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.