Hear from Our Customers
Your flat roof stops being a constant source of stress when it’s properly sealed with torch down modified bitumen. You get a seamless, waterproof barrier that handles Long Island’s brutal winters, heavy spring rains, and summer heat without cracking or allowing water penetration.
The relief is immediate. No more ceiling stains after storms, no more emergency buckets, no more wondering if this winter will finally destroy your roof.
With professional torch down installation, you’re looking at 15-25 years of reliable protection. That’s decades of not worrying about your roof because it’s simply doing what it should – keeping water out.
We’ve been protecting Wheatley Heights properties for over 20 years. We’re a family-owned company that understands exactly what Long Island weather does to flat roofs and how to stop it.
We’ve seen every type of flat roof failure in this area. We know which shortcuts other contractors take and why those cheap fixes fail within a few years. That’s why we invest in proper torch equipment, maintain full insurance endorsements for flame work, and train our crews on the specific installation methods that work in our climate.
Your roof isn’t a place to cut corners. We’ve earned our reputation by doing the detailed work that keeps buildings dry, one properly sealed roof at a time.
We start with a complete inspection of your existing roof structure and drainage system. Poor drainage destroys flat roofs faster than anything else, so we identify and fix slope issues before installing new materials.
Surface preparation comes next. We clean and prime the existing surface, then roll out the base layer of modified bitumen membrane. Using professional-grade propane torches, we heat and fuse each seam to create a completely watertight seal – no gaps, no weak spots.
The final cap sheet includes UV-resistant granules for weather protection. Every roof penetration, edge detail, and transition gets individual attention because that’s where most leaks originate. Most installations complete in 1-2 days, and you get a roof that’s ready for decades of Long Island weather.
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Our torch down roofing service includes everything needed for long-term flat roof performance. We use SBS modified bitumen specifically chosen for Long Island’s temperature swings – it stays flexible through freeze-thaw cycles and resists the UV damage that makes other materials brittle and crack.
Every installation includes proper insulation, vapor barriers, and drainage solutions that meet local building codes. We handle the critical details: flashing around HVAC equipment, proper edge termination, and seamless transitions to other roof areas.
Wheatley Heights has many properties built in the 1940s-1960s with unique structural considerations. We’ve worked on hundreds of these buildings and know how to adapt modern torch down systems to older construction without compromising performance. Your roof gets the protection it needs while working with your building’s existing design.
Properly installed torch down roofing typically lasts 15-25 years in our Long Island climate. The actual lifespan depends on installation quality, regular maintenance, and the specific type of modified bitumen used.
SBS modified bitumen, which we recommend for this area, handles temperature fluctuations better than APP systems. With periodic inspections and minor maintenance like clearing drains and resealing penetrations, many torch down roofs exceed 20 years of reliable service.
The key is professional installation with proper drainage and quality materials. Bargain installations fail early, but when done correctly with attention to detail, torch down roofing offers excellent long-term value for flat roof applications.
Torch down roofing creates a truly seamless waterproof membrane through heat fusion. Unlike mechanically fastened systems that rely on overlaps and adhesives, the torch process actually melts the seams together into one continuous barrier.
This eliminates the weak points where most flat roof leaks start. The modified bitumen material itself is more durable than standard roofing felt, with polymer additives that maintain flexibility and resist cracking over time.
Compared to newer single-ply systems like TPO or EPDM, torch down roofing offers superior puncture resistance and can be installed in multiple layers for added protection. It’s also more forgiving of minor installation variations that might cause problems with thinner membrane systems.
Professional torch down installation requires specialized training and equipment, but it’s completely safe when performed by properly qualified contractors. We maintain full insurance endorsements specifically for torch work and follow strict safety protocols on every job.
The installation does involve open flame, which is exactly why many contractors avoid this method. However, this flame application is what creates the superior waterproof seal that makes torch down roofing so effective long-term.
We protect all surrounding areas, monitor weather conditions carefully, and maintain fire safety equipment on site during installations. The process is actually cleaner than many roofing methods since there’s no wet adhesive mess or loose materials that can blow around your property.
In many cases, yes. Torch down roofing can often be installed directly over existing built-up roofing or other compatible substrates, which saves on tear-off costs and disposal fees.
However, this depends on the condition of your existing roof structure and total weight considerations. We always perform a structural assessment first to ensure your building can safely support the additional weight.
If the existing roof has significant moisture damage, multiple layers already, or structural problems, complete removal may be necessary. We’ll give you honest recommendations based on what’s best for long-term performance, not just the lowest upfront cost.
Torch down roofing costs vary based on roof size, complexity, existing conditions, and the specific system installed. Generally, it’s more expensive than basic built-up roofing but less costly than premium single-ply membrane systems.
The investment makes financial sense when you consider lifespan and performance. A properly installed torch down roof lasting 20+ years often costs less per year than cheaper alternatives that need replacement every 10-12 years.
We provide detailed written estimates that break down all costs including materials, labor, permits, and any necessary structural work. No surprises or hidden fees – just straightforward pricing for quality work that protects your investment.
Torch down roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to other flat roof systems. Annual inspections are recommended to check for debris accumulation, drain blockages, and any minor damage from weather or foot traffic.
The most critical maintenance task is keeping drains and gutters clear. Standing water is the enemy of any flat roof, even waterproof ones. We also recommend periodic cleaning of granule surfaces and inspection of all penetrations and flashing areas.
Small repairs like resealing around vents or patching minor punctures are straightforward and inexpensive when caught early. With proper maintenance, torch down roofing delivers decades of trouble-free performance with minimal ongoing investment.
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