Torch Down Roof Fires

This layer now becomes a waterproof material that is ideal for both commercial and residential use.

Torch down roof fires.

Fires caused by open flame propane torches on flat roof installations splash across the news on a fairly regular basis like the one in toronto recently that burned down an entire row of new townhouses. Torch on roofing posses significant fire risks. The primary downside of torch down roofing is that it is applied with an open flame and therefore always poses some level of fire hazard. Torch on or sometimes referred to as torch down roofing is a combination of two ingredients modified asphalt and resin.

In this installation method sheets of modified bitumen are rolled out onto the roof and a roofing professional uses a hand held propane torch to heat the material and adhere it to the surface. This process is popular with many contractors mainly because of its ease of installation and its adaptability. With this system the modified bitumen can bond tightly to metal flashings while the rubbery additives in the asphalt allow the roofing to expand and contract when other roofing systems. Most of these fires are immediately extinguished it being mandatory to have fire extinguishers present at all times.

These two main base materials are melted together using a torch to form a thick layer. Torch down roofing is used only for flat or low slope roofs. As a construction material modified bitumen is highly fire resistant. The installation of torch on roofing requires the use of powerful propane torches and this poses substantial fire risks.

Torch down roofing sometimes referred to as torch on roofing is so named because it requires an open flame propane torch.