Manufacturers in the roofing industry are ensuring customers get satisfied by providing a variety of roofing materials for their projects. Whether you are working on a renovation or new house roofing project, you will always find a material that matches your budget and fits your architecture.
Most roofers say torch down roofing has an interesting concept that is a bit different from other roofing materials. Property owners enjoy the same privileges as those using regular materials, but there are some differences. Let us see how you can differentiate between torch down and standard roofing.
- Installation
Roofers use torches or open flames to install this roof. Heat is required to ensure that the rolls are melted and attached to the areas needed. After cooling, the roofs create an impermeable membrane that is resistant to weather elements.
After a few months of installing the roof, you can add an extra layer without removing the previous one to make it more fire-resistant. The extra layer also helps protect property from the hot sun rays.
Other roofing materials do not require heating for installation. Sealants and nailing are used, and the materials have to be laid one piece at a time.
- Material
Torch down roofing has a rubber-like texture, but it does not imply that it is made from rubber. Bitumen is the primary material used in making it and other additives to create its unique texture. That is why heat is used to melt bitumen during installation.
Polymers are major additives used while manufacturing this roofing material. They enable the creation of different layers while making bitumen flexible.
Other roofing materials are mainly wood, stone, aluminum, and cement. These are not rolled and can be created in different shapes and sizes.
- Types Of Roofs Used On
Torch down roofs are ideal for houses with flat or low-sloped roofs. Such roofs may retain water after rain or when the snow melts. Because of its superior waterproofing qualities, torch down roofing is an excellent option.
Regular checks in the attic can help you identify a leak, if any, and you can easily patch it to prevent water from passing through. Because of its waterproofing quality, torch down roofing does not rot or rust.
Other roofing materials such as brick tiles and shingles are often used on houses with pretty steep slopes. It is to ensure water drains as it rains or melts. Although they are used on flat roofs, these materials are not great choices since their aesthetic value is affected by exposure to too much moisture.
- Durability
Bitumen is a tough and resilient material that can last for years. Since torch down roofing is mainly made from bitumen, it can assure you a long time of service. It is durable and can last anywhere between 20-25 years depending on the property owner maintains the roof.
Roofs made from other materials have varying lifespans. For example, some can last for 5 years while others can last up to 30 years.
- Maintenance
Torch down roofing is almost maintenance-free. It does not require a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good. Inspecting it once in a while to look for leaks is all that is needed. Also, removing debris is another maintenance practice that does not require complex tools. If there are water pools, you can drain them to prevent insects from breeding on your roof.
Some of the regular roofs require high and routine maintenance that can be costly to the property owner. Lack of such care can lead to serious damages such as mold growth and toxicity to the inhabitants. Others, like shingles, can miss, leaving your property exposed to the harsh weather elements.
Different roofing designs and materials are being introduced in the market. It leaves property owners confused about which material to choose for their roofs. Besides the standard roofing materials, manufacturers are doing their best to create diverse products. If you were wondering whether there is a difference between torch down roofs and regular ones, this article has answers that will help you understand. You can try using it on your sheds or other outbuildings to see its worth.
