Types of Roofing Materials
Featured Roofing Companies
Torch Down Roofing got its name from the installation process which done by torching the sheets in the overlap area. Is like a large rubber sheet that’s actually vulcanized onto a fiberglass base sheet. Highly recommended for most flat roofs, torch down roofing is similar to the tar and gravel roof. This roof adds layers of polyester or fiberglass with bitumen to the standard tar and gravel layering system. These additional layers add strength and resistance to this type of roof.
Although built-up roofs are durable, leaks can develop. These are most often
found where flashing is located, such as at connections between the roof and
a chimney, the eaves, or another roof plane. They may also develop where
wind has blown the gravel away and exposed the surface to sun, heat, and
cold.
An older roof may also develop leaks where the asphalt has blistered or
where the layers of roofing felt and bitumen have separated. To keep
built-up roofs in good shape, be sure that there are no bare patches in the
gravel. Keeping the roof surface covered with gravel will also keep your
house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
If simple repairs remedy leaks, the roof surface may need to be replaced.
This is a job for professionals: rolling out layers of roofing felt and hot
mopping asphalt is more than most homeowners will want to take on.
Modified bitumen or "torch-down" roofing is a popular alternative to classic
tar-and-gravel built-up roofs. Easier and faster to install, it consists of
a single rubber membrane that is heated with a torch, then bonded to a
fiberglass mat that is attached to the roof sheathing.