Torch On, or Not?

Things You Need to Know Before Choosing Torch-on Membrane Waterproofing Solutions to Solve Leakage Problems.

The differences between this fire-based solution and other applications for Waterproofing Solutions.

Looking for a sustainable way to waterproof your property? When researching for methods, you are likely to come across the “Torch-On Membrane” method. While common practice for flat roofs, there are some precautions developers and homeowners have to bear in mind when it comes to this petroleum-based waterproofing solution.

The two most common Torch-On Membranes in the market are known as Atactic Polypropylene Plastic modified Bitumen (APP), and Styrene Butadiene Styrene modified bitumen (SBS). Both are heat-sensitive materials that are widely used internationally to cover flat roofs, floorings, car porch, and balcony areas.

How it works

The application of Torch-On Membranes involves two main layers to work, the substrate layer laid out on the surface and the thermofusible (they can be joined together thermally) film of the membrane itself. The thermofusible film is a type of hot-melt plastic adhesive.  Essentially, the torch on membrane is supposed to create a barrier on top of the surface of the leakage problem to keep water from seeping through. However, poor workmanship can lead to these membranes to not work as intended.

There are also more downsides to the method that we will point out.

1. Poor workmanship leads to membrane failures and debonding

The whole process isn’t just a simple blowtorch-and-roll procedure based on instinct. In fact, this method requires strict SOPs. This ranges from the heat of the blowtorch, to the way the membrane overlaps, to the speed or position the membrane is at when rolled out.

• Seam failure can be seen by too much overflow of the adhesive at overlapping parts of two membranes

Ideally, the amount of fluid that spreads out from the overlapped parts must be between 1-2.5cm. If too little of the heat-fusible side has not been melted, you can experience membrane failure in the future. That’s why it’s hard to make sure that the membrane has been properly melted, even if handled by an expert!

2. The Torch-On Membrane is not suitable for all surfaces

Torch-On Membranes are reserved for surfaces that are resistant to heat, such as concrete. This technique requires the contractor to work with a blowtorch! Therefore, it is not advisable to be used on flammable surfaces such as wood or insulation boards.

• Poor judgement calls from the technician may lead to costly damages to your property

Homeowners should bear in mind that Torch-On Membrane methods are reserved for wide outdoor areas, such as on commercial building flat roofs, outdoor car parks, and car porches. Even so, extreme caution must be observed when working around electrical or gas connection systems, such as AC outdoor units, electric boxes, and near plastic water tanks. This is because these areas are susceptible to heat and may get damaged, causing problems in the future.

3. Torch-On Membranes release harmful and toxic gas into the air and are not environmentally sustainable

There’s a reason why this method is reserved for outdoor or open-air areas. Alongside the fire hazard that comes with using a blow torch, this method releases harmful chemicals into the air. Some websites might try to push that their solutions are sustainable and non-toxic, but they are still using petroleum-based materials!

• The torch is used to heat up both the substrate laid out on the floor, and the petroleum-based adhesive side of the membrane

Asphalt fumes generated from the torching process releases carcinogenic particles (substances that may increase your risk of cancer). Due to long exposure, these particles can increase cancer risk in people. Not to mention, after the installation process, the smell of burning rubber may last for a good few days! 

4. Uneven or damp surfaces leads to Torch-On Membranes debonding

Debonding is the process that happens when the membrane lifts, peels or bubbles after a period of time. Unfortunately, several factors can cause debonding and they are usually a result of errors during the application stage.

• Namely, some of the main factors that cause debonding are damp, uneven, or poorly primed surfaces

Your Torch-On membrane might de-bond due to your contractor using the wrong membrane that doesn’t work well with the substrate they choose from your floors, the surface of your floor being damp from the leakage problem, uneven, poorly primed, or contaminated surfaces! What’s worse, you wouldn’t notice if the waterproofing membrane was damaged until it starts leaking when it’s placed someplace you don’t visit often! 

5. The surface of the membrane is likely to pool water

On flat roofs, be prepared to notice that there may be unevenness on the membrane due to an uneven surface. These dips on the surface are likely to cause water to pool, creating a water ponding problem.

This will both deteriorate the membrane, as well as become a breeding ground for bacterial and mould growth. Scrubbing or power-washing the floor wouldn’t be as easy to clear off on a concrete surface.

