
Repairing a Torch Down Roof is relatively easy. Using the right “Tar”, you can almost fix any Torch Down Roof Do not use roofing cement or tar from Home Depot or a Hardware store Do not paint the roof with Silver Coating in the hope that it will seal the leaky area
What is the cost of a torch down roof replacement?
Torch down roofs typically cost between $7,000 and $14,000, with most homeowners paying about $10,400. Let’s break down the cost of torch down roofing to help you better calculate your total project budget.
What is torch down roofing and why use it?
- Water Resistance: The first job of any roof is to keep water out of the building below. ...
- Flexibility and Durability: The modified bitumen sheets expand and contract as the temperature changes without cracking or splitting. ...
- Lifespan: The lifespan of a torch down roof is one of its main selling points, at 15 to 20 years. ...
How to apply torch down roofing?
Torch Down Roof Application
- Attach insulation. Insulation is especially important in colder climates, but it’s an essential part of any flat or low-sloped roof system.
- Lay down a moisture barrier. On top of the insulation, your Bowie roofing contractor will lay down a vapor barrier. ...
- Install the overlay board. ...
- Apply the base sheet. ...
- Apply the cap sheet. ...
- Install flashing. ...
Does my roof need repair?
If your roof has been properly installed and is younger than 15 or 20 years old, it may get by with repairs rather than a full replacement. When in doubt, contact a licensed roofing contractor to get a professional opinion. For more... Get free, no-commitment estimates from professional roofing contractors near you.

What is the life expectancy of a torch down roof?
Sheets 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.
How do you patch a felt torch?
0:4520:24How to fix, repair, protect and seal a felt roof and flat roof using Everbuild ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd going in under the joins weather overlapping coming down. So again we used to a stationsMoreAnd going in under the joins weather overlapping coming down. So again we used to a stations blackjack. It's quite good stuff its design for sticking fells and to put it back on conceal. Something.
How do you repair a bitumen roof?
0:511:57How to repair a split on a granule modified bitumen membraneYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put it into. Place. Always want to make sure you press the membrane into place make sure it'sMoreAnd put it into. Place. Always want to make sure you press the membrane into place make sure it's secured tightly and that the membrane is setting in wet. Adhesive.
What materials are needed for a torch down roof?
All torch down roofing is made from modified bitumen, or bitumen with additives. Bitumen is made from asphalt, a tough material that is used in many roofing applications. Manufacturing torch down roofing requires modifying or mixing the bitumen with a polymer.
How do you fix a hole in roofing felt?
0:242:28Repair roofing felt from inside - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDirectly over the oil in the fault. This is incredibly sticky once you peel off the backing paper.MoreDirectly over the oil in the fault. This is incredibly sticky once you peel off the backing paper. It is like a tour finish that will virtually stick to anything.
What is the best adhesive for roof felt?
Answer: The Bostik Feltfix Bituminous Roof Felt Adhesive Black is a solvent based bitumen felt adhesive that is designed for bonding bitumen based roof felt to various roof materials including asphalt, existing roof felt and concrete.
How long does a bitumen roof last?
12-20 yearsWhile Built-up roofs have the shortest roofing system lifespan of any material in the study, modified bitumen is right behind lasting 12-20 years on average, just slightly better than the poorest performer.
Can you patch a flat roof?
Permanent Fix A small patch can act as a permanent EPDM roof repair for leaks and cracks. Apply an EPDM primer and when touch-dry, add self-adhesive rubber tape 3” around malleable flashing covering the hole. The patch should be adhered from the centre (over the hole) outwards with a firm, hard roller.
Can a modified bitumen roof be repaired if the damage goes deeper than the aluminum coating?
However, no coating solution is ideal, and the possibility of bitumen coating getting punctured or cracked is always there. The good news is that when modified bitumen coating gets damaged, it's possible to repair it.
When should I replace my torch down roof?
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.
Can you coat a torch down roof?
It's inevitable that Torch Down and Mod-Bit Roofs will begin to break down over time. Liquid Rubber Canada offers an easy DIY solution by bridging the joints with Liquid Rubber Seam Tape and coating the surface with Liquid Rubber Waterproof Sealant or Liquid Rubber Colour Waterproof Sealant.
Does torch down roof need underlayment?
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 do you touch on felt?
2:053:23How To Torch On Felt - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust push it down with your hands. And it would stick to the existing. Felt push at the front makeMoreJust push it down with your hands. And it would stick to the existing. Felt push at the front make sure it's step right then throw any water getting underneath I felt.
Can you put torch on felt over old felt?
If you are repairing an existing flat roof, it is possible to torch the felt over the material already in place provided those materials are in good shape. If your current roof is not in good nick, it makes most sense to remove any old material and start over.
Can you put felt on top of felt?
