Tar And Gravel Versus Torchdown For Your Flat Roof
If you have a flat roof dwelling or building, then choosing the traditional shingling materials will not be an option. Flat roofs offer some unique challenges when it comes to replacing or installing a new one. They often will cost a little more money than a regular sloped roof design, but not choosing the right one will cost you dearly in the future. There are a couple of options that you can choose from, the old style tar and gravel, and a new process called torchdown.
Torchdown roofing is like rubberized asphalt that comes in large rolls. Each one is rolled out across the roof and a torch is used to melt it directly onto the existing sheathing. The torchdown also melts each piece together totally eliminating any and all seams. This helps it form a water tight barrier that will eliminate leaks from the small amounts of water that tend to gather on flat roofs. Made of modified bitumen combined with high quality resins, they are also resistant to the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Torchdown roofing has an estimated life span of about 20 years, and is virtually maintenance free over that time. The combination of materials used makes it very strong, tear resistant and will avoid any other abrasive damage. Unlike the old style tar and gravel roof, the torchdown process is pretty much odor free.
Tar and gravel roofing has been around for many years, and with good success. It is a process by which a combination of asphalt and tar are spread, covering the entire surface, then a gravel mixture is placed over top. This gives it a water resistant surface and a life span of around 15 years. The one big drawback with this type is the fact that the fumes can be overwhelming. Some people have actually had to move out of their house while the new roof was being installed.
Although the tar and gravel rough tends to be about a thousand dollars cheaper for an average sized job, by choosing the torchdown variety you’ll be getting a much better overall finished product, and you won’t have to deal with those obnoxious fumes. Be sure to choose you roofing contractor wisely, as there have been reports in the past of fires being started by some inexperienced roofers laying the torchdown style.
Watch this video about flat roof contractor
Pro-G Contractors www.progcontractors.com roof installation video. Philadelphia area roofing, siding, window, door company with locations in Delaware, Chester, Montgomery County in Pennsylvania PA, New Castle in DE, Cecil in Maryland MD Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorWhat do I use to close up the hole in my roof where they ran a pipe up through it?
Today they cut a hole in my roof and ran a pipe straight up through it. The contractor put spray foam there, and I don't think that's right. What is the name of the rubber piece that goes around the pipe and under the shingle to prevent water from leaking in? Thanks for any help, and the roof is sloped, not flat.
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February 26th, 2010 | by roofing contractor |
By Trey on Feb 26, 2010
It depends entirely on how strong the addition was made. If the roof is just 2×4 studs instead of 2×6 or greater, you have a good chance of problems. And if the waterproofing of the flat surface may break if you try to use it to walk on a lot in all kinds of weather and poke through with chair legs, etc.
The usual solution if the strength is there is to build the "patio" almost like you were making a deck near the ground: a strong sill atfached to the house and pads to rest on the roof and spread the force. Then the waterproofing of the addition stays intact and the deck can be level even if the roof has some slope for drainage.
If the floor of the house is very close to the level of roof, then there isn't really space to do that above. I would suggest getting someone to design it or ask for estimates based on a design being described to you and see how much trouble they think it will be.
By thegurlupstairs on Feb 26, 2010
Make sure it's in writing as to how they'll charge if water damaged sheeting is found, ie, time and materials, or will you supply the material and they repair. They won't know if there is damage until the roof is exposed.
Absolutely ask for references.
Check the BBB.
Don't hesitate to get more than one estimate.
Find out what kind of roofing material they plan to install…is it good quality or some cheapy stuff? That info should be included in the contract and can be verified at your local lumber yard.
How will the roof be loaded? Is a truck with a boom bringing it in? If so, how will the contractor ensure that your yard won't be hammered.
Who will be responsible for getting rid of the debris? Easier for them to do it…just get it in writing!
Ask that it be in writing that they "sweep" the yard (with a magnet) to get rid of any nails that fall to the ground. Even if they tarp the area, nails bounce
As far as meeting with the foreman, it might not be a bad idea. Good to know beforehand if you'll be able to communicate with him.
Best to you!
By arjzv on Feb 27, 2010
You can do one of two things. Either ask a competitor to come inspect the roof and give you an itemized list of what's wrong with it *just tell them what happened and that you are looking for someone who can show you what's wrong and what needs repaired* or you can contact your insurance company who can set you up with someone who can check it for code. Once you get the documentation showing the lack of work done you can put in writing your complaint and demand it be redone. If they refuse, you have it in writing that you are unhappy with the product and also paperwork showing what damage is done. Take pictures! That way if they DO try to sue you for the money you can have that on your side. They won't get a DIME if you're in the right.
Do NOT pay until all the above has taken place or they can claim you damaged it etc. you wouldn't have paid if you weren't satisfied etc. and you won't get it fixed by them.
By mealking on Feb 27, 2010
A metal roof is not a good idea. Ponding water will leak through the seams even if they are soldered because expansion and contraction will open up the seams. Ponding water will also cause the steel roof to rust prematurely.
A better option is a rubber membrane roof. Warranties as long as 40 years are available. A reputable roofing contractor will make quick work of the roof job and be around for any problems that may develop … in other words, they will be around to take care of any warranty problems.
Good luck with your roofing project.
By bellshouse1 on Mar 1, 2010
You need to check with your local Registrar of Contractors to see if there are any open or previous infraction by the builder. You will also be able to see how long the builder have been in business for (the longer the better). When comparing estimates, you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A $20k spread is huge for a small project so somehow, one of the bids are missing services, whether it is demolition, hauling fees, materials to match existing, etc. If you're putting concrete tiles on the new gable roof, does it happen over a large expanse of windows/sliding door? Any of those builders include additional support on the header and foundation due to the increased load?
Just compare the differences in terms of included scope of work from each builder. By doing so, it may give you a better understanding of the price discrepancies.
By starlight on Mar 2, 2010
Definitely a rubber roof requires a great deal let maintenance and will last 15 to 20 years. This will be a true water proof roof system. Paper and tar is old method and will last 7 to 10 years before needing replaced. UV rays effect both but tar faster. Long term Rubber. Short term is moving in 5 years paper and tar.