Florida’s climate is tough, but with the right roof, you can protect your commercial building in Sarasota or Bradenton from the sun, wind, rain, and everything in between. As long as you pick a roof that fits your building’s needs, budget, and Florida’s unpredictable weather, and you’ll have a roof that’s as solid as the Sunshine State itself.
With all of that said, here are the top four commercial roofing types:
Metal Roofing
Florida loves its sunny days, but it also gets a bit aggressive with hurricanes and humidity. Metal roofing doesn’t just withstand the winds; it can handle high temps and intense UV rays too, especially when it’s coated with reflective materials.
Metal roofing can last over 50 years if well cared for, which is pretty much unbeatable. Businesses in Florida love them for several reasons, first of all, they’re naturally fire-resistant and can handle high winds, which is a big deal in hurricane season.
These roofs are also pretty reflective, which means they don’t absorb as much heat from the sun. In other words, this keeps cooling costs down.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR is just one of those old-school materials that’s been around for a while but still works really well. It’s made up of layers upon layers of bitumen and a top layer of gravel. This multi-layer system is super durable and can handle Florida’s intense sun well, especially since the top gravel layer reflects sunlight.
BUR takes longer to install and can get pretty heavy, so it’s best for buildings that can handle the weight. But once it’s up there, it’s ready to take on whatever Florida’s got; from pounding rain to hot sun. The top layer of gravel is especially great for Florida because it helps keep the building cooler.
Just know that if something goes wrong with BUR, fixing it can be a bit complicated. And, while it’s durable, it’s also one of the pricier options if you want a roof that’ll last.
TPO Roofing
TPO, or Thermoplastic Olefin, is a fancy name for a membrane that’s flexible, heat-reflective, and surprisingly affordable. TPO roofs are especially suited to flat or low-slope roofs, which you’ll see a lot on commercial buildings.
It’s a single-ply membrane that’s usually white, so it reflects the sun rather than absorbing it, keeping buildings much cooler. That’s a game-changer in a hot climate like Florida’s, where you want every bit of cooling help you can get without ramping up the electric bill.
TPO roofs are also energy-efficient and resistant to UV damage, which means they won’t crack or degrade easily under the harsh Florida sun. They usually last 20-30 years, which is a decent lifespan for a roof that doesn’t cost a fortune to install.
One thing to note, though, is that they can be vulnerable to punctures or tears, so if people are constantly up there, it might need extra care.
As long as you pick a roof that fits your building’s needs, budget, and Florida’s unpredictable weather, and you’ll have a roof that’s as solid as the Sunshine State itself.
EPDM Roofing
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) EPDM basically means “rubber roofing.” If you’re looking to save money, this is one of the most affordable options out there. EPDM is flexible, durable, and it can stand up to Florida’s sun better than most materials.
It’s also UV resistant, which is crucial since constant sunlight can break down some roofing materials as time goes by.
What makes EPDM stand out is that it’s simple to install and comes in large sheets, which means fewer seams and less chance of leaks. But then, EPDM is not very stylish, and while it’s great for durability, it’s not the best insulator on its own. A darker color EPDM roof can absorb heat, so if you’re going with this type, make sure you add a white coating to help reflect sunlight.
One last note on EPDM: installation is key. If it’s installed poorly, it can begin to leak pretty quickly, so you have to make sure to hire someone who knows what they’re doing.
Conclusion
Your best bet at helping your roof face all that Florida’s weather throws at it is to work with a company that truly understands what it takes to keep your property protected year after year.
Here at Bringman Roofing, what we sell to you aren’t just roofs. They are tailored solutions that will serve you peace of mind on a platter.
We’ve worked with businesses across Sarasota, Bradenton, and all of Florida to ensure their roofs stand strong against our brutal weather.
We can do the same for you too, but first, you would have to fill out our form today and schedule your free consultation. We’re expecting you!