Torch Down Roof Installation in Los Angeles & Orange County

One sealed surface, built to drain and stay dry.

Torch down roof installation by trained roofers. A torch-down roof is modified bitumen: a base sheet on the deck and a cap sheet on top, each warmed with a torch so it fuses to the layer below and every overlap melts into one waterproof surface. Part of our FlatGuard® Roof System, on homes, ADUs, garages and small buildings across Los Angeles and Orange County. It starts with a free roof evaluation.

  • Free roof evaluation
  • Written price before any work
  • 10-year workmanship warranty (call for details)
  • CSLB #1061942

Certified with the manufacturers we install

  • Owens Corning
  • IKO
  • GAF
  • CertainTeed
  • Polyglass

Permits Handled

We pull the building permits

281 Google Reviews

Homes & businesses

10-Year

Workmanship warranty, call for details

Roofer-Led

Inspections and estimates

Torch down roofing

One of the most common flat roofs in Los Angeles, and only as good as its details.

Torch-down suits the mild climate and the sun, especially with a granulated or reflective cap sheet, and it stands up well to foot traffic. What decides how long it lasts is the work around it: a sound deck, a good base sheet, a cap sheet that shields the asphalt from the sun and careful flashing at every wall, drain and penetration.

How we install a torch-down roof

A flat roof stripped down to the deck before the new torch-down roof goes on
01

Down to the deck first.

The old roof comes off down to the deck so it can be checked, and any soft or damaged boards are photographed and replaced before anything new goes on. We don’t torch a new roof over an old one.

Flat roof tear-off in progress
02

Base sheet, then cap sheet.

The base sheet is fastened or bonded to the deck, and the cap sheet is torched over it, overlapping and fusing every seam. The cap sheet is usually covered in mineral granules that shield the asphalt from the sun, often white or light to reflect heat.

Completed white membrane flat roof
03

Every edge, wall and drain flashed.

Edges, walls, parapets, drains and every penetration are flashed with matching membrane, and we check that water runs to the drains and scuppers rather than sitting in low spots.

Flat roofing installation in progress
04

Careful with the flame.

Torch-down uses an open flame, so our roofers work carefully around wood, parapet walls, vents and anything that can burn. Where a flame is the wrong tool, against wood siding or in tight details, a self-adhered SBS sheet is used instead. Your written scope names the system and the price before work starts, and we finish with a walkthrough, photos and our 10-year workmanship warranty (call for details).

Local roofers. Real accountability.

A roofer looks at your roof first, and you get photos and a written price before anything starts. One family-owned company answers for the roof, from the first visit to the walk across the finished roof with you.

  • Licensed, bonded and insured California contractor, CSLB #1061942
  • Certified with the manufacturers whose systems we install
  • We pull the permits
  • A written scope and price before any work
  • 10-year workmanship warranty on installs (call for details)
See our credentials
281Google reviews from the people we roof for
2020Licensed California contractor since
12Crews across Southern California
4Counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino

What every torch down roof installation job includes.

  • Old layers torn off
  • Soft or damaged decking replaced
  • Drainage and low spots checked
  • Parapets and wall flashings
  • Drains and scuppers
  • Vents, skylights and HVAC curbs

A written price, before any work.

Start with a free roof evaluation. A roofer tells you what’s worth fixing, and you decide what to hire us for.

  • No charge. The drone roof evaluation is free.
  • Photo documentation. See what we see, in plain English.
  • Clear next step. Repair, monitor, maintain or replace.
  • Optional $199 Roof Check. Only if you want it: a tune-up where we seal the vents, pipes and flashings.
  • Credited toward replacement. The $199 counts toward the price if you move forward.
  • Pay after the visit. No deposit for the Roof Check.
Free roof evaluation

Roof evaluation

Freeno obligation

We use drone footage to see the real condition of your roof. The evaluation costs nothing, and there’s no obligation.

Book my free evaluation

Homes across Los Angeles, roofed right.

Read more reviews
★★★★★
“I was recommended this roofing company by a friend, and I’m really glad I went with them. I had a problem with water leaking into my attic from the flashing around the chimney, and the team was very helpful from the start. Tony was the roofer working with me, and he was always professional and friendly. He took care of resealing the flashing and chimney, which made the leak much better right away. He kept in touch with me after the work, and now we’re working on sealing the chimney even more to make sure everything is perfect. I feel confident that the team will get everything fixed up right. Based on my experience so far, I’d definitely give them five stars. Thanks to everyone there for their hard work!”
Kelsey BreadmontGoogle review
★★★★★
“Quality roofing specialist exceeded my expectations from start to finish. The crew showed up on time, explained everything clearly, and the quality of the work was outstanding. They were professional, honest, and left the property spotless when the job was done. It’s hard to find reliable contractor in LA, but these guys definitely earned my trust. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality roofing work. Five stars all the way!”
Samuel McilweeGoogle review
★★★★★
“I was looking to replace my shingles roof in Encino and contacted a few roofing companies in the neighborhood. Out of four roofers, Quality Roofing Specialist was the only one that worked with my budget as well as my schedule. Their work was fantastic, and we love the outcome. They exceeded my expectations. I will definitely recommend to friends.”
Jose LinarezGoogle review
★★★★★
“Tony was very responsive when I called. The entire process was faster than I expected. With his continuous supervision the whole project went so smoothly and professionally, the place was cleaned up completely. I have a beautiful roof now :)”
Liron YosefGoogle review

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about torch down roof installation.

What is a torch down roof?

A flat roof made of modified bitumen, an asphalt sheet strengthened with polymers, applied with heat. Most have two layers, a base sheet on the deck and a cap sheet on top, and the torch fuses the seams so the finished roof is one continuous waterproof surface. Our guide to torch-down roofing: APP vs. SBS explains the two main types.

Is torch down roofing good for Los Angeles?

Yes. It suits the mild climate and the sun, especially with a granulated or reflective cap sheet, and it is one of the most common flat roofs on Los Angeles homes and small buildings.

Can a torch down roof go over my old roof?

We tear the old roof off so the deck can be checked and repaired. QRS does a full tear-off on every flat roof replacement.

Can the cap sheet be white?

Yes. A white reflective cap sheet reflects more of the sun’s heat, as on this round flat roof in Hollywood Hills West. See cool roofing for when a reflective roof is required.

Is a torch down roof safe to install on my house?

It uses an open flame, so it needs trained roofers who work carefully around anything that can burn. Where a flame is the wrong tool, a self-adhered SBS sheet can be used instead, and your written scope says which.

Can a torch down roof be repaired?

Yes. Open seams, blisters and failed flashing can usually be repaired with matching membrane. See flat roof repair.

Torch down or TPO?

TPO is a single-ply membrane, usually white, whose seams are welded with hot air rather than a torch; it is common on larger commercial roofs, and we install TPO roofing on commercial buildings. Torch-down is a thicker, multi-layer asphalt system that stands up well to foot traffic and is common on homes and smaller buildings.

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Tell us what’s going on with your roof. A roofer, not a salesperson, looks at it and gives you a clear next step on torch down roof installation, with a written scope and price.

  • CSLB licensed, bonded & insured
  • 10-year workmanship warranty (call for details)
  • Google customer reviews