Commercial Roofing Systems for Florida Storm Season: TPO vs. Modified Bitumen vs. Metal
Brought to you by SPC Roofers Northeast Florida’s Trusted Commercial Roofing Experts Since 1978
Compare the best commercial roofing systems in Florida for hurricane season. Learn the pros and cons of TPO, Modified Bitumen, and Metal Roofing for storm prone areas.
When hurricane season approaches in Florida, commercial property owners must think beyond sandbags and backup generators, your roof is the first line of defense. Whether you own a shopping plaza in Jacksonville, an office park in Ponte Vedra, or a multi-unit facility in St. Augustine, the right commercial roofing system is vital.
At SPC Roofers, we’ve helped hundreds of Florida businesses prepare their roofs for hurricane season since 1978. Below, we compare three of the most storm resistant flat roofing options: TPO, Modified Bitumen, and Standing Seam Metal.
TPO Roofing: Budget Friendly & Reflective
Ideal For: Warehouses, retail centers, and light commercial buildings
Key Features:
White reflective surface reduces energy costs
Welded seams offer water resistance
Affordable material and installation cost
Why It Works in Florida:
TPO reflects sunlight, which is ideal for Florida’s heat. When properly installed, it resists punctures and prevents water pooling after tropical downpours. Light weight, energy efficient, and fast installation are just 3 reasons why this roof is so popular for North Florida commercial property owners.
TPO Project Spotlight:
The Karate America World Headquarters
Our clients consistently appreciate the options that come with a TPO roof system, you can choose from a variety of thicknesses, colors, and even have an opportunity to add some insulation and gain some R-Value! In today’s markets of executive private jets, drones,satellite imagery and google earth, there are progressively more inquiries for colored roof systems and we are happy to be able to offer every color of TPO. You may also wish to add your company logo to give yourself an extra competitive edge in your market.
Modified Bitumen: Durable & Storm Tested
Ideal For: Industrial buildings, Flat or low-slope commercial roofs, multifamily housing
Key Features:
Multi-layer system resists tears and punctures
Excellent waterproofing for storm prone areas due to its added polymer modifiers
Protects against UV rays temperature swings
Florida Use Case:
Modified Bitumen’s layered strength makes for an eco-friendly choice for businesses near the coast. We’ve used it on multiple buildings in St. Johns County for storm resistance. There are two main types of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems: Self Adhered and Torch Down. When it comes to re-roofing options for a modified bitumen roof there are several different options depending on the exit strategy in the property and the goal at hand. Multiple layers and reinforced membranes promote structural strength making it highly resistant.
Project Spotlight:
An apartment complex in Atlantic Beach chose Modified Bitumen after experiencing wind uplift on an old tar and gravel system. After multiple hurricane exposure, their roof stayed intact with zero problems.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing: Highest Wind Rating
Ideal For: Commercial properties with high visibility or long term tenants
Key Features:
Interlocking panels withstand wind uplift up to 140+ mph
Minimal maintenance over 40+ years
Great for sloped commercial roofs
North East Florida and high impacted coastal areas:
Metal roofs are ideal for properties looking for long term ROI. In hurricane zones they’re among the best roof types for storm resilience. Metal roofs are often suggested for high wind regions because they can exceed other roofing materials in uplift during high wind storms. In fact, some say that metal roofs are an effective alternative to traditional roofing materials in mitigating storm damage.