“Torch down roofing”.  For flat roofs

Although there are alternatives where no torch is necessary.  “Torch down” is the most commonly used type of roofing for flat or very slight pitch roofs.  The official name is “modified bitumen” (pronounced buy-TOO-men). It is a rolled roofing product that consists of a tough membrane embedded in a thick layer of asphalt.  Rubbery additives with high quality resins in the asphalt allow the roofing to expand and contract, where other roofing systems just crack. The roofing can bond tightly to metal flashings and move with them, while maintaining the bond. This flexibility is the main benefit of modified bitumen and is a big factor in its success.

Torch Down roofing is completely impermeable to rainwater and is also resistant to otherwise damaging UV rays. It won’t melt and it won’t gather large puddles of rainwater so it is already weatherproof to a good extent.  Torchdown roofing is extremely durable, the combination of asphalt and resin means that it is resistant to punctures and other abrasive damage.  The strength and resistance of torchdown roofing means that it not only has a life of up to 20 years, but that that life will be virtually free from repairs except in the most extreme circumstances.

Coating your torchdown roofing.

For extra protection you can let your torchdown roofing settle for between a month and two months before coating it with an extra coating that will make it even more fire resistant and increases the protection from heat by further reflecting the sun’s rays.

The cost of torchdown roofing.

The overall cost of torchdown roofing will ultimately depend on the roofing contractor you use to complete the work and the price of the actual components; however, it is only slightly more expensive than traditional asphalt roofing. In exchange for the small amount of money extra you receive roofing that is more resistant to weather and less likely to become damaged.  This means that over its life it will cost you less in roof repairs.