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Your building stays dry through Long Island’s harshest winters and wettest storms. Torch down roofing expands under heat and contracts under cold conditions without melting or cracking, which means your roof moves with the weather instead of fighting it.
With proper maintenance, you get up to 20 years of reliable protection. That’s two decades without the constant worry of water damage, mold issues, or business interruptions from roof failures.
The reflective cap sheet keeps your building cooler and more energy efficient, which translates to lower cooling costs during those humid summer months when your HVAC system would otherwise work overtime.
Expressway Roofing and Chimney Inc has been providing high-quality roofing services in the North Patchogue area for over 22 years. As a family-owned and operated business, we care about providing work with the utmost integrity and completing repairs that our technicians are proud to showcase.
Long Islanders have been trusting us with their roofing installations and home construction repairs since 2001. We understand the unique challenges that North Patchogue’s weather brings to flat and low-slope roofs.
We’re one of the preeminent applicators of energy efficient material lines in the industry today, including Carlisle and Firestone, which means you get access to the best products and the expertise to install them correctly.
Our process starts with rolling out sheets of modified bitumen onto your roof, then using a hand-held propane torch to heat the material and adhere it to the surface. Once the layers reach the right temperature, seams are melted together to create a waterproof seal.
We know the use of an open flame poses risks if not managed by experienced professionals, which is why we follow rigorous safety protocols. Our technicians are trained specifically in torch application techniques and have the experience to handle the process safely.
We heat and press down the base sheet, then roll out the granulated top sheet and fuse seams with precision torch work. The result is a seamless, waterproof membrane that bonds directly to your roof deck and moves with temperature changes without cracking or splitting.
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North Patchogue’s commercial and industrial properties benefit from flat roofing systems that can bear heavy loads, safely support HVAC systems and equipment, and stand up to heavy snowfalls better than pitched roofs. That’s exactly what torch down roofing delivers.
Water-resistant torch down roofing is an excellent choice in snowy environments like ours, where snow stays on the roof until it melts. The modified bitumen sheets expand and contract as temperature changes without cracking or splitting, making the system durable and long-lasting.
If repairs are ever needed, it’s a relatively simple process where patches of modified bitumen membrane can be added to any rips, gaps, or broken seams. This means maintenance is straightforward and cost-effective compared to complete roof replacement.
With proper maintenance, a torch down roof can last up to 20 years. A two-layer system typically has an expected lifespan of 15 years, while a three-layer torch down roof can last 20-25 years.
The key factor is Long Island’s weather patterns. Torch down roofing is designed for all climates, expanding under heat and contracting under cold conditions without melting or cracking, which gives these roofs their long lifespan. Our winters and summers put roofing materials through extreme temperature swings, but torch down systems are specifically engineered to handle this stress.
Regular inspections and minor maintenance can extend the life even further. Most of our North Patchogue clients see excellent performance well into the second decade.
Torch down creates a waterproof seal that offers very strong protection against the elements. It has a consistent thickness (about 3-4 mm) across the entire roof, unlike other materials that may vary in thickness, making for a more durable roof.
Both torch down and hot mopped systems have similar lifespans, though hot mopped systems are slightly less puncture and UV ray resistant. Usually, hot mopped is less expensive to install than torch down, but you get superior performance with torch down application.
The biggest advantage is flexibility. Where other roofing materials are rigid and may be damaged by changing temperatures, torch down roofing works well in any climate. This is crucial for North Patchogue properties that experience significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
The use of an open flame during installation poses a fire risk, especially if not managed by experienced professionals, which is why safety protocols must be rigorously followed. When you work with a professional, licensed, and highly trained roofing contractor, all safety factors are thoroughly inspected and resolved before installation, making the process relatively risk-free. Torch down roofing is not a safe DIY project.
Modified bitumen is highly fire-resistant as a construction material. However, if overheated during installation, the compound can break down and become flammable. Our technicians are trained in proper temperature control and safety procedures.
We inspect your property for any flammable materials, ensure proper ventilation, and follow all local fire safety requirements. We’re known for our quick start to completion times and warranty on our labor against any malfunctions, including leaks and blow-offs.
APP (Atactic Polypropylene) is a form of plastic that makes torch down roofing membranes flexible and responsive to both heating and cooling. APP-modified bitumen is more plastic and rigid, most installations are three-layer systems requiring open-flame application, and it’s perfect for smaller roofs but doesn’t perform as well in cold-weather areas with lots of snow.
SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) modified bitumen is a form of rubber that makes bitumen flexible and has a lower melting point than APP. SBS membranes can be installed by torch application, but are also self-adhered, cold-processed, or applied with a mop.
Generally, SBS-modified bitumen is more cost-effective than APP-modified bitumen. For North Patchogue’s climate with significant snow loads, SBS often performs better due to its rubber-like flexibility. We’ll recommend the best option based on your specific building, budget, and performance requirements.
Torch down roofing typically costs between $3 and $7 per square foot for materials and installation. However, the price may increase if premium materials are used or if the installation needs additional work, such as more insulation, repairs, or removal of old roofing materials.
Torch down costs an average of $4 to $8 per square foot installed, excluding deck repairs. A 1,500-square-foot roof would cost between $6,000 and $12,000 for materials and professional installation. Granulated cap sheets tend to cost a little more than smooth, so adding them may increase your final cost.
However, torch down roofing could save you money by minimizing repairs. The upfront investment pays off through reduced maintenance costs and fewer emergency repair calls over the system’s 15-20 year lifespan. We provide detailed estimates that break down all costs so you know exactly what you’re investing in.
Yes, a torch down roof can be applied in winter but be sure to follow the installation manual for specific cold weather instructions. Winter installation requires additional safety precautions and specific techniques to ensure proper adhesion in cold temperatures.
The heat employed in torch down installation varies depending on the material – APP materials require higher temperatures to melt and become more fluid, while SBS products become sticky at lower temperatures. Cold weather affects these temperature requirements and application timing.
Our experienced technicians understand how to adjust installation techniques for winter conditions. We monitor weather forecasts carefully and only proceed when conditions allow for safe, effective installation. We offer 24/7/365 emergency repair services should the unexpected occur, so even if winter damage happens, we’re ready to respond quickly to protect your property.
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