When you manage a commercial property in South Florida, a few decisions matter more than the roof over your head—literally. A high-performing commercial flat roofing system is essential to keeping your building dry, efficient, and code-compliant. But with so many materials and systems on the market, how do you choose the right one?
At Best Roofing, we've spent decades installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial flat roofs across South Florida. In this post, we'll break down the most common systems, what makes each one unique, and how to match your roof to your building's specific needs.
Commercial flat roofing refers to low-slope roofing systems (typically under 2/12 pitch) designed for large-scale buildings such as:
Warehouses and distribution centers
Office buildings
Manufacturing facilities
Multi-family housing complexes
Schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings
Condominiums
Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs require advanced waterproofing strategies and material performance. The right system must be durable, watertight, and tailored to your business operations and local climate—which in South Florida means high UV exposure, heavy rains, and the ever-present threat of hurricanes.
Let's explore the leading flat roof systems available today, including their pros, cons, and ideal applications.
1. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Also known as: "Hot Mop". BUR has been around for over a century for good reasons—it's durable, time-tested, and effective. This system consists of alternating layers (or plies) of roofing felt and bitumen, finished with gravel or granulated surfacing.
Pros:
Multiple layers = redundancy and durability
Cons:
Heavy; not ideal for all building structures
Higher maintenance costs (Blisters, Ponding & Insurance companies do not like ponding conditions)
Hot-applied systems can be disruptive during installation
160-180 Degrees in the summer. Punctures are like a hot knife through soft butter
Best for: Buildings needing a cost-effective, long-lasting solution with minimal rooftop traffic.
Also known as: APP or SBS roofing. Modified bitumen is a modern evolution of BUR. It's composed of asphalt-based sheets modified with rubber or plastic polymers for added flexibility and strength.
Pros:
Handles foot traffic well
Available in self-adhered, cold-applied, and torch-down systems
Granulated Surfacing can improve energy efficiency
Cons:
Seams are potential failure points if not installed properly. Rolls are 3' W x 33' L, exponentially more lapse in seams.
Heat-based installations can pose fire hazards
Best for: Retail centers, schools, or facilities with frequent roof access.
TPO has quickly become one of the most popular flat roofing materials in the U.S. Its white, reflective surface helps reduce heat absorption—ideal for South Florida's climate.
Pros:
Highly reflective = energy savings, TPO only heats up 9 degrees above ambient temperature. For example, if it's 80 degrees outside, your roof will reach a high of 88 degrees.
Heat-welded seams = excellent waterproofing
Resistant to chemicals, UV, and punctures
Cons:
Puncture resistance more prevalent when a coverboard is not applied or installed
Evaporation, being that the roof only gets 9 degrees above ambient temperature without the presence of positive drainage, ponding water will be more prevalent due to the lack of heat that you may experience with an asphalt-based system
Best for: Buildings aiming for high energy efficiency or LEED certification, such as medical centers or office parks.
PVC is another single-ply membrane like TPO, but often better suited to buildings with rooftop grease, oils, or chemicals.
Pros:
Superior chemical resistance
Heat-welded seams for durability
Strong track record in food service, industrial, and chemical environments
Cons:
Typically, more expensive than TPO
Less flexible in colder temperatures (not a major concern in South Florida)
Best for: Restaurants, food processing plants, and facilities with rooftop exhausts.
Your commercial flat roofing system is more than just the membrane—it's an assembly that includes insulation, cover boards, and drainage design. These elements are essential for long-term performance.
High-performance insulation (like polyisocyanurate, or polyiso) helps control building temperatures, lower energy bills, and protect the membrane from thermal movement. In Florida's heat, using a reflective system with proper insulation can reduce cooling costs significantly.
Flat roofs are never truly flat—they're designed with slight slopes and drainage points. Proper drainage is critical to prevent ponding water, which can degrade materials and lead to premature failure. We engineer every Best Roofing system with positive drainage in mind, using tapered insulation and strategically placed internal or scupper drains.
Ignoring these components is one of the most common reasons flat roofs fail early. A great membrane installed on top of poor insulation or flawed drainage could be looked at as a wasted investment.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. At Best Roofing, we look at multiple factors before recommending a system:
Building Use: A manufacturing plant has different roofing needs than a medical office.
Rooftop Activity: Will HVAC units be serviced regularly? Will there be grease or chemical exposure?
Budget: Are you planning a capital improvement or temporary fix?
Energy Goals: Reflective roofs can significantly reduce cooling costs in South Florida.
Longevity vs. Flexibility: Do you want a 30-year system or a short-term solution?
We work closely with property managers, facility engineers, and building owners to understand your business—and then design a system that performs for the long haul.
No matter which system you choose, flat roofs demand regular inspection and care. At Best Roofing, we offer custom roof maintenance plans that:
Extend the lifespan of your investment
Catch small issues before they become expensive problems
Maintain manufacturer warranties
Document roof health for insurance or capital planning
Tip: Schedule inspections twice a year—before and after hurricane season.
Your roof isn't just a cap on your building—it's a critical asset that protects everything inside. At Best Roofing, we take that responsibility seriously.
Whether you're exploring new construction, dealing with storm damage, or just wondering if your current system is doing its job, we're here to help. Our team of expert commercial roofers is trusted across South Florida for dependable solutions, transparent communication, and unmatched workmanship.
Book Your Free Commercial Roof Assessment
Don't wait for a leak to act. Schedule a comprehensive inspection with Best Roofing and get expert insight into the health and future of your roof.