If you need to add another sheet of felt, then lay this next to the first sheet with a 5cm overlap. Again, nail down the felt. Next, cover your felt sheets with a thin layer of felt adhesive. You can then position the second layer of felt over the first.
Can you nail down torch on felt?
For garages and other larger garden or commercial buildings felt cannot be dry-fixed using nails and screws. Instead, the two methods which are most common are 'torching on' and applying with cold self-adhesive.
What is the transition form of a chimney?
The transition form the metal cap to the chimney. We covered the chimney with a membrane and made the transition to the metal cap
Can you flash against parapet walls?
Parapet walls with half pipe or coping tiles are not easy do the flashing against. This is especially true when everyone have smeared tar under the lip of the tile. What we did in this case is we removed the ribs that forms the joint between two tiles to get a smooth surface.
Which roofing membrane is best for a roof?
The Torch Down Rubber Membrane is still by far the best roofing membrane and will outlast any other roofing membrane.
Can you smear tar all over seams?
Do not smear tar all over every seam and likely place you thought it could leak from
Can spider cracks be repaired?
Spider cracks in the surface – the entire surface will have these fine cracks, but it could be just in the beginning stages and you could still repair the roof
Can rubber membrane be repaired?
If there is evidence that the rubber membrane is pulling away from the wall or flashing due to its age, then it could still be repaired but at a considerable cost.
Can you paint a flat roof with silver coating?
Don’ts for flat roof repair on a Torch Down. Do not use roofing cement or tar from Home Depot or a Hardware store. Do not paint the roof with Silver Coa ting in the hope that it will seal the leaky area. Do not smear tar all over every seam and likely place you thought it could leak from.
How long does a modified bitumen roof last?
But keep in mind a smooth black modified bitumen roof is rated to last only 10 years, adn when silvercoated rated to last 12 years, byt the manufacturers. You can keep them going longer, but when not properly installed they don't even last that long.
How thick is a layer of roofing cement?
One thin layer of roofing cement 1/8" to 1/4" thick , 4=6" wide bisecting the seam. 6" strip of reinforcing cloth then another layer of roofing cement.
What is the membrane that starts at the roof surface and goes up and over the top of the walls?
Flashings = the membrane that starts at the roof surface and goes up and over the top of the walls.
How high should a curb be above a roof?
If I were your roofer, and again based on that photograph, I would be suggesting replacement of the skylight. The curb should be built up at least 8" above the height of the roof. Then inspect every inch of seam and each penetration and repair as necessary. Typical I would fire prime the roof surface to burn off the silver coat then patch with torch applied modified bitumen.
Why is my brick wall failing?
The "hidden" cause to that may the wall itself, The brickwork may be failing due to moisture intrusion thru the broken flashings. Trapped moisture and mortar do not mix well over time especially given the freeze thaw cycles.
Can you put cold adhesive on a roof?
When you say glued down, technically it "can" be with cold applied adhesive. BUT, with that coating the existing roof surface should be heavily primed or as Grumpy suggested, burn off the coating with a torch.
Is plywood waterproofing?
For the plywood, at the very least the face of the walls should be covered. NO SEALANT sandwiched between the wall and plywood. Your membrane is the waterproofing. The ply wood is simply and smooth sturdy base.
What is torch down roofing?
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. Once the layers reach the right temperature, seams are melted together to create a waterproof seal.
Why use a torch down roof?
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. Safety training has reduced the occurrence of these accidents significantly. If you are investing in a torch down roof, you should ensure your roofing professional receives Certified Roofing Torch Applicator (CERTA) program safety training, available through the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
What is base sheet for torch down roofing?
Base sheet: This is the first layer of modified bitumen membrane. The base sheet for torch down roofing may be secured to the overlay board by either direct heat fusing, hot mopping or with adhesive.
How does a hot mopped roof work?
A hot mopped roof gets its name from its method of installation. After placing down base and felt layers, the roofing professionals pour liquid asphalt onto the roof and use a mop to spread it out. The asphalt then seals, creating a thick, waterproof and durable rooftop.
What is torch down cap sheet?
The cap sheet on a torch down roofing system has other excellent properties, including resistance to UV rays, and reflectivity to keep the building cool and energy efficient . If a torch down roofing system needs repair, it’s a relatively simple process. Patches of modified bitumen membrane may be added to the rip, gap, or broken seam.
What is APP in roofing?
The first polymer used for this purpose is Atactic Polypropylene (APP), which is a form of plastic, not rubber. APP torch down roofing membranes are flexible and respond well to both heating and cooling. Another polymer added to create modified bitumen roofing material is Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) modified bitumen.
What is the membrane layer of a torch down roof made of?
The membrane layers of a torch down roof are made of an asphalt compound called bitumen that is modified with either rubber or plastic.