In the long run, we at Men@WorX think it’s best for developers, property, business, and especially homeowners to be aware of what to expect when using Torch-On Membrane for leakage problems for their outdoor spaces.

With the knowledge of the solutions offered by our fellow industry experts in mind, we always ensure our solutions come with more benefits than drawbacks. We strive to offer solutions that other providers might fail to deliver, or offer taking all considerations into account in the best interest of our clients for sustainability, durability, and longevity. 

We believe that waterproofing your flat roof, balcony, patio, or car porch has revolutionary waterproofing solutions worthy to investigate; weighing up the pros and cons of such, also measuring up the maintenance costs of each respectively, and concisely. 

The “hidden costs”, so to speak - that many contractors do not mention is the 2-3-year Silvercoat maintenance coating (for UV resistance as torch is not UV resistant on its own) needed on all torch on applications with a hefty bill for product, and labour - along with the initial capital layout for the initial torch on application to consider. 

Should every 2-3-year maintenance Silvercoat coating (2-coats) not be maintained, the torch on application will become brittle, crack, lift off substructure, de-bond, and have adhesion problems. 

Torch on applications cannot resolve pooling, damming, or ponding on a flat roof surface, and could aggravate the waterproofing existing problems leading to water ingression further resulting in mold, moss and mildew growth.

Torch-on Roofing Warranties Are Restrictive, Short, and Not Comprehensive

• Torch-on Warranties Are Restrictive:  Because torch-on roofing does not stand up well when subjected to ponded water, the material warranties provided by torch-on manufacturers contain restrictive provisions stating that if a roof’s slope is less than 1%, the manufacturer’s warranty is voidable - General Conditions for Roofing Warranties”, that “In all systems the roof must have a minimum slope of 1%”.
• Another restrictive provision relied upon by torch-on roofing manufacturers is that if a roof retains ponded water for more than 48 hours after the cessation of a period of rain, the manufacturer warranty can be voided.  For a material that is intended to waterproof buildings in wet coastal climates, these have to be considered as significant and meaningful restrictions.
• Older Lower Mainland strata, apartment and commercial buildings do not meet these 1%- or 48-hour manufacturer warranty requirements. Given this situation, roofing consultants and companies with a vested financial interest in having torch-on roofing installed will often fail to inform customers of these restrictions. 
• Should a valid material warranty be an absolute requirement of a contract, the solution proposed by a consultant or company will be to install a costly insulation “taper package” to create the necessary slope.  In general, however, it is safe to assume that most local torch-on roofs are being installed with material warranties that torch-on manufacturers will not be obligated to honour and that most customers have not be made aware of this fact.  

Torch-on Warranties Are Short in Length:  The warranties provided by torch-on manufacturers are normally 5, 10 or 15 years in length and cover material defects only.  

• Torch-on Warranties Are Not Comprehensive:  The warranties provided by torch-on manufacturers do not cover the workmanship involved in installing a roof.  Workmanship warranties must be supplied by the installing contractor.  If one reads a torch-on manufacturer’s material warrant, it will be very evident that one of the warranties intents is to deflect as much responsibility as possible on to the installing contractor’s workmanship warranty.  However, that having been said, workmanship issues are just as likely to be the cause of premature torch-on roof leaks as material defects.
• With respect to waterproofing systems, upon completion all are inspected and certified by a manufacturer factory inspector with the manufacturer then issuing a “system warranty” covering both manufacturer material defects and contractor installation workmanship for the full length of the warranty, i.e. between 15 and 30 years, on a 100% non-prorated basis (a non-prorated warranty guarantees that the manufacturer will cover the full cost of replacing or repairing a defective product for a specified period. This type of warranty does not decrease in value over time, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the warranty term).

Our satisfaction guaranteed solution doesn’t require complicated and meticulous steps, harsh chemicals, or blowtorching. Instead, we leverage on the use of cementitious waterproofing, and nanotechnology that the waterproofing industry offers. This effective water-based cementitious waterproofing solution can create a protective layer on surfaces by deeply penetrating the smallest hairline cracks worthy of consideration, and the 2 coat top coats having a 5-year maintenance top coat to extend warranty for another 5 years - ask us about it!

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