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Torch Down

Roof systems

Roof Recover or Tear-Off? Lessons from a Torch-Down Project

An existing roof can sometimes remain beneath a new assembly, but recover suitability must be established first. The archived project illustrates an approach used on…

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Roof materials

EPDM, TPO, and Modified Bitumen: Know Your Roof

Roofing materials that look similar may need different repair products. EPDM is a synthetic rubber; TPO is a thermoplastic membrane; modified bitumen is an asphalt-based…

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Roof systems

Torch-Down Installation Video: Preparation and Flashing

This archived installation shows how much work happens before the cap sheet goes down. Siding, curbs, edges, and other transitions determine whether the finished assembly…

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Roof systems

Torch-Down Repair Case Study: Scuppers and Parapets

The photos from this Queens project show how several small detail failures can combine into repeated leaks. Excess tar concealed poor scupper transitions, irregular coping…

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Roof systems

Commercial Roof Repair: What an Installation Video Can Teach

This example focuses on preparation around an existing roof. The same lesson applies to small repairs: a patch must connect to sound flashing and membrane,…

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Roof materials

Three Common Flat Roof Membranes and Their Repair Needs

EPDM, TPO, and modified bitumen differ in composition, seam construction, and repair compatibility. Understanding those differences is more useful than treating every flexible sheet as…

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Roof materials

EPDM and Torch-Down Roofs: A Repair-Focused Comparison

EPDM and modified bitumen can both develop leaks at seams and flashing, but they are not interchangeable materials. Compare the actual assembly and its condition…

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Roof systems

Roof Inspection Case Study: Failed Seams and Missing Flashing

This archived project documents incomplete membrane seams, poor drain connections, and missing flashing details. The useful lesson is to inspect the workmanship and water path…

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Roof materials

Understanding Single-Ply and Multi-Ply Roof Systems

Membrane type and the number of layers are different questions. Learn what is installed, how its seams are formed, and how details connect to the…

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Roof systems

Commercial Roof Case Study: Drainage and Flashing Problems

The Stamford project illustrates the value of reviewing drainage and roof details together. Ponding, raised edges, clogged strainers, and curb flashing problems can remain even…

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Roof systems

Small High Roofs: Access and Detail Challenges

This widow's-walk project shows why a small roof can require substantial planning. Limited working room and exposed edges make access, materials handling, and safe installation…

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Roof systems

Commercial Roof Installation: Details to Inspect

Installation footage can help building owners understand the details that later need maintenance. Pay attention to curbs, edges, drains, and wall terminations, not only the…

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Roof materials

EPDM, TPO, and Modified Bitumen: Repair Compatibility

A roof's material determines which sealant, patch, or professional repair method can bond to it. The same-looking leak at a drain or wall may need…

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Roof systems

Why Small Residential Roofs Can Be Complicated to Repair

Area alone does not explain the work involved in a roof repair. Access, railings, siding, skylights, drains, and concealed damage may matter more than the…

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Roof systems

Choosing a Flat Roof System: Questions to Ask Before Installation

A roof system includes much more than the exposed sheet. Deck condition, insulation, drainage, fastening, and flashing details all influence the finished result. Use the…

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Roof systems

Can a New Roof Go Over an Old Tar-and-Gravel Roof?

A roof recover may be possible in some buildings, but loose gravel, trapped moisture, weak decking, and an unsuitable existing assembly can rule it out.…

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Roof systems

Roof Recover Case Study: What an Existing Gravel Roof Must Tell You

This archive project shows a roof being recovered. Whether that approach is appropriate elsewhere depends on the condition and construction of the existing roof, not…

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Roof systems

Modified Bitumen on Commercial Roofs: Details That Matter

Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based membrane family used in low-slope roof assemblies. Performance depends on the selected system, sound substrate, drainage, and correctly executed seams…

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Roof materials

Common Low-Slope Roof Materials: A Practical Comparison

EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing are different systems with different repair requirements. Knowing the material is more useful than calling every flat…

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Find a leak

Repair or Replace a Flat Roof? Questions That Help You Decide

A localized leak does not automatically require a new roof, but repeated patches are not a substitute for addressing wet insulation, damaged decking, or widespread…

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Materials & products

EPDM and Modified Bitumen: Repair Compatibility Compared

EPDM is synthetic rubber; modified bitumen is asphalt based. Both can form useful roof systems, but they are not interchangeable surfaces for a liquid repair…

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Roof systems

What Is under a Flat Roof? Understanding the Assembly

The exposed membrane is only one part of a roof. The deck, insulation, attachment, and other specified layers affect support, moisture behavior, and repair choices.

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Roof systems

Two-Ply Modified Bitumen: What the System Includes

A two-ply modified-bitumen assembly uses specified layers that must work together. The number of plies alone does not establish service life or make the system…

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Find a leak

Commercial Roof Repair Videos: How to Use the Archive

The Flat Roof Doctor video archive shows real roof details and historical repair work. Use it to learn what to inspect, then consult current instructions…

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Roof systems

New-Construction Roof Case Study: Parapets and Scuppers

This archive project illustrates the coordination needed between a new roof, its perimeter walls, and its drainage openings. Details from one project are examples, not…

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Roof materials

Flat Roof Materials Explained through Video Examples

The archive introduces several common roof coverings, including EPDM, thermoplastic membranes, and modified bitumen. Use the examples as a starting point; confirm your roof's exact…

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Roof systems

Rotten Roof Decking: Why a Surface Patch Is Not Enough

When a roof deck has deteriorated, covering the surface does not restore its support. The damaged area and the source of moisture need assessment before…

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Flashing & transitions

Garage Roof Details: Siding, Posts, and Door Thresholds

A small garage roof can have complex connections to siding, posts, doors, and adjoining walls. These details often deserve more attention than the open area…

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