Orlando’s sunny and windy weather is harsh on roof systems. However, commercial property owners can count on a few flat roof materials for optimal protection and longevity.
Can Your Roof Stand Florida’s High Heat and Strong Winds?
Weather in Orlando, Florida, is often hot, bright, and breezy. But constant exposure to UV rays causes your roof to peel and deteriorate. Similarly, strong winds are sometimes powerful enough to lift or remove your roofing materials from the surface.
The good news is some commercial roof types stand up well to sun rays. Plus, their materials are fastened or sealed tightly in place so that they won’t tear or lift. Hire industry professionals to learn about different roofing membranes and systems to ensure you make the right choice for your property.
What Are the Most Common Florida Roof Types?
Many Orlando business owners are well aware of the region’s hot weather and strong winds, so it’s a good idea to consider these weather conditions during a new roof construction or a restoration. The three most prevalent flat commercial roof types in Florida are:
Single-Ply
Single-ply roofs are one-layer sheets, as their name suggests. Popular single-ply roofing membranes are:
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) – This lightweight single sheet is highly durable rubber. It often comes in white, which helps with UV resistance. Installation is quick and non-invasive, and it can be applied while the building is occupied.
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) – This is another rubberized commercial roofing material. EPDM is great for Florida roofs because it’s wind and impact resistant. That means repairs are few and far between, and when the roof sustains damage, it’s affordable to fix.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – PVC is a single-ply roofing system that comes in different thicknesses, ranging from 40 to 80 millimeters. Because of this, PVC is puncture-resistant. Plus, it’s perfect for windy cities like Orlando. This commercial roofing material can stand firm in a Category 3 hurricane, with winds as fast as 130 miles per hour.
Single-ply commercial roof types offer straightforward installation and require fewer seams than other flat roofs. They’re also safer to install since sealing doesn’t require torches or hot asphalt. Instead, single-ply roofing is secured to the deck in one of the following ways:
- Ballasted – An inexpensive yet effective choice for large rooftops
- Mechanically Attached – A lightweight and low maintenance upgrade from ballasted
- Fully Adhered – Provides advanced stability that prevents materials from lifting
BUR
Built-up roofing, also known as BUR, is the opposite of single-ply roofs. BUR is common for commercial flat roofs, thanks to its affordability and simplistic aesthetic appeal. As its name implies, BUR is made up of several layers of roofing materials and sealants. The materials consist of reinforcing scrim (fabric) and asphalt. Then, it’s topped with gravel. These layers keep the building perfectly insulated and provide the ultimate protection against heat and high winds.
Metal
Metal roofs offer several advantages. They don’t require frequent repairs since they’re incredibly damage resistant, which is why they often last for over 40 years. Plus, metal is safe and sustainable. High-end metal roofs often have Class A fire resistance. Additionally, many metal roofs are made from 100% recyclable materials, making them one of the most environmentally friendly commercial roofing materials on the market.
New Image Provides Industry-Leading Commercial Roofing Solutions
Regardless of what kind of commercial roof type your building has, it should be durable and dependable. This requires reliable installation and ongoing maintenance. New Image Roofing is proud to service Orlando, Florida, and surrounding areas. We do it all—from commercial roof repair to replacement. We work on all types of roofs, including ones with solar panels.
Don’t wait to give your roof the care it deserves. If you’re ready to improve your existing system or begin planning for new construction, call New Image to discuss your roofing needs today. We’ve got you covered.