4.8 · 106 Google reviews

Torch-down roofing
in New Jersey

Torch-down, or modified bitumen, is a flat roof built from asphalt-based rolls that are heat-applied in layers. It is common on row homes, additions, porches and small commercial buildings across North Jersey. We repair and replace torch-down roofs with a free written estimate.

  • 4.9(143 reviews)
  • GAF Master Elite®
    Contractor
  • Licensed & insuredNJ HIC #13VH09329100
Illustration of a torch-down roof: granulated cap sheet, base sheet and roof deck

Free flat roof estimate

  • Free written estimate

    We inspect, photograph the problem areas and give you an itemized price. No cost, no obligation.

  • Two layers of protection

    A base sheet and a granulated cap sheet give the roof two layers of waterproofing.

  • Flat-roof options compared

    We also install EPDM, PVC and coatings, so you get the system that fits your roof.

  • Photo & drone inspections

    You see every problem we find, on the ground or from the air, before you decide.

What to expect

How we install a torch-down roof

  1. Roofer laying a new membrane over a flat roof

    01 · Inspection

    Roof check

    Deck, drains, flashing and walls checked and photographed.

  2. Crew installing a new flat roof membrane section by section

    02 · Tear-off

    Old roof removed

    Worn roofing removed down to a sound deck, and damaged boards replaced.

  3. Illustration of a base sheet being rolled over a roof deck

    03 · Base

    Base sheet

    A base layer goes down over the deck as the first line of waterproofing.

  4. Illustration of a granulated cap sheet being torched over the base sheet

    04 · Cap

    Cap sheet torched

    A granulated cap sheet heat-applied on top, with overlapped seams and flashing run up the walls.

Roofer laying a new membrane over a flat roof
Crew installing a new flat roof membrane section by section

What your torch-down roof includes

One written price, start to finish

  • Deck inspected and repaired
  • Old roofing removed
  • Base sheet
  • Granulated cap sheet
  • Overlapped, sealed seams
  • Wall and parapet flashing
  • Pipe and vent flashing
  • Drain detailing
  • Edge metal
  • Debris hauled away
  • Walks and yard swept
  • Written price first
Get a torch-down estimate

Is torch-down right for your roof?

Torch-down is tough, handles foot traffic well and its granulated surface stands up to sun. It is a common, cost-effective choice for flat sections of homes and small commercial roofs.

Because it is installed with an open flame, it is not right for every roof. Where a torch isn’t safe, a self-adhered modified bitumen or an EPDM roof does the same job without the flame.

Get a torch-down estimate

Best for

  • Row homes and flat-roof houses
  • Porches, additions and dormers
  • Small commercial buildings

Good to know

  • Two layers of protection
  • Granulated, walkable surface
  • Written price before any work

Our work

Flat roofs we’ve finished

  • New rubber membrane on a long low-slope roof
    Flat roofing

    New rubber membrane on a long low-slope roof

  • Finished flat roof membrane with new pipe flashings
    Flat roofing

    Finished membrane with new pipe flashings

  • Vents and curbs flashed into a new flat roof membrane
    Flat roofing

    Vents and curbs flashed into the new membrane

  • Finished black membrane flat roof with rooftop units back in place
    Flat roofing

    Finished roof with rooftop units back in place

  • Insulation boards going down on a flat roof before the membrane
    Flat roofing

    Insulation boards going down before the membrane

See all projects

Torch-down roofing contractor in North Jersey

Imperial Roof Repair & Replacement repairs and replaces torch-down roofs on homes and small commercial buildings in Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset counties. Every job starts with a free inspection and an itemized, written price.

Signs a torch-down roof needs work

  • Seams lifting at the overlaps
  • Bare spots where granules are gone
  • Cracks or alligatoring in the surface
  • Blisters in the cap sheet
  • Flashing pulling away from walls
  • Water standing in low spots

Repair or re-roof?

