Quick Answer
Commercial roofing in Tampa costs $3-$12 per square foot depending on system type and building size. TPO and EPDM single-ply systems are most popular for flat roofs, offering 15-25 year lifespans with proper maintenance. We specialize in minimal business disruption, working during off-hours when needed. Licensed commercial contractor with $2M liability insurance. Free inspections and competitive quotes within 48 hours.
Commercial Roofing Systems
We install and repair all commercial roofing systems common in Tampa Bay:
TPO Roofing (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Most Popular Commercial Flat Roof System
TPO is a single-ply membrane that combines durability, energy efficiency, and affordability.
Features:
- White reflective surface reduces cooling costs
- Heat-welded seams (stronger than glued)
- Flexible in cold, durable in heat
- Resistant to UV, ozone, and chemicals
- ENERGY STAR qualified
Thickness Options:
- 45 mil - Budget option for low-traffic roofs
- 60 mil - Standard commercial grade
- 80 mil - Premium for high-traffic or harsh conditions
Cost: $5-$8 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Best For:
- Retail buildings
- Office complexes
- Warehouses
- Medical facilities
- Schools
Pros:
- Excellent energy efficiency (white reflective)
- Heat-welded seams resist leaks
- Moderate cost
- Wide availability of contractors
- Good puncture resistance
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Can be damaged by grease/oil
- Seam welding requires dry conditions
- Quality varies by manufacturer
- Not ideal for extreme foot traffic
EPDM Roofing (Rubber Membrane)
Proven Flat Roof System - 50+ Years Track Record
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane known for durability and reliability.
Features:
- Black rubber membrane (white versions available)
- Fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted
- Extremely durable and flexible
- Resistant to hail and impact
- Simple repair process
Thickness Options:
- 45 mil - Minimum recommended
- 60 mil - Standard commercial grade
- 90 mil - Heavy-duty applications
Cost: $4-$7 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Best For:
- Warehouses and industrial buildings
- Storage facilities
- Budget-conscious projects
- Buildings with little foot traffic
- Retrofit applications
Pros:
- Lowest cost single-ply option
- Proven longevity (roofs lasting 30+ years)
- Easy to repair
- Excellent flexibility
- Performs well in temperature extremes
- Resistant to UV and ozone
Cons:
- Black color absorbs heat (higher cooling costs)
- Seams are glued/taped (not welded)
- Susceptible to punctures
- Shrinkage over time
- Less aesthetically pleasing
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Durable Multi-Layer System
Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based system with added polymers for flexibility.
Types:
- APP (Atactic Polypropylene) - Torch-applied or hot-mopped
- SBM (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) - Self-adhering or cold-applied
Application Methods:
- Torch-applied (most common)
- Hot-mopped asphalt
- Cold-applied adhesive
- Self-adhering (peel and stick)
Layers:
- Base sheet
- Interply sheet
- Cap sheet (granulated surface)
Cost: $6-$10 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Best For:
- Buildings requiring heavy foot traffic
- Mechanical equipment areas
- Retrofit over existing built-up roofs
- Traditional appearance preference
Pros:
- Excellent puncture resistance
- Good for foot traffic
- Multiple installation methods
- Proven performance
- Easy to repair
- Granulated surface options
Cons:
- Torch application has fire risk
- Requires skilled installers
- Heavier than single-ply membranes
- Seams can fail over time
- Shorter lifespan than TPO/EPDM
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Traditional Multi-Layer “Tar and Gravel” Roof
BUR consists of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric.
Layers:
- Multiple plies of roofing felt
- Hot-applied asphalt between layers
- Gravel or mineral surface cap
Cost: $5-$9 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Best For:
- Heavy equipment roofs
- Industrial buildings
- Replacing existing BUR systems
- Low-slope applications
Pros:
- Excellent waterproofing (multiple layers)
- Long track record
- Gravel protects from UV and impact
- Good for heavy foot traffic
- Fire resistant
Cons:
- Heavy weight (structural concerns)
- Strong odor during installation
- Longer installation time
- Difficult to locate leaks
- Messier installation
- Limited contractors skilled in BUR
Metal Roofing (Commercial)
Low-Slope Metal Roof Systems
Standing seam and through-fastened metal for commercial buildings.
