Commercial roofing in Satellite Beach, FL

The island's commercial roofs face heavy rain. Melbourne International averages 50.79 inches of rain a year, and about 40 percent of that falls in June through August. Titusville, to the north, averages 55.20 inches. A low-slope roof that ponds water in those months will fail sooner than one that drains.

Florida code defines positive drainage as removing water from the roof within 48 hours of rain. Ask each bidder to show the slope they will build to and where the overflow drains or scuppers will sit. Storm drainage is also sized on local rainfall data, so ask which rate they used.

Hurricane Matthew in 2016 recorded an 87 mph gust at Satellite Beach, and the damage reported across Brevard County included roof shingles, soffits and awnings. Wind uplift on a low-slope roof depends on its edges as much as its field. Ask for the edge system's tested rating under the Chapter 16 wind loads.

Compare bids on the same scope. Each should name the membrane, its ASTM standard, the slope it builds to, and the edge system. Single-ply TPO and PVC membranes sit under their own ASTM standards in Florida's table, so confirm each bidder names the standard that matches its product.

If your building has an older roof, check whether recovering is allowed. A recover is barred where the existing roof is water soaked, deteriorated, or already has two or more layers. In those cases the full tear-off to the deck is required, which changes every bid.

Check the contractor's state credential before you sign. Florida's rule says a general contractor certified after 1973 cannot advertise as a roofer unless it also holds a roofing credential. Ask to see that document.