Commercial roofing in Hobe Sound, FL

Hobe Sound's Martin County sits outside the stricter wind rules that apply in the far south of the state, so a local bid follows the general Florida Building Code. The county still requires permits for roof replacements and substantial repairs.

Under the 25 percent rule, no more than 25 percent of the roof area can be repaired or replaced in any 12-month period unless the whole roof system is redone. A property manager planning phased work on a multi-unit roof should count the area in each year before scheduling the next section.

Low-slope roofs need a minimum design slope of one-fourth unit in 12, which is 2 percent, for built-up, modified bitumen, single-ply and liquid-applied systems. Ask each bidder how the new roof will reach that slope and how the drains will handle water within 48 hours of rain.

• Ask which membrane type a bid uses and the ASTM standard it meets.
• Ask how the roof edges are tested for wind uplift.
• Ask whether secondary overflow drains or scuppers are included.
• Ask who pulls the permit and confirms the Notice of Commencement.

Rainfall at Stuart averages 62.72 inches a year, with 92 days of measurable rain, so drainage performance is a real concern for any flat roof here. Ask the contractor to confirm the drainage design against local rain data.