Roofs with foot traffic
Thick, granulated cap sheets handle light walking for AC service and roof access.
Torch down · Venice, CA
Torch Down Roofing in Venice, CA With Same-Day Estimates
Need a flat roof that can take some foot traffic and years of sun? Torch down roofing uses thick layers of modified bitumen bonded together with heat. It is a proven choice for garages, back additions and low-slope roofs across Venice, CA. Ask for a same-day estimate, or call our 24 hour line for an emergency leak.
- Trained torch crews
- Two-ply systems
- Fire-safe practices
- Same-day estimates
The basics
What Is a Torch Down Roof?
Torch down is a type of modified bitumen roof. Modified bitumen is asphalt mixed with rubber-like or plastic-like polymers that make it flexible and tough.
- It comes in rolls. A trained roofer heats the back of each roll with a torch so it melts and bonds to the layer below.
- Most homes get a two-ply system: a smooth base sheet and a top cap sheet.
- The cap sheet often has mineral granules on top that protect it from the sun.
- Laps between rolls are heat-sealed so water cannot slip between them.
Comparing flat roof types? Our TPO roofing page explains the white single-ply option.
Why torch down
Where Torch Down Roofing Works Best
Torch down has been used on Los Angeles flat roofs for decades. It shines in a few situations.
Garages and additions
Low-slope roofs on garages and back rooms are a natural fit.
Tricky details
Heat-bonded flashing seals well around pipes, drains and walls.
Tough in the sun
Polymer-modified layers stay flexible through hot summers and cool winters.
Easy to patch
Damaged spots can be cut out and heat-patched with new material.
Cool cap options
Reflective cap sheets and coatings can help torch down roofs stay cooler.
Safety first
How We Use Roofing Torches Safely on Your Home
A torch is a powerful tool, and it belongs only in trained hands. Our crews follow strict safety habits on every job.
- Fire extinguishers stay on the roof the whole time we work.
- We never torch directly against wood edges, vents or other spots that could catch fire.
- In risky areas we switch to self-adhered sheets that need no flame.
- A crew member stays on fire watch after the torches are off.
Worried about open flame? TPO and roof coatings need no torch at all. See our flat roof coating options.
On the roof
Our Torch Down Installation Steps
A two-ply torch down roof is usually done in one to three days on a typical home.
Strip and inspect
We remove the old roof, check the deck for soft spots and fix drainage problems.
Install the base sheet
The first layer is fastened or bonded down, with laps running the right way for water flow.
Torch the cap sheet
The cap sheet is heated and rolled on top, offset so seams never line up.
Flash and check
Walls, drains and edges are sealed, then every lap is checked for full bonding.
Inside the roof
The Layers of a Two-Ply Torch Down Roof
Each layer has a job. Together they make a thick, tough flat roof.
| Layer | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deck or cover board | Gives the roof a smooth, solid base |
| Base sheet | First waterproof layer, bonded to the base |
| Cap sheet | Second layer with granules that block sun and handle traffic |
| Flashing | Seals walls, drains, pipes and edges |
| Optional coating | Adds reflectance and extra protection on top |
We install torch down systems from Polyglass, GAF and Johns Manville.
Related help
Torch Down Brands, Related Roofs and Areas
Learn about the makers we trust and other flat roof options. We install torch down roofs in these areas too.
Related roofing services
Brands for this job
Nearby areas we serve
Have more questions? Read our roofing tips and guides, learn about our team or send us a message.
Torch down questions
Torch Down Roofing FAQs
Answers about roof life, safety and cool roof rules.
How long does a torch down roof last?
A two-ply torch down roof often lasts 15 to 20 years or more when it drains well and is kept clean. Reflective coatings can help it last longer in strong sun.
Is torch down roofing safe for my house?
Yes, when done by a trained crew that follows fire safety rules. We use extinguishers, avoid torching near wood edges and keep a fire watch after work stops.
Can a torch down roof meet cool roof rules?
Yes. Reflective cap sheets and rated roof coatings can be used to meet cool roof requirements. We check the rating before we install.
Can torch down go over my old flat roof?
Sometimes, if the old roof is dry and the layer count allows it. Often a tear-off gives a better result, since we can check the deck and fix drainage.
Built tough
Get a Price on a New Torch Down Roof
We will check your flat roof, explain torch down and other options and give you a clear written price.