Torch Down Roof Fires

These two main base materials are melted together using a torch to form a thick layer.

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. This process is popular with many contractors mainly because of its ease of installation and its adaptability. 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. 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.

Torch on roofing posses significant fire risks. They call into question whether old school torched down asphalt based roofing makes sense in residential construction any more. Torch on or sometimes referred to as torch down roofing is a combination of two ingredients modified asphalt and resin. Most of these fires are immediately extinguished it being mandatory to have fire extinguishers present at all times.

As a construction material modified bitumen is highly fire resistant. Torch down roofing is used only for flat or low slope roofs. Propane torch caused roof fires are a daily occurrence in b c. Torch down roofing is a type of roofing that consists of layers of modified bitumen adhered to layers of fiberglass with a flame torch.

The installation of torch on roofing requires the use of powerful propane torches and this poses substantial fire risks.