Flat Roofing Done Right — Where the Seams Make or Break Your Roof

With proper installation and materials, TPO and PVC systems last 20-30 years, and modified bitumen 15-20 years. However, poor installation or drainage problems can cut that lifespan in half. The key factors are seam quality, drainage design, and proper HVHZ-compliant installation.

The most common causes are seam failures (from improper heat welding), flashing failures around penetrations (HVAC units, vents, pipes), and ponding water that breaks down the membrane over time. In Florida, UV exposure and thermal cycling also accelerate wear if the system isn't designed for our climate.

The difference is in how the seams bond — and it matters more than most contractors will tell you.

When TPO is heat-welded, the seam bonds through adhesion. It's a good bond, but with enough force, it can be separated. TPO in the U.S. market also isn't naturally fire retardant — manufacturers add chalk fillers to meet fire ratings. Over time, those fillers bleed to the surface, making the membrane harder to weld. This means repairs 10-15 years from now may not hold as well.

When PVC is heat-welded, the material molecularly fuses through cohesion — becoming one continuous piece. The seam becomes the strongest part of the entire roof. You can't pull it apart; you'd have to tear the membrane itself. PVC is also naturally Class A fire rated with no fillers, so repairs decades later weld just as cleanly as day one.

Labor costs are identical for both. PVC material costs slightly more upfront. But for long-term repairability and seam integrity, PVC often delivers better lifetime value — especially for properties you plan to own for decades.

KEE (Ketone Ethylene Ester) is a plasticizer added to most PVC roofing membranes to keep them flexible. Here's why it matters:

Most manufacturers heat-extrude their PVC sheets from a billet. This process makes the material rigid, so they add KEE to restore flexibility. The problem is that plasticizers can migrate out over time — eventually leaving the membrane dry, brittle, and prone to cracking.

We prefer IB Roof Systems because they use a different manufacturing process called calendering. Instead of heat extrusion, virgin PVC runs through rollers across a massive production line. Because it was never heat-extruded, no KEE is needed — and the membrane stays naturally flexible for its entire lifespan.

It costs more upfront, but you're not gambling on plasticizers holding up 20 years from now. The flexibility is built into the material itself.

Sometimes, but not always. Florida Building Code allows roof recovering if the existing system is in acceptable condition and adding another layer won't exceed structural limits. We'll assess your existing roof and let you know if a recover is possible or if a full tear-off is required.

We design drainage into every system — tapered insulation to create slope toward drains, properly sized primary drains, and secondary overflow scuppers as code requires. Florida Building Code defines positive drainage as water clearing within 48 hours. We engineer for complete drainage, not "good enough."

The HVHZ is a special wind zone covering Miami-Dade and Broward Counties where stricter building codes apply. All roofing materials must have Florida Product Approval for HVHZ use, and installation must meet specific wind load requirements. We ensure complete HVHZ compliance on every project.

Yes, and flat roofs are often ideal for solar because panels can be tilted to optimal angles. However, the roof must be in good condition first — we recommend a roof assessment before any solar installation to avoid having to remove panels for repairs later.

Commercial flat roofing typically ranges from $5-15 per square foot depending on system type, roof condition, accessibility, and project complexity. A 10,000 SF roof might range from $50,000-$150,000. Schedule a free assessment for an accurate quote based on your specific property.

Absolutely. We document existing conditions, provide detailed damage assessments, and work with adjusters to ensure you receive fair claim settlements. For condos and HOAs, we provide the complete documentation package your insurance company requires.

It's a state-funded grant program that helps condo associations within 15 miles of the coastline pay for hurricane mitigation improvements, including roof upgrades. The program offers a 2-to-1 match (state pays $2 for every $1 you spend) up to $175,000 per association. We can help you navigate the application process.

We specialize in multi-family projects. That means pre-scheduled resident notices, phased work to minimize disruption, coordination with property managers, and professional site management. We've completed projects from 4 units to 400+ units.

Because the seams are the weak point. A properly heat-welded seam is actually stronger than the membrane itself. But if the welder runs too hot, it destroys the stabilizers in the material. Too cold, and the bond fails over time. Our crews calibrate daily, test welds, and document everything — because this is where most flat roofs fail.