Types:
- Standing seam panels
- R-panel and PBR panel
- Structural metal decking
Cost: $8-$15 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 30-50 years
Best For:
- Long-term ownership
- Retrofit over failing systems
- Industrial/warehouse buildings
- Agricultural/storage facilities
- Sustainable building projects
Pros:
- Longest lifespan (30-50 years)
- Superior wind resistance
- Energy efficient (reflective coatings)
- Low maintenance
- Environmentally friendly
- Can be installed over existing roof
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Noise during rain (industrial settings)
- Requires specialized installers
- Thermal expansion/contraction
- Difficult to repair properly
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
Seamless Insulating Roof System
SPF is sprayed on as liquid, expands to foam, creating seamless insulation and waterproofing.
System:
- Spray foam application (2-4 inches)
- Protective elastomeric coating
- Periodic re-coating (every 10-15 years)
Cost: $7-$12 per sq ft installed
Lifespan: 20-30 years (with recoating)
Best For:
- Irregularly shaped roofs
- Roofs with many penetrations
- Adding insulation to existing roofs
- Sustainable/energy-focused projects
Pros:
- Excellent insulation (R-6 to R-7 per inch)
- Seamless (no seams to leak)
- Lightweight
- Can be applied over most existing roofs
- Self-flashing around penetrations
- Energy savings (30-40%)
Cons:
- Requires experienced applicators
- Weather-dependent installation
- Needs periodic recoating
- Higher initial cost
- Not ideal for ponding water areas
Commercial Roofing System Comparison
| System | Cost/Sq Ft | Lifespan | Energy Efficiency | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPO | $5-$8 | 15-25 yrs | Excellent (white) | Low | Retail, office, medical |
| EPDM | $4-$7 | 20-30 yrs | Fair (black) | Low | Warehouse, industrial |
| Modified Bitumen | $6-$10 | 15-20 yrs | Good | Moderate | Heavy foot traffic |
| Built-Up (BUR) | $5-$9 | 15-25 yrs | Fair | Moderate | Industrial, traditional |
| Metal | $8-$15 | 30-50 yrs | Excellent | Very low | Long-term investment |
| SPF | $7-$12 | 20-30 yrs | Excellent | Moderate (recoating) | Energy savings priority |
Industries We Serve
Retail & Shopping Centers
Typical Buildings:
- Strip malls and shopping plazas
- Standalone retail stores
- Big box retailers
- Convenience stores
Roof Challenges:
- Large flat expanses with minimal drainage
- Heavy HVAC equipment loads
- Frequent roof penetrations
- Need for minimal business disruption
Our Solutions:
- Night/weekend work to avoid business hours
- Phased installation for occupied buildings
- TPO or EPDM for cost-effectiveness
- Planned maintenance programs
Office Buildings
Typical Buildings:
- Low-rise office complexes
- Professional buildings
- Medical/dental office parks
- Government facilities
Roof Challenges:
- Professional appearance requirements
- Interior water damage concerns
- Occupied during business hours
- Multiple tenants
Our Solutions:
- White TPO for energy efficiency
- Quiet installation methods
- Weekend work when preferred
- Detailed leak prevention protocols
Warehouses & Distribution
Typical Buildings:
- Storage warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Fulfillment facilities
- Manufacturing plants
Roof Challenges:
- Large square footage (50,000+ sq ft common)
- Equipment storage on roofs
- Budget constraints
- Minimal maintenance desired
Our Solutions:
- Cost-effective EPDM systems
- Ballasted systems for faster installation
- Metal retrofit for long-term solution
- Minimal disruption to operations
Restaurants & Hospitality
Typical Buildings:
- Restaurants (standalone and chains)
- Hotels and motels
- Entertainment venues
- Country clubs
Roof Challenges:
- Grease from exhaust systems
- Heavy rooftop equipment (HVAC, exhaust)
- Cannot close for repairs
- Kitchen/guest comfort priority
Our Solutions:
- Chemical-resistant TPO
- Reinforced areas around equipment
- Emergency leak response
- Off-hours installation
Medical Facilities
Typical Buildings:
- Medical offices
- Urgent care centers
- Dental practices
- Veterinary clinics
Roof Challenges:
- Cannot disrupt patient care
- Sterile environment concerns
- Regulatory compliance
- Liability concerns
Our Solutions:
- Detailed containment and protection
- Infection control protocols
- Odor-free systems when possible
- Work around patient schedules
Religious & Educational
Typical Buildings:
- Churches and worship centers
- Private schools
- Daycare facilities
- Community centers
Roof Challenges:
- Limited budgets
- Seasonal funding availability
- Weekend/summer work preferred
- Long-term planning
Our Solutions:
- Phased replacement options
- Financing programs
- Summer installation for schools
- Maintenance plans to extend lifespan
Multi-Family Housing
Typical Buildings:
- Apartment complexes
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
- Senior living facilities
Roof Challenges:
- Occupied units below
- HOA approval processes
- Noise and disruption concerns
- Budget constraints
Our Solutions:
- Quiet installation methods
- Tenant notification programs
- Leak protection protocols
