Commercial roofing in El Portal, FL

Miami-Dade County, where El Portal is located, is one of only two counties that fall within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Under that zone, all roofing work needs a permit, and the application must be completed by a licensed contractor. Work is reviewed by an inspector while it is being installed and then once more when the job is complete. Ask for the permit number before work begins.

Florida rules limit who can sell and install roof work. A general contractor who wants to call themselves a roofing contractor must hold a roofing certification. Confirm that certification with the state before you sign. The HVHZ also requires that roof components carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, so ask the contractor for the NOA number and its expiration date.

• Permit number from the El Portal building office or Miami-Dade process
• Miami-Dade NOA number and expiration date for each roof product
• Confirmation that roofing work is handled by a roofing contractor
• Slope and drainage details that meet the HVHZ minimums

Commercial roofs here are often low-slope, and the code sets a minimum slope of one-fourth unit in 12 for new low-slope roofs. A roof with proper drainage clears standing water within two days of a storm. Compare bids on whether each one shows how water will reach the drains and where any overflow scuppers go.

Bids should also state whether the old roof will be removed or covered. In the HVHZ, a recover is not allowed if the existing roof is water soaked or has two or more prior roof coverings. Ask the contractor to confirm the tear-off or recover choice in writing, and check that the drainage plan matches the proposal.