Commercial roofing in Melbourne Village, FL

Flat and low-slope roofs here need to shed water. New low-slope roofs must have a design slope of at least one-fourth unit in 12, which is 2 percent. The code also requires positive drainage, meaning the roof must drain within 48 hours of rain. Ask each bidder to show the slope and drain layout on the drawing.

• Confirm the membrane type and its ASTM standard, such as TPO under ASTM D6878.
• Ask how metal edges were tested under ANSI/SPRI ES-1 or RAS 111.
• Check that overflow drains or scuppers are sized for entrapped water.
• Ask for the 2,000-hour weathering data for the coating or membrane.

Brevard County's storm record shows wind and rain damage to roof coverings. In Hurricane Matthew, damage generally involved roof shingles, soffits and awnings. In Hurricane Irma, eight tornadoes touched down in the county, including an EF-1 at Indialantic. Use those events to ask bidders how they will address edges and flashings, not just the field membrane.

Florida law requires a roofing contractor to hold the right certificate or registration. A general contractor who advertises as a roofing contractor must be certified or registered as one. Check the state license before you sign, and ask who the subcontractor is.

Ask every bidder for the same scope: deck attachments, sheathing repair, drainage and permit fees. Bids that leave out the permit or the Notice of Commencement may cost more later. The permit card warns that failing to record a Notice of Commencement can mean paying twice.