Commercial roofing in Fuller Heights, FL

Most commercial roofs in a town like this are low-slope. Under the code, no more than 25 percent of the total roof area of an existing building can be repaired, replaced or recovered in any 12-month period, unless the entire roof system is replaced. If your building's roof was built to the 2007 code or later, only the repaired part must meet current code.

Existing rooftop equipment is handled differently. The code says existing mechanical equipment on the roof does not have to meet current code during reroofing unless it is being replaced or moved. Ask your contractor to list every unit on the roof before pricing the job.

A bid should name the membrane and the standard it meets. For single-ply TPO and PVC work, the Florida table lists standards such as ASTM D6878 for TPO and ASTM D4434 for PVC sheet, which requires reinforcing fibers or fabrics. Ask whether the bid includes a permit and a Notice of Commencement, because the code warns that skipping that notice can mean paying twice for the same work.

Ask for slope and drainage details. Minimum design slope for new low-slope roofs is one-fourth unit in 12. Positive drainage means the roof drains within 48 hours of rain, and secondary overflow drains are required where parapets can trap water. Because Polk County has seen heavy rain from Hurricane Ian, with 6 to 12 inches reported across the county, drainage should be a line item, not an assumption.

Check any contractor's status with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Under Florida law, a general contractor who advertises roofing work must hold a roofing certification or registration, and roofing work outside the owner's own new building must be subcontracted to a licensed roofing trade. The bid should name the entity doing the work.