Open seams, small blisters and loose flashing can be resealed or patched with new cap sheet. When blistering, cracking and bare spots cover large areas, or the roof already has two layers, replacement is the better value.

How it works

How a project with Imperial works

  1. Free inspection

    A roofer checks every slope, photographs what needs attention and explains it on the spot. No sales pitch.

  2. Price in writing

    An itemized price in writing. Approve it and we put your job on the schedule.

  3. Installed and site cleaned

    Tarps over your landscaping, a magnet sweep for nails and all debris hauled off the same day.

Book a free inspection

4.8 out of 5Based on 106 Google Reviews4.8 out of 5 · 106 Google reviews

249 reviews from North Jersey homeowners

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    “Quickly got a quote and started the job promptly. He saw some other small issues on the roof that he took care of while completing the job. Very quick and professional.”

    Dharmdeo S.Verified CustomerShingle roof repair

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    “It was a small job but is done as carefully and everything looks uniform. Thank you Erick”

    Christine L.Verified CustomerRoof repair

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    “I had been getting water in my ceiling for years and nobody could fix the problem. Erick’s team solved the issue… Highly recommend these guys.”

    Tim F.Verified CustomerShingle roof repair

  • 5 out of 5 stars

    “I asked for the service yesterday and he promised that will be here today, he came and finishes everything in few hours. The price was what I was expecting.”

    Ahmit S.Verified CustomerShingle roof repair

  • Karen C.5 out of 5 stars

    “Erick showed up within an hour.”

  • Diana S.5 out of 5 stars

    “Personable and professional crew. On time and very hardworking.”

  • Marcos P.5 out of 5 stars

    “Mike did a great job at my roof.”

  • Theresa K.5 out of 5 stars

    “Answered quickly showed up on time”

  • John S.5 out of 5 stars

    “Professional and no nonsense. The way I like things done.”

  • Aly A.5 out of 5 stars

    “Very competitive price and good work.”

  • Christine L.5 out of 5 stars

    “It was a small job but is done as carefully and everything looks uniform. Thank you Erick”

Other flat roof systems

Not sure which service fits? Book a free inspection
  • Roofers installing a new flat roof membrane around a rooftop unit

    EPDM rubber roofing

    Black rubber membrane for low-slope roofs on businesses, homes and garages.

    Learn about EPDM
  • Finished black membrane flat roof with rooftop units back in place

    Commercial roofing

    Survey, repair and replacement for flat roofs on businesses and multi-family buildings.

    Learn about commercial roofing
  • Roofer laying a new membrane over a flat roof

    Silicone roof coatings

    Restore an aging flat roof without a tear-off when the deck and insulation are still sound.

    Learn about coatings

Where we work in North Jersey

Our crews cover 7 counties from our Elmwood Park yard. If your town isn’t listed, call us and we’ll confirm.

  • Elmwood Park

    • Roof repair in Elmwood Park
    • Roof replacement in Elmwood Park
    • Flat roofing in Elmwood Park
    • Storm damage repair in Elmwood Park
    • Roof inspection in Elmwood Park
  • Paramus

    • Roof repair in Paramus
    • Roof replacement in Paramus
    • Flat roofing in Paramus
    • Storm damage repair in Paramus
    • Roof inspection in Paramus
  • Hackensack

    • Roof repair in Hackensack
    • Roof replacement in Hackensack
    • Flat roofing in Hackensack
    • Storm damage repair in Hackensack
    • Roof inspection in Hackensack
  • Fort Lee

    • Roof repair in Fort Lee
    • Roof replacement in Fort Lee
    • Flat roofing in Fort Lee
    • Storm damage repair in Fort Lee
    • Roof inspection in Fort Lee
See all 7 counties & towns
  • 4.8 ★ on Google106 reviews
  • 4.9 ★ on HomeAdvisor143 reviews

Not sure if you need a repair or a new roof?

Free inspection, photos of every problem area and a written price. No pressure either way.