Torch-down roofing is popular among homeowners and construction professionals due to its practicality and effectiveness, especially for flat or low-slope roofs. This roofing method provides a durable and weather-resistant finish and creates a waterproof seal, making it ideal for regions with extreme temperature variations.
Torch-down roofing involves heating sheets of modified bitumen with a hand-held propane torch, which bonds them permanently to the roof, forming a strong and flexible barrier.
The bitumen, often modified with rubber or plastic, can expand and contract without damage, offering a long-lasting solution for homes.
Read also: How Much Weight Can a Roof Hold
Well, that means you can just do it anyway. More importantly, you have to know the right steps of the installation, and remember that the roof lasts based on the materials used. Therefore, the results can be perfect, just like you are a professional. What are the steps?
Prepare the Materials and Tools
You should prepare some materials alongside the tools before the installation. These include the torch down roof, nails, a hammer, drill, ruler, cutter, bitumen primer, and spark igniter. You should also wear protective clothes like gloves, boots, and a helmet.
Selecting the right type of bitumen is crucial to enhancing the quality of your torch-down roofing. For instance, Atactic Polypropylene (APP) is a popular choice for its ability to withstand high and low temperatures. At the same time, Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) is favored for its flexibility, especially in cold climates.
The size of the roof depends on the size of your house. If you don’t know how to measure it well, ask the shop owner or an expert for suggestions. Mention the home size and the possible roof to use.
Clean the Roof Area
Before applying the torch-down roofing underlayment, thoroughly clean the roof area to ensure proper adhesion and prevent leaks. Removing debris such as leaves and twigs with a hard-bristle brush or leaf blower is essential. Regular cleaning and inspections are key to maintaining the integrity of torch-down roofs, as debris can cause moisture buildup and damage over time.
You must also be careful during this process to avoid an accident. Use a stable ladder to help you climb up and make all the preparations.
Remove the Old Roofing
If you have installed roofing before and you only want to replace it with a new one, you must remove it first. Therefore, the new roofing can be installed properly by removing the nails using a hammer and then removing the old roofing.
When removing old roofing, it’s important to inspect the roof deck for any damage and make necessary repairs. Ensuring a stable foundation is critical before installing the new torch down the roof to prevent future issues.
This process doesn’t take too long, depending on the roofing area’s size. When all the nails have been pulled out, roll the old roofing and then store it in the right place. Sure, if there is no old torch roofing, your work can be easier and faster.
Read also: How Many Roofing Nails per Square for Shingles and Underlayment
Underlay the Fiberglass
It is possible to lay down the torch roofing directly. However, it tends to shorten the torch-down roofing life expectancy. Consider using a fiberglass underlayment to provide additional strength and protection against fungi, which can cause inner roof weathering.
This extra layer not only extends the roof’s life expectancy but also enhances its overall appearance. The width of the fiberglass used is not different from that of torch-down roofing.
Spray the Bitumen Primer
What is bitumen primer? Bitumen primer is a kind of asphalt, a thick liquid made from a hydrocarbon compound containing sulfur, oxygen, and chlorine.
It functions to make the layer attached better and more flexible since the compound has viscoelastic characteristics. Bitumen primer is solid at normal temperatures, but it can be melted at a particular temperature.
Spraying bitumen primer creates a flexible and strong bond between the roofing layers. The primer’s viscoelastic properties ensure that the roofing material remains intact during temperature changes. For better results, it’s advisable to use a primer with high sulfur and oxygen content, improving the roof’s overall durability.
Bitumen primer for roofing is quite different from asphalt on the road. It tends to be less thick and more flexible, which is why it is possible to remove the torch down later. A special spray is also needed. While spraying it, you must wear protective clothes and thoroughly spray the liquid.
Read also: How to Attach Roof over Deck from House
Underlay the Torch Roofing
After the bitumen primer has been sprayed, the next step is to lay the torch roofing. For a better result, you should be accompanied by someone else, particularly to hold the tip of the roofing.
Depending on your desired durability, a two-layer or three-layer system can be used to achieve the best results when laying the torch roofing. While a two-layer system provides sufficient protection, a three-layer system enhances fire resistance and energy efficiency.
The installation process must still be in the form of a roll. Then, it is opened slowly until the layer covers all of your roof. Use the leave blower you used to clean up the roof before to make the layer neater. Press it smoothly until you see no part bubbling.
Attach It
You can attach the roof more using nails to make it removable later. However, for a stronger and more permanent bond, consider using a spark igniter.
This method, while slightly more complex, ensures a secure attachment that is less prone to damage. With proper maintenance, a well-installed torch-down roof can last up to 25 years.
