Torch down roofing uses a modified bitumen membrane that is heated with an open flame during installation, melting the asphalt-based underside so it bonds directly to the surface below. The result is a fully sealed, seamless waterproof layer that stands up to the intense heat, ultraviolet exposure, and thermal movement common to flat and low-slope roofs in the desert. This method has protected commercial and residential buildings for decades, and it remains one of the most reliable choices for structures where standing water and sun damage are constant concerns.
As a Las Vegas based, family owned company with over 20 years of experience, The Roofing Company installs torch down systems built to withstand the harshest Las Vegas summers. Below you will find how the system works, where it performs best, and what technical details separate a lasting installation from a failing one.
How the Torch Down System Is Built
Torch down roofing is a layered assembly, most often installed as a 2-ply modified bitumen system. The process begins with preparing the deck, followed by a base sheet that is mechanically fastened or adhered, and then one or more cap sheets that are torch-applied. Heating the bitumen backing to the correct temperature is the most critical step, because under-heating leaves weak seams while over-heating damages the reinforcement fabric inside the membrane.
Our crews at The Roofing Company follow strict safety guidelines during every torch application, keeping fire watch equipment on site and inspecting each seam as it is rolled and sealed. Once cooled, the membrane forms a monolithic surface with no exposed fasteners across the field, which dramatically reduces the number of potential leak points compared to older gravel or built-up systems.
Where Torch Down Roofing Performs Best
This system is a strong match for flat torch down roof designs and low-slope structures where water tends to pool. The elastic nature of modified bitumen allows the membrane to expand and contract with daily temperature swings without cracking, which is exactly the behavior needed on Las Vegas rooftops that bake by day and cool at night.
Consider a few of the scenarios where we most often recommend a torch-down roof installation or replacement:
- Commercial torch down roofs: Warehouses, retail buildings, and office units with large flat spans benefit from the seamless coverage and puncture resistance of a 2-ply system.
- Residential torch roof installation: Modern homes, casitas, and additions with flat or minimal-slope sections gain a clean, watertight surface that ties neatly into surrounding roofing.
- Torch roof replacement: Aging built-up or single-ply roofs that have reached the end of their life are excellent candidates for a modified bitumen tear off and re-roofing.
- Rooftop equipment areas: Sections that support HVAC units and heavy foot traffic hold up well thanks to the granulated cap surface.
Our Torch Down Installation and Replacement Process
Every project begins with an inspection of the existing roof and deck. For a torch down roof replacement, we handle the full modified bitumen tear off, remove failing insulation, and check the structural deck for soft spots or moisture damage before any new material is laid. Skipping this step traps problems under a new membrane, so we treat it as non-negotiable.
After the deck is sound, we install the base ply, then torch-apply the cap sheet with careful attention to overlaps, flashings, drains, and roof penetrations. Details around parapet walls, curbs, and scuppers receive extra membrane reinforcement because these transitions are where leaks most commonly start. The Roofing Company is equipped to handle any sized project, from a small flat roof re-roofing to a full commercial torch down replacement.
Technical Specifications That Matter
Not every modified bitumen membrane is the same. The two main types are APP and SBS modified bitumen, each engineered for different performance goals. APP membranes offer strong UV and heat resistance, making them well suited to our climate, while SBS membranes add flexibility for surfaces that move more. Cap sheet thickness, mineral surfacing, and reinforcement layers all affect longevity and warranty coverage.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, The Roofing Company only represents trusted and recognized brands, so the materials on your roof carry manufacturer-backed performance ratings. We match the membrane grade, ply count, and surfacing to your building’s exposure and use, ensuring the finished roof meets both waterproofing and fire-rating expectations.
We proudly serve property owners throughout North Las Vegas, Sunrise Manor, Aliante, Winchester, Centennial Hills, Pahrump & Paradise, NV. As your full-service torch down roofing contractor, we deliver quality workmanship, real safety standards, and roofing built to last. Reach out to The Roofing Company to discuss your flat roof project today.