- Financing for HOAs
Minimal Business Disruption
We understand that your business can’t stop for a new roof. Our process minimizes impact:
Flexible Scheduling
Off-Hours Work:
- Night shifts (after business closes)
- Weekend installation
- Holiday scheduling when buildings closed
- Phased work to maintain operations
Quick Turnaround:
- Most commercial roofs: 1-2 weeks
- Large buildings (50,000+ sq ft): 2-4 weeks
- Can expedite for business needs
- Weather-dependent timeline
Noise & Dust Control
Sound Mitigation:
- Electric equipment when possible
- Acoustic barriers for sensitive areas
- Scheduled noisy work during agreed hours
- Communication with tenants/employees
Dust & Debris:
- Daily cleanup of work areas
- HEPA filtration for sensitive environments
- Protected entry/exit paths
- Contained dumpsters and equipment
Safety & Security
Site Protection:
- Secure work areas after hours
- Controlled access to roof
- Equipment and material security
- Liability insurance ($2M coverage)
Employee & Customer Safety:
- Ground-level protection barriers
- Signage and caution tape
- Parking area protection
- No disruption to building access
Communication
Before Work:
- Meet with property managers
- Create disruption mitigation plan
- Provide tenant notification templates
- Emergency contact information
During Work:
- Daily progress updates
- Immediate notification of any issues
- Weather delay communication
- Photo documentation
After Work:
- Final walkthrough with management
- Warranty documentation
- Maintenance recommendations
- Ongoing support contact
Commercial Roof Cost by Size
Small Commercial Buildings (2,000-5,000 sq ft)
| System | Total Cost | Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Buildings |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM | $8,000-$35,000 | $4-$7 | Small warehouses, retail |
| TPO | $10,000-$40,000 | $5-$8 | Offices, medical |
| Modified Bitumen | $12,000-$50,000 | $6-$10 | Restaurants, high traffic |
| Metal | $16,000-$75,000 | $8-$15 | Long-term investment |
Medium Commercial Buildings (5,000-20,000 sq ft)
| System | Total Cost | Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Buildings |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM | $20,000-$140,000 | $4-$7 | Warehouses, storage |
| TPO | $25,000-$160,000 | $5-$8 | Retail, office complexes |
| Modified Bitumen | $30,000-$200,000 | $6-$10 | Heavy use buildings |
| Metal | $40,000-$300,000 | $8-$15 | Premium applications |
Large Commercial Buildings (20,000-100,000 sq ft)
| System | Total Cost | Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Buildings |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM | $80,000-$700,000 | $4-$7 | Large warehouses |
| TPO | $100,000-$800,000 | $5-$8 | Shopping centers |
| Modified Bitumen | $120,000-$1,000,000 | $6-$10 | Industrial facilities |
| Metal | $160,000-$1,500,000 | $8-$15 | Manufacturing plants |
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Building height and accessibility
- Roof complexity (penetrations, drains, equipment)
- Existing roof removal and disposal
- Structural repairs or deck replacement
- Insulation upgrades
- Drainage improvements
- Code compliance upgrades
- Warranty level selected
Commercial Roof Maintenance Programs
Extend your roof lifespan and avoid costly emergency repairs with preventive maintenance:
Basic Maintenance Plan
$300-$600 per visit (2 visits/year)
Included:
- Bi-annual roof inspections (spring and fall)
- Debris removal from drains and gutters
- Minor caulking and sealant touch-ups
- Photo documentation of roof condition
- Written inspection reports
- Priority emergency service
Best For:
- Newer roofs (under 5 years)
- Simple roof designs
- Budget-conscious owners
Comprehensive Maintenance Plan
$800-$1,500 per visit (quarterly visits)
Included:
- Quarterly roof inspections
- Drain and scupper cleaning
- Sealant refresh on penetrations
- Minor repairs (up to $500/year included)
- Detailed photo reports with recommendations
- HVAC equipment pad inspections
- Thermal imaging (annual)
- Priority 24/7 emergency response
Best For:
- Roofs 5+ years old
- Buildings with critical operations
- Multiple HVAC units
- Warranty compliance
Premium Maintenance Plan
$2,000-$4,000 per visit (monthly visits)
Included:
- Monthly roof inspections
- Complete drain system maintenance
- All minor repairs included
- Major repairs at discounted rates
- Thermal imaging quarterly
- Moisture surveys
- Vegetation removal
- Full documentation for asset managers
- Guaranteed 4-hour emergency response
- Dedicated account manager
Best For:
- Class A office buildings
- Medical facilities
- Critical operations facilities
- Multi-building portfolios
Benefits of Maintenance Programs
Financial Benefits:
- Extend roof life by 30-50%
- Avoid emergency repairs (3x more expensive)
- Maintain warranty compliance
- Budget predictable costs
- Early detection saves money
Operational Benefits:
- Prevent unexpected leaks
- Avoid business disruption
- Protect inventory and equipment
- Maintain comfortable indoor environment
- Meet insurance requirements
FAQ
How much does commercial roofing cost in Tampa?
