Want A Torch-On Roof?
Great!
Does your building have a flat roof?
Do you want a roof that’s impenetrable to water?
Yes? Well, a Torch-On roof’s for you. It has a great 2-ply system that will last 20 years.
Anyone who installs this kind of roof has to have fire insurance, as it’s a bit dangerous to apply without it.
Always ask for your contractor’s fire insurance policy before moving forward with them.
4 Reasons To Choose Torch-On
Feeling indecisive? Here are some benefits to a torch-on roof:
1. Completely Waterproof
Because it has multiple layers that are welded together by an open-flame torch, the roof is completely sealed against water.
Awesome for buildings here in the Fraser Valley, and for buildings that tend to have a lot of snow or water pile on top of them for most of the year.
2. Requires Nearly ZERO Maintenance
Torch-on roofs are tear and puncture resistant and don’t require constant cleaning.
It’s incredibly rare for a torch-on roof to require repairs – and if it does, it’s an easy process that takes nearly no time at all.
3. Fairly Long Life
A torch-on roof lasts anywhere from 12 – 20 years, depending on the product used.
4. Can Handle All Climates
Torch-on roofs have the ability to expand under heat or contract under cold temperatures without being damaged.
Some materials melt or crack, but not torch-on.
Already Sold On A Torch-On Roof?
When A Torch-On Roof Isn’t For You
Your Building Doesn’t Have A Flat Roof
Torch-on can’t be applied to steep roofs. It’s difficult to weld properly, and will end up having some inconsistencies with the sealing process.
Which means a lot of potential leaks.
The 3 Problems With Poorly-Installed Torch-On
1. Your Contractor Doesn’t Have Fire Insurance
In order to install a torch-on roof, you have to wield some mighty flames.
Blow torches can cause massive damage, so it’s crucial your contractor knows what they’re doing and has insurance.
Always make sure they’re insured before you work with them!
2. Your Roof Has Ugly Blisters From Trapped Water
When your contractor welded the layers together, they allowed water to get between them.
When the water evaporates and expands, it causes hideous blisters to appear on your roof, and compromises the waterproof seal.
3. Your Roof Wasn’t Fastened Properly
If a torch-on roof isn’t fastened down properly, it can buckle and weaken.
This causes weak spots that invite leaks and punctures!
IKO: The 5 Torch-On Products We Use
Can-Tech only uses torch-on material from IKO. Here are the 5 main varieties we work with:
Torchflex TP-180-FF Base Sheet
- Made of strong non-woven reinforced polyester mat blended with glass fiber strands
- Coated with SBS polymers and premium asphalt
- Used as a flat base sheet in a layered membrane roof
Fast-N-Stick 180 Base Sheet
- Made of strong composite reinforcement of non-woven polyester blended with glass fibers
- Boasts a dual release self-adhering selvage that ensures complete sealing
- The bottom is sanded to prevent sticking within the material (prior to installation)
- Coated with SBS polymers and premium asphalt
- Used as a flat base sheet in a layered membrane roof
Torchflex-TP-180-Cap
- Can be used alone or as the top layer in a 2ply roof
- Has ceramic coated mineral granules for ultraviolet radiation protection
- Made of strong non-woven reinforced polyester mat blended with glass fiber strands
- Coated with SBS polymers and premium asphalt
Torchflex-TP-250-Cap
- Can be used alone or as the top layer in a 2ply roof
- Has ceramic coated mineral granules for ultraviolet radiation protection
- Made of strong non-woven reinforced polyester mat blended with glass fiber strands
- Coated with SBS polymers and premium asphalt
- Simply larger than the TP-180-Cap
ABout IKO
IKO was founded in 1951 and has grown from being a manufacturer of building paper to an industry-leading roof material company.
Though they have a variety of locations strewn across the country (plus more in Europe), IKO has strong roots in Canada. One of their first plants was established in Ontario in 1959.
Their humble, small beginning is still reflected in their quality of product – just because they’re global producers, doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about the tiny details that make a difference.
