if inexpertly fitted
Only experts should do your fitting. It is applied with an open flame and, therefore, always is a potential fire hazard if the fitter is not experienced. Never attempt DIY, do not use your local handyman and do not employ a general builder.
Con: Seam failure
In the case that the seams of torch down roofing material don’t seal fully, it can sometimes result in serious roof leaks. This is less common with a three-layer roof but can still happen. If this does happen, you need to repair quickly to seal the roofing seam to prevent damage spreading. This repair is relatively quick and easy.
Con: Trapped water
Water can get trapped between the layers of rolled roofing during installation or repair if you don’t have an expert doing the work. For this reason, torch-on roofing should only be applied or repaired during dry conditions by experienced roofers.
Con: Rips and tears.
A torch down roof is very flexible and highly durable, but it isn’t 100% resistant to rips, scratches and tearing. The waterproof seal of a torch down roof is vitally important to its longevity and performance, and if it gets damaged, the integrity of the whole roof system can be compromised over time. This can be easily avoided with regular roof checking, maintenance, and minor repairs and fixes when needed.
Con: It is still a flat roof.
Torch-on roofing is a form of flat roof system, which means it really must be highly water-resistant and durable. However, even with the best flat roof systems, you still have to make sure to maintain and inspect the flat roof regularly. Flat roofs are inherently more prone to pooling water and piling up snow, as well as a build-up of debris like moss, leaves, etc.. If you have a flat roof, you always have to make sure you have it inspected by an expert and fully certified roofing professional to make sure it is stable enough to withstand torch down roof application, as well as normal run of the mill everyday wear and tear.
Cost of Torch Down Roofing
The cost of a torch down roof really depends on the contractor you choose to employ and the actual quality of the components they use. Cutting costs can be a false economy. Cheap but bad is still bad and in the long run, is not actually cheap.
With higher-quality torch down roll roofing, applied by skilled professionals, you might have to pay just a little bit more at installation. However, you will also get a much longer-lasting roof that needs fewer repairs during its lifetime, and that life might be years longer before replacement, which will all end up saving you money, in the long term.