Torch Down Roofing Alternatives

While it can last up to 20 years installing torch down roofing can be a dangerous process and as such tends to cost more than traditional roofing materials.

Torch down roofing alternatives. But torch down roofing isn t for everyone or every home. Torch down roofing is a popular type of flat roof system. Depending on your roofing systems design one of these membranes might be a better choice than the other. Pvc is a superior alternative to hot tar or torch down roofing.

This layer now becomes a waterproof material that is ideal for both commercial and residential use. Some types of flat roofing systems are applied with an adhesive while other types are self adhering or are hot mopped as with cap sheet in built up roofing systems. Thankfully there are indeed alternatives to torch on roofing solutions ones that eliminate the use of a flame on site. What is a torchdown roofing system.

The main reason roofing professionals have preferred alternatives to torch down roofing is the danger and difficulty of properly installing these systems. Pramote polyamate getty images. Improved technology over recent years has meant that the roofing industry can now access a more flexible range of roofing refurbishment solutions that do not involve open flames during the installation process. Single ply membranes such as pvc epdm tpo or torchdown also known modified bitumen are the most common low slope and flat roofing materials.

In addition during the installation process of pvc we do not use an open flame. While the torch down concept of laying down bitumen is somewhat old school and carries safety risks there have product developments over the years and newer and alternate methods of application the proper term is modified bitumen because it s asphalt based and modified with polymers says audia. Torch down roofing is a type of roofing material that has been designed for low angle or flat roofs. Alternatives to torch down roofing there are many different types of flat roofing systems that will better meet your needs without posing a danger to your entire structure.

If you re trying to decide whether a torch down roof is right for you continue reading. Stone coated metal roofing or stone coated steel roofing has a deep architectural profile and can mimic the look of asphalt shingles wood shakes or clay tiles this premium roofing material comes with warranties up to 50 years and is rated highly for resistance to winds hail and fire. These two main base materials are melted together using a torch to form a thick layer. There are roofs over 40 years old that are still in existence.

It consists of multiple modified bitumen membranes applied with a propane torch. A roofing torch requires the use of a gas torch with an open flame operating at extremely high temperatures and runs the risk of fire and burning the roofing professional.