Commercial roofing in Tampa costs $3-$12 per square foot depending on the system. EPDM rubber membrane costs $4-$7/sq ft, TPO costs $5-$8/sq ft, modified bitumen costs $6-$10/sq ft, and metal roofing costs $8-$15/sq ft. A 10,000 sq ft building typically costs $40,000-$120,000 for complete replacement. We provide free detailed quotes within 48 hours.
How long do commercial roofs last in Florida?
Commercial roofs in Tampa last 15-30 years depending on system type and maintenance. TPO lasts 15-25 years, EPDM lasts 20-30 years, modified bitumen lasts 15-20 years, and metal roofs last 30-50 years. Florida’s heat, UV exposure, and severe weather reduce lifespan compared to northern climates. Regular maintenance can extend lifespan by 30-50%.
What is the best commercial roofing system for Florida?
TPO (white thermoplastic) is the best commercial roofing system for most Florida buildings due to excellent heat reflection, energy savings, durability in heat/UV, and cost-effectiveness. For budget-focused projects, EPDM works well. For long-term investment, metal roofing offers 30-50 year lifespan. For heavy equipment areas, modified bitumen provides best puncture resistance.
Can you install a new commercial roof without closing my business?
Yes, we specialize in minimal business disruption. We work nights, weekends, or in phases to keep your business operating. Most commercial roof installations take 1-2 weeks and can be scheduled around your peak business hours. We’ve completed hundreds of projects with zero business downtime through careful planning and flexible scheduling.
Do you offer commercial roof maintenance programs?
Yes, we offer maintenance programs starting at $300-$600 per visit (bi-annual) up to premium monthly programs at $2,000-$4,000 per visit. Maintenance includes inspections, drain cleaning, minor repairs, photo documentation, and priority emergency service. Regular maintenance extends roof life by 30-50% and prevents costly emergency repairs.
How do I know if my commercial roof needs replacement or just repair?
Replace if your roof is over 20 years old, has widespread damage affecting 30%+ of surface, experiences frequent leaks, has failed membrane in multiple areas, or repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost. Repair if damage is localized, roof is under 15 years old, only specific areas leak, and the rest of the roof is in good condition. We provide honest assessments during free inspections.
What commercial roofing warranties do you offer?
We offer manufacturer material warranties (10-30 years depending on system) plus our workmanship warranty (10-20 years on commercial projects). TPO and EPDM systems typically include 15-20 year warranties, metal roofing includes 40+ year warranties, and modified bitumen includes 10-15 year warranties. Extended warranties available on premium systems.
Are commercial roofing projects required to have building permits in Tampa?
Yes, commercial roofing projects in Tampa require building permits. We handle all permitting including applications, plan submissions, fee payments, and inspection coordination. Hillsborough County requires engineered drawings for most commercial roofs. Permits typically take 1-2 weeks to obtain. Cost is included in our quotes.
How much can a white TPO roof save on cooling costs?
White TPO roofs can reduce commercial cooling costs by 20-40% in Tampa’s climate. The white surface reflects 70-80% of solar radiation instead of absorbing it, keeping roof surface temperatures 40-60°F cooler. For a 10,000 sq ft building spending $12,000/year on cooling, savings can be $2,400-$4,800 annually, paying for the roof premium within 3-5 years.
Do you work with property management companies?
Yes, we work extensively with property management companies and have systems for multi-property portfolios. We provide detailed photo documentation, work within budget cycles, coordinate with tenants, handle all permits and compliance, offer volume discounts for multiple properties, and provide dedicated account managers for large portfolios. References available from property managers throughout Tampa Bay.