Commercial roofing in Southchase, FL

Only 1.6% of Southchase housing units were built in 2010 or later, against 19.3% countywide, and the median build year is 1997. By our arithmetic, that is 3.7 percentage points of homes built after 2009 for every 19.3 countywide, so these roofs are likely older than the county average. Older flat roofs are more likely to have settled low spots.

Orlando International records about 51.45 inches of rain a year, with 45% of it falling from June through August. Code language calls it positive drainage when a roof sheds water within 48 hours. Ask each bidder in writing how they will reach that on your deck.

Where the parapet or roof edge can hold water, the code calls for secondary overflow drains or scuppers. Look for these on any bid for a walled or parapeted roof.

A recover over an existing roof is not allowed when the old layers are soaked or broken down. In that case the bid should show a tear-off down to the deck.

• Ask whether the bid names the membrane standard, such as ASTM D6878 for TPO or D4637 for EPDM.
• Ask how the bid handles the 25 percent rule if only part of the roof is repaired.
• Ask who pulls the permit and whether the Notice of Commencement is included.
• Ask how the bid addresses drainage and ponding water on the existing deck.

Florida's roofing contractor rules require a roofing certification for anyone who advertises roofing work. Confirm the bidder's state roofing status with the Florida licensing board before you accept a bid.