Torch Rubber Roof Installation

Flat roof installation over a garage roof.

Torch rubber roof installation.

Whether it be a residential or commercial building the materials we use are the same. This image shows where we are busy installing a rubber roof over a tar and gravel roof. Installing a rubber roof. To install this 2 ply system a fiber asphalt base is fastened with anchors and washer plates to the existing roof or to a substrate.

Choose heat resistant gloves and boots made of a material like kevlar. Using this type of tool to install a torch down system calls for the right type of materials and insulation to ensure that the torch does not damage the overall structure. Installed roof designs weigh less than 2 pounds per square foot ruberoid torch smooth membrane polyester mat core allows it to resist splits and tears due to its pliability and elongation characteristics. Insulation is especially important in colder climates but it s an essential part of any flat or low sloped roof system.

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. Also cover up with long sleeved clothing to reduce the chances of an accident. The flashing is what cause a roof to fail. Watch this video if you want to learn how to use a propane torch on a flat roof.

The process is a fiberglass asphalt base over the gravel then a self adhering modified bitumen base sheet to the fiberglass paper. This will help you get started and you will also learn some tricks. Installation of a three layer torch down roofing system requires knowledge and experience with using a blowtorch. After that a torch down rubber roof gets fused to the base.

You will need to use your gloves and boots on occasion to roll or press down on the bitumen sheets as they bubble. Torch down roofing sometimes referred to as torch on roofing is so named because it requires an open flame propane torch. The big problem with residential roofs is the posts siding and vent flashing. A 2 ply torch down membrane can be installed over any existing roof or surface to include a hot tar and gravel roof system.

This is followed by a self adhering modified bitumen rubber base.