Hear from Our Customers
You know that sinking feeling when water stains appear on your ceiling. The stress of wondering if this repair will hold through the next storm. The frustration of contractors who show up late, leave early, and clearly don’t understand flat roofing.
Torch down roofing eliminates that anxiety. This isn’t some quick patch job that might work for a season. Modified bitumen membranes create a completely waterproof seal that flexes with Long Island’s temperature swings without cracking or peeling away.
When installed correctly, you’re looking at 20-30 years of solid protection. No emergency calls during nor’easters. No ceiling damage or mold concerns. Just reliable waterproofing that lets you focus on everything else that matters.
We’ve been solving North Merrick’s flat roof problems since 2002. We’re not the new crew learning on your property.
We’ve handled every type of roof failure Long Island weather throws at buildings. We know which materials actually hold up in coastal conditions and which installation shortcuts lead to callbacks six months later. That’s why homeowners keep our number in their phone and recommend us without hesitation.
As a family-owned company with full licensing and insurance, we approach every project like we’re protecting our own home. Clear communication, fair pricing, and work we’re proud to stand behind.
We start by preparing your roof deck properly. Any damaged materials get removed, and the surface gets cleaned and inspected. Shortcuts here lead to problems later, so we don’t take them.
The base sheet installation comes next. We roll out the modified bitumen membrane and use professional torch equipment to heat and bond it directly to your roof. This creates the foundation layer of your waterproof system.
Then we apply the cap sheet using the same torch-down process. Every seam gets carefully heated and pressed to eliminate potential water entry points. The result is a continuous, flexible membrane that moves with your building’s natural expansion and contraction without breaking the seal.
Ready to get started?
North Merrick sits in a challenging climate zone. Salt air from the coast, temperature swings from summer heat waves to winter freezes, and storm systems that can dump several inches of rain in a few hours.
APP modified bitumen thrives in these conditions. The plastic-modified asphalt stays flexible when temperatures drop and won’t soften during heat waves. The torch-down installation creates a monolithic membrane – essentially one continuous piece of waterproofing across your entire roof.
Unlike systems that rely on taped seams or adhesive bonds, torch down roofing melts the overlaps together. Water can’t find weak spots because there aren’t any. The granulated surface reflects UV rays to keep your building cooler while extending the membrane’s service life.
Professionally installed torch down roofing typically delivers 20-30 years of reliable service in North Merrick. The key is using quality materials and proper installation techniques designed for Long Island’s coastal environment.
APP modified bitumen excels here because it handles our temperature extremes. Summer heat that hits the 90s, winter cold that drops below freezing, and everything in between. The flexible membrane expands and contracts naturally without developing cracks or separation at the seams.
Regular inspections and minor maintenance help many systems exceed their expected lifespan. We’ve seen torch down roofs we installed over two decades ago still performing perfectly with no signs of failure.
For North Merrick’s climate and typical building styles, torch down often outperforms single-ply systems like EPDM and TPO. The main advantage comes down to seam integrity and long-term reliability.
EPDM and TPO depend on adhesive tapes or liquid adhesives to seal seams. These are potential failure points that can separate over time, especially when exposed to temperature cycling and UV radiation. Torch down roofing melts the seams together, creating a continuous waterproof membrane with no vulnerable spots.
Torch down systems are also thicker and more puncture-resistant. When tree branches fall or HVAC maintenance is needed, torch down membranes are less likely to suffer damage. Repairs are straightforward too – just heat-weld a patch over any damaged area.
APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) represent the two main types of modified bitumen. For North Merrick applications, we typically recommend APP systems.
APP uses plastic modification and performs better under intense heat and UV exposure. It maintains its properties longer and provides superior resistance to weathering. APP systems are always installed using the torch-down method, which creates the strongest possible adhesion and seam integrity.
SBS uses rubber modification and offers more flexibility, but it doesn’t handle UV exposure as well without protective coatings. While SBS can be torch-applied, it’s also available in self-adhering versions that don’t provide the same level of waterproofing as professionally torch-applied systems.
Torch down roofing installation in North Merrick typically runs $4-8 per square foot, depending on roof size, access challenges, and system complexity. While the upfront investment might seem higher than some alternatives, the long-term value is outstanding.
Consider that a properly installed torch down roof lasts 20-30 years with minimal maintenance requirements. Compare that to cheaper systems needing replacement every 10-15 years, plus potential interior damage costs from leaks, and torch down becomes the economical choice.
Our installation cost includes all materials, professional torch application, proper insulation layers, and comprehensive warranty coverage. We provide detailed written estimates that break down every component, so you understand exactly what you’re investing in.
Sometimes, but it depends on your existing roof’s condition and local building code requirements. North Merrick has specific limits on roof layer quantities, and structural capacity must always be verified.
If your current roof shows no moisture damage and remains structurally sound, torch down can often be installed as a recover system. This approach saves on tear-off costs and disposal fees while reducing project disruption.
However, when moisture damage, multiple existing layers, or structural concerns are present, complete tear-off becomes necessary. While this increases initial costs, it ensures your new torch down system has a solid foundation and will perform as designed throughout its entire service life.
When performed by certified professionals following proper safety protocols, torch down installation is very safe. Our technicians receive specialized training in torch application techniques and maintain strict safety standards throughout every project.
We keep fire extinguishers readily available, clear all combustible materials from work areas, and use precise torch handling techniques to control flame application. The modified bitumen material is specifically engineered to be heated during installation – it won’t ignite under normal application temperatures.
The real risk comes from inexperienced contractors who lack proper torch training or safety protocols. That’s why choosing established professionals who specialize in torch down systems and carry comprehensive insurance coverage is essential for both safety and results.
Other Services we provide in North Merrick