Commercial Roofing in Central Florida

Flat roofs fail differently

A low-slope commercial roof does not shed water the way a pitched roof does. It depends on drains, scuppers and a very slight slope to move water off, and any water that stays is working on the membrane.

Ponding is the first thing we look for. Water still standing on a roof a couple of days after rain means drainage is not working, and that is where membranes break down first. Clogged drains and scuppers are common on buildings where nobody goes on the roof.

HVAC units, curbs and pipe penetrations are the other weak points. Every hole cut through a roof for equipment is a seal that has to be maintained, and service technicians walking to their units wear paths into the membrane.

TPO and modified bitumen

TPO is a white single-ply membrane with heat-welded seams. The welded seam is stronger than an adhesive lap, and the white surface reflects heat, which matters on a large Florida roof.

Modified bitumen is a multi-layer asphalt system that is tough and forgiving of foot traffic. It suits roofs with a lot of equipment and service access.

Metal suits pitched commercial and industrial buildings, and many older warehouses already have it.

Finding out what is under the membrane

The surface of a flat roof can look acceptable while the insulation below it is saturated. Wet insulation loses its value, adds weight and rots the deck. A small core cut shows what the roof is made of and whether it is wet, and it tells us whether the roof can be restored or has to come off.

Working around the business

Commercial work gets scheduled around the people inside. We plan staging, noise and access with the property manager so tenants and customers can keep using the building.

Common questions