How to Install Torch Down | Torch Down Roofing Guide

Summary

In this video, the presenter demonstrates how to install Polyglass torch down roofing, focusing on the proper technique for the field of the roof and seams. Safety measures like using a fire extinguisher and working cautiously are emphasized. The process includes burning the middle of the roll, then addressing the seams using a two-step method for optimal results. Key details such as cutting the ends at a 45-degree angle for a good bond and optionally applying granules for aesthetics are explained. The video is tailored for southern California building codes.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Always install the entire roofing system properly, including the torch down cap, base layers, and flashings, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
• 🏭 Prefer using Polyglass products for base layer, mid-ply, and torch cap sheet due to their quality and compatibility.
• 🧯 Work safely when torching, keeping a fire extinguisher close by at all times.
• 💥 Properly burn the back of the roll for good adhesion and to ensure a nice bleed-out of all seams.
• 🛠️ Install roofing in a two-step method: first burn the middle of the roll, then go back and do the seams for optimal results.
• 📏 Lay out the roll of roofing, leaving space to demonstrate how to terminate and start a new roll, as full rolls are rarely used for entire roofs.
• 🌞 Be cautious of exposed areas to the sun, as the roofing material is not meant to be left exposed.
• 🔧 Use a trowel to push down the heated material and achieve a quarter to half-inch bleed-out for a perfect seam.
• ✂️ Cut the ends of the roll at a 45-degree angle to prevent water seepage and ensure a good bond when a new roll is applied.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating the roofing material to prevent damage and premature failure; watch for signs of overheating such as the top becoming brown.
• 🎨 Granulating the seams is an optional aesthetic detail and not a waterproofing requirement, but it can help make the roof look seamless.

Q & A

What type of roofing material is being used in the video?

The roofing material used in the video is Polyglass torch down roofing, including the base layer, mid-ply, and torch cap sheet.

Why is it important to install the entire roofing system properly?

Installing the entire roofing system properly, including the base layers and flashings, ensures durability and adherence to manufacturer recommendations, which is essential for preventing leaks and ensuring the roof’s longevity.

What safety precautions are mentioned for torching the roof?

The video emphasizes working safely while torching by having a fire extinguisher nearby and avoiding walking backwards on the roof to prevent accidental falls.

What is the two-step method described for installing the torch down roofing?

The two-step method involves first torching the middle of the roll and then going back to focus on the seams, ensuring a proper bleed-out for a solid seam, which is more critical than the field of the roof.

Why do they prefer to burn and kick the roll forward rather than using a J hook to pull the roll backward?

They prefer burning and kicking the roll forward for safety reasons, as it allows them to always walk forward and see ahead, reducing the risk of stepping off the edge of the roof.

What is the significance of cutting the ends of the roll at a 45-degree angle?

Cutting the ends of the roll at a 45-degree angle prevents double-layered areas that could allow water to seep through, ensuring a good bond at vulnerable corners.

How do you prep the surface for an end lap in torch down roofing?

To prep an end lap, you need to heat the surface to remove granules from the existing roll, ensuring that the new roll can bond smoothly to the base layer for a tight finish.

What is the purpose of achieving a quarter to half-inch bleed-out when torching the seams?

A quarter to half-inch bleed-out ensures that the seam is properly sealed, preventing water penetration and creating a secure joint between roofing materials.

What is the optional detail of granulating seams, and why might someone choose to do it?

Granulating the seams is an aesthetic option where additional granules are spread on the seams to make the roof look seamless. It does not improve waterproofing but can enhance the roof's appearance.

Why is the video focused on installing the field of the roof rather than penetrations or flashings?

The video focuses on the field of the roof to demonstrate the basic process of installing a roll of roofing. More complex details like penetrations and flashings are not covered in this particular video.