I’m in the midst of a gut reno and my architect has spec’ed self-adhering modified bitumen as the material for the flat roof. The contractor & the roofer are a bit puzzled and believe rubber roofing is better. They said they’d be doing torch-down, but I said we’d have to use self-adhering no matter what, given my memories of the torch-down fires not long ago. I’d love thoughts from the Forum! (We’re pulling up all the old roofing, but not restaging the roof, if this impacts the feedback.)


Comments

  1. It’s amazing how many different answers you get
    with one question. I wonder how many people who respond have put either style roof down
    with their own hands?

    (most roofs are good when installed correctly.)

    Torch down + residential = illegal

    Rubberized asphalt using cold adhesive = very good

    Rubber roof, like EPDM = excellent ( but more $)
    rubber roof rolls are 10ft x 100ft = less seams
    get it?

  2. Im the only licenced, certified roofing contractor to install Sealoflex roofing products. The roofing products are not burned or glued down. There far superior than the torch down products on the market. Sealoflex.com. Feel free to visit my web at Cambriaquality.com

  3. you can take special training and obtain per case permits to still do torch down in NYC

    you also need special permits just to transport propane for such work

    if you are in violation the architect/contractor who ordered torch down installation can be fined as well as the installer

    the issue was that torch down instals were so fast and hard to mess up the function of finished product that cheap roofing companies sprang up overnight. inexperienced labor = mistakes and resulting tightening of regulation in city

  4. there have been more than a few fires. tons of fires have been caused from torch roofing. that’s why it’s illegal in nyc on any roof that has a wood deck. there are other better alternatives than torching.

  5. You can use a white rubber roof to keep down sun reflection. It’s a “Green” material too, so it will keep your house cooler, theoretically.

  6. they never should have made torching illegal in NYC. the city is always thinking of ways to make things more difficult for property owners.

    a couple fires doesn’t warrant such a drastic move.

  7. And to do rubber you need to torch it.
    ITs not legal…but it is the best.
    Its legal in places where the houses are not attatched. Lots of the codes in NYC are because the houses are attatched.

  8. according to thisoldhouse.com
    rubber is more expensive, resists tearing and is easy to repair- its main weakness is punctures and that it is black so requires additional treatment if you need to reflect sun heat

    modified bitumen is cheaper than rubber and already reflects sun