The single biggest factor in how well a roof ages is how well it’s installed. For flat roofs in Florida, homeowners often turn to torch down roofing as a way to waterproof and seal a roof into place. If you’re considering this process for yourself, PITCH Roofing is here to tell you everything you need to know about it.
With over 60 years of local roofing experience, our founding roofers created PITCH to serve as a solution to Florida’s roofing woes. Now as your trusted local roofing partner, we’re going to review all things torch down roofing, from how it works to its pros and cons!
How Does Torch Down Roofing Work?
Torch down roofing is most often used for modified bitumen flat roofs. As the name implies, contractors use a propane torch to heat-weld sheets of modified bitumen to adhere them to your roof’s surface. Once the layers have been rolled out across your roof, your installers will partially melt the seams to prevent water from getting into your roofing system.
Because modified bitumen is a type of rubberized asphalt, it will expand and contract with the sun’s heat. While the idea of your roof moving can be weird, this is actually a good thing. Torch down roofing seals the seams of your roof while still allowing it to expand and contract. This extends the lifespan of your roof while still keeping water out.
Unlike with TPO, torch down roofing relies on multiple layers of modified bitumen roofing sheets. This creates redundancy and failsafes on your roof. So long as your installers follow proper codes and ensure proper drainage of your flat roof, torch down roofing should go a long way in keeping your flat roof in peak condition.
Pros of Torch Down Roofing in Florida
Florida roofs have a lot to stand up against. While flat roofing systems are less vulnerable to wind damage, they can still experience major problems during a hurricane. Let’s see how well-equipped torch down roofing is to deal with Florida roofing problems!
UV Resistance
The Florida sun does a real number on roofs over the years. Flat roofs aren’t immune to this either, with many flat roofing systems experiencing issues as they age thanks to wear and tear from UV rays. With torch down roofing, however, you have some protection against the sun’s rays.
That’s because modified bitumen will expand and contract with the sun’s heat, preventing premature aging. This means you’re less likely to experience bubbling or cracking of your roofing material when you choose torch down roofing. Additionally, the cap sheet on your flat roof will help reflect UV rays away from your home.
Affordablity
All things considered, torch down roofing is a very affordable flat roofing option. Installing a new modified bitumen roof tends to cost $4 to $8 per square foot in Florida. When looking at flat roof replacement costs, you’re not likely to find a better rate in the Sunshine State!
Low Maintenance
When you get a new roof, you don’t want it to start causing problems. And with torch down roofing, you’re looking at a long life with minimal necessary repairs. While almost all roofs will eventually require repairs, modified bitumen roofing requires comparatively few.
Over time, the seams on your roof can begin to loosen. While torch down roofing tightly adheres your roof into place, thermal contractions can gradually weaken your seams over time. Thankfully, your roof can fairly easily be re-sealed to resolve this common issue of aging flat roofs!
Fire and Leak Resistance
Torch down roofing is made to last in a variety of environments. Thanks to the tight adhesion of the seams, you won’t have to worry about water getting into your roofing system, even if your flat roof has trouble draining. And thanks to the durability of asphalt, your roof will also be highly resistant to flames, which can give homeowners peace of mind.
Cons of Torch Down Roofing
No roofing system is perfect, and torch down roofing is no exception. While there are many advantages to heat-welding modified bitumen, it’s also important to be aware of possible downsides. As experienced flat roof installers, here’s what we recommend you consider before committing to modified bitumen!
Vulnerable to Storm Debris
During a hurricane, the wind can turn most anything into a projectile. And while torch down roofing holds up well against the elements, it’s more vulnerable to puncture damage. While your roofing system will have multiple layers of protection, these are thin layers that can be punctured fairly easily.
Most often, overhanging branches become storm debris. As they fall, they can poke holes in your roof that allows water to get in. One of the best ways to get ahead of this problem is to trim any overhanging branches at the start of hurricane season as part of routine flat roof maintenance.
Difficult Installation
Working with an open flame on a roof can be dangerous. That means you’re going to need experienced professionals to safely install your torch down roofing system. If you choose inexperienced installers, you run the risk of someone being hurt on your property, which could leave you liable for damages if the roofers aren’t carrying proper insurance.
At PITCH Roofing, we know what we’re doing. We’ve installed countless torch down roofing systems in Florida, and we know how to do so without endangering our crew or your property. For us, professionalism and quality workmanship are the cornerstones of our approach to roofing done right.
Get a Free Flat Roof Replacement Estimate
If you’re looking for a tried and true flat roof for Flroida, torch down roofing is a great option. With its durability and affordability, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular flat roofing material in the Sunshine State. If you want to see how much your flat roof replacement will cost, all you need to do is ask for a free roofing quote.
At PITCH, we pride ourselves on our free, no-obligation roofing estimates. Rather than a single line with a price, we provide a detailed quote that outlines the full scope of work as well as each part of your flat roofing system. This way, you know that you’re paying for a complete roof!
To see what our roofers can do for you, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. Alternatively, you can sign up for an online-only estimate! Either way, we’ll take a look at your roof, carefully measure it, and prepare a torch down roofing cost estimate that’s tailored to your property and your needs!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
