TORCH DOWN & MODIFIED BITUMEN.

When a flat or low-slope roof needs to stand up to serious wear, torch-down roofing is one of the most durable systems you can put on it. It is a modified-bitumen membrane that is literally melted into place, heat-sealed layer by layer into one solid, fully bonded, watertight surface. There are no glued seams to peel and no fasteners to work loose. Salazar Roofing installs and repairs torch-down roofs across Illinois and Wisconsin, and because the process involves an open flame and real skill, it is a system you want installed by an experienced crew.

What Is Torch Down Roofing?

Torch-down is a type of modified-bitumen roofing. Bitumen (asphalt) is reinforced with modifiers that make it flexible and durable, then formed into rolls. During installation, a roofer uses a torch to heat the underside of the membrane as it is rolled out, melting it directly onto the roof and the layer below. As it cools, it fuses into a single, seamless, watertight surface. The result is a thick, rugged roof that handles foot traffic, ponding, and temperature swings well.

Benefits of a Torch Down Roof

• Fully bonded and seamless. Heat-welding fuses the layers together, so there are no glued seams or mechanical fasteners to fail.
• Tough and thick. Modified bitumen stands up to foot traffic, hail, and abuse better than thinner single-ply membranes.
• Handles ponding. It performs well even where water sits, which is a common weak point on flat roofs.
• Long lifespan. A properly installed torch-down roof lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.
• Flexible in cold. The modifiers keep it from cracking through Midwest freeze-thaw cycles.

Torch Down vs Other Flat-Roof Systems

Torch-down is one of several ways to cover a flat roof, and the right choice depends on the building. Compared to a single-ply membrane like TPO, torch-down is thicker and more rugged, which makes it a strong choice for roofs that take abuse or hold water. TPO, on the other hand, is lighter, reflective, and often more cost-effective on large commercial spans. We install both and will give you an honest recommendation based on your roof, not on what we would rather sell. See all the options on our flat roofing page.

Torch Down Installation and Repair

Because torch-down involves an open flame, it demands a crew that knows what they are doing, both for a watertight result and for safety. We install torch-down systems to spec and repair existing ones, patching, re-sealing seams and flashing, and tracking down leaks. If your torch-down or modified-bitumen roof is aging or leaking, we will tell you whether a repair will hold or whether it is time for a new surface.

Get a Free Estimate

Considering torch-down for a flat or low-slope roof, or need an existing one repaired? Call (847) 989-0373 or request a free estimate, and we will give you a straight recommendation.