Commercial roofing in Grant-Valkaria, FL

A new low-slope roof must have at least a 2 percent slope, which is one-fourth inch in 12 inches. That minimum applies to built-up, modified bitumen, single-ply and liquid-applied roofs alike. A flat roof that ponds water is often a slope problem rather than a membrane problem.

Drainage has its own standard: positive drainage means the roof drains within 48 hours of rain. Where a parapet traps water, the code calls for secondary emergency overflow drains or scuppers. Ask every bidder how they will handle ponding before they quote.

Brevard County's Melbourne International Airport averages 50.79 inches of rain a year, and 40 percent of it falls June through August, by our arithmetic. Palm Bay averages 55.55 inches. Heavy summer rain is the test for any flat roof here.

• Ask whether the bid includes the permit, the Notice of Commencement and final inspection.
• Ask which subcontractor does any electrical, mechanical or sheet metal work, since a general contractor must subcontract those trades unless licensed for them.
• Request the product approval number, then verify it through the Florida Building Commission's lookup tool.
• Ask what the bid does about deck condition if the existing roof is water soaked or has two or more prior coverings.

Recovering over an existing roof is barred where it is water soaked, where there are already two or more roof coverings, or where blisters are not cut and secured. In those cases a full tear-off to the deck is required, which changes the scope of every bid.