What is the approximate cost per square to apply torch down roofing?

Answered by Jeffrey ~ February 16th, 2010 | 12 Comments » | Respond to this question

The area is flat, 15′ x 45′, has a layer of old, deteriorated roll roofing over a plywood decking.

Paul ~ Auburn, Alabama

Jeffrey Anderson

Hi Paul, I can give you an approximate cost for torch down roofing, but there are a lot of variables which can affect the costs.  There are 2 types of torch down roofs, a 2 layer, and a 3 layer.  If you are using this roofing on a shed or storage building, then the 2 layer should be sufficient.  However, if you are using the torch down roofing over an area that you definitely want to ensure doesn’t get wet, and want a 20 year life span out of the roof, then you might think about the 3 layer.

Another factor that has to be considered is the condition of the roof sheathing the torch down roof is being installed on.  It needs to be structurally sound, and have no delaminated or failing sheathing.  If your roll roofing, which I assume is roofing felt, has been deteriorated for any length of time, there is a good chance you may need to have some roof sheathing replaced before the torch down roof goes on.

Your roof is 675 square feet, which is right around 7 roofing squares when you figure in waste.  You should figure $250-$350 per roofing square for a 2 layer torch down roof without any roof sheathing repair.  That figure may be a little higher or lower where you are in Alabama.

  

12 Responses to “What is the approximate cost per square to apply torch down roofing?”

  1. Paul Paul says:

    Hi, Guys: Is there any way to extend the life, (i.e. some sort or coating), of a 25 year, 3-tab asphalt shingle roof that is approximately 15 years old, is on a double wide trailer that sits under a lot of trees and therefore does not get a lot of sun?.

    • Jeffrey Anderson Jeffrey says:

      Hi Paul. There are various roof coatings on the market that claim to extend the life of shingle roofs. I have never used any of them and question as to how well they might work. It doesn’t sound like putting on new shingles would be too big of a project, so you might want to consider that option instead.

      Talk to a local roofing contractor to find out if they have used any of the roof coatings and what type of warranty they would offer if they applied a sealant to your shingles. If they won’t provide a warranty, I would definitely go with new shingles.

      Jeff

  2. Paul Paul says:

    Jeffrey: Thanks for your reply. I did speak with a roofing contractor who told me he would apply the coating for $60.00 per square, labor only, with a one year warranty. The cost of shingle removal and replacement, labor only, is anywhere from $65.00 to $85.00 per square. I know you do not have much faith in roof coatings, but as of right now, the person really cannot afford a new roof, and I would be applying the coating for almost nothing. Let me know what you think.
    Paul

    • Jeffrey Anderson Jeffrey says:

      Hi Paul. I’m sorry it took me a while to get back to you. The roof coating might be fine — I just don’t have any personal experience with them and thusly don’t like recommending something I haven’t used. If the contractor has used the coating in the past and believes it to be a good product, then it might be worth giving it a try until you can afford a new roof.

      If you have time, let me know how it works out. If you have a good experience with it, I’ll recommend it to other people. I’d try it myself, but I have a metal roof on my home. Good luck!

      Jeff

      • Paul Paul says:

        Jeffery, Thanks for the reply. The person is still trying to make up her mind, but if she decides to go with the coating, I definitely will let you know how everything turns out

  3. What exactly is torch down roofing? My neighbor has been contemplating what they might do with their roof that needs to be replaced. They have yet to hire a roofing contractor, but still would like some ideas to add to their consideration.

    • paul paul says:

      Torch down roofing is a heavy, (one roll, 36 inches x 33 feet, weighs approx. 99 lbs and covers one square) bituminized material suitable for flat or almost flat roofs. it is applied, using a propane torch, over a base sheet adequately secured to the roof deck. this material is really not suitable for residential roofs. A fire extuinguisher must be on hand during application. It is a necessity!.

  4. craig craig says:

    I am a contractor and have built a sunroom and attached the roof panels approx. 2″ below a flat roof area. The flat roof has a torch down asphalt roll type roofing on it and is showing signs of deterioration. It is also beginning to leak at my connection and I have explained to my customer that it is her flat roof and not my sunroom roof. I feel obligated to help her out and may or may not do so, but would like to leave the option open.
    How can I repair/replace the roll type roofing? Can I go over the existing roll type with another product? the existing doesn’t have any slope at all and I am concerned without any drainage they will always have a problem.
    Thanks, Craig Austin, Tx

    • Jeffrey Anderson Jeffrey says:

      Hi Craig, It’s difficult for me to make a determination without seeing the home, but if I’m picturing the situation correctly, I don’t understand how the flat roof would affect your connection if it’s two inches below. However, I may not be understanding it correctly. If the sheathing is in good shape, you can install some types of roll roofing over an existing roof covering, but again, I can’t really say if this will work in your situation. One thing I can say is that I have never been a big fan of flat roofs as they always seem to develop problems.

    • tom tom says:

      try 6″ gutters.

  5. roofing roofing says:

    Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for information approximately this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve found out till now. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain about the source?|What i do not understood is if truth be told how you are not actually much more neatly-favored than you might be now. You’re very intelligent.

  6. tom tom says:

    40 square flat roof with sheathing applied and 2 layer material (torchdown) provided, all I have to do is apply base and cap, not much cutting as far as air conditioners or vents goes, im in ohio and would like to know how much to charge for the labor.

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