When hurricane-force winds tore away a portion of this multi-story building’s roof in Daytona, the property required immediate professional intervention to prevent further water damage. The existing flat roof system had failed under extreme weather conditions, leaving the building vulnerable to Florida’s intense sun and seasonal storms. DeSantis Roofing responded with a comprehensive roof replacement that included complete debris removal, tapered insulation installation, and a new adhered TPO membrane system.
This commercial roofing project presented unique challenges due to the building’s 90-foot height and urban location. The scope of work required crane operations to safely transport materials to the roof deck and remove damaged components through a debris chute system. The final installation features a white TPO membrane, custom metal coping at perimeter edges, and a tapered insulation system ensuring proper drainage.
Assessing Hurricane Wind Damage on Commercial Roofs
Hurricane winds create uplift forces that can compromise roof membrane adhesion and tear away sections of commercial roofing systems. In this case, the storm had lifted a substantial portion of the existing roof, exposing the insulation layer and creating immediate water intrusion risks. Professional assessment revealed that complete roof replacement would be more cost-effective than attempting repairs on a compromised system.
The building’s height and exposure to coastal weather patterns made it essential to install a roof system engineered for high-wind zones. Florida’s building codes require enhanced attachment methods and wind-rated materials for structures in hurricane-prone regions. The fully adhered TPO system provides superior wind resistance and eliminates potential weak points where fasteners might fail during future storms.
Crane Operations for High-Rise Roofing Projects
Working at 90 feet above ground level requires specialized equipment and rigorous safety measures to protect workers and surrounding property. DeSantis Roofing coordinated crane services to lift pallets of new TPO membrane, insulation boards, adhesives, and metal coping materials directly to the roof deck. This approach eliminated multiple trips up interior stairwells and minimized disruption to building occupants during the installation.
The debris removal phase utilized a controlled chute system that directed old roofing materials to ground-level dumpsters. Crane operators worked in coordination with roof crews to maintain steady workflow while adhering to weight capacity limits and wind speed restrictions. All personnel wore appropriate fall protection harnesses and followed OSHA guidelines for working at heights throughout the project.
Complete Tear-Off and Deck Preparation
The existing roof required complete removal down to the structural deck before new materials could be installed. Crews systematically stripped away damaged membrane, saturated insulation, and any compromised substrate materials that could affect the new system’s performance. This tear-off phase revealed the full extent of water infiltration and allowed inspectors to verify the underlying deck structure remained sound.
Once cleared, the deck surface underwent thorough cleaning and inspection to identify areas requiring repair or reinforcement. Workers removed all debris, loose fasteners, and residual adhesive that could create irregularities beneath the new roof system. The preparation included ensuring the deck was completely dry before proceeding, as trapped moisture could lead to premature failure.
Tapered Insulation for Proper Drainage
Flat commercial roofs require engineered drainage solutions to prevent water pooling that can accelerate membrane deterioration. The tapered insulation system uses panels of varying thickness to create subtle slopes that direct water toward designated drain locations. This design eliminates standing water issues while providing consistent thermal protection across the entire roof surface.
Installation crews followed precise layout plans to position tapered insulation panels in correct orientation and sequence. Each board was mechanically fastened to the deck and covered with a layer of cover board that provides impact resistance. The multi-layer insulation approach delivers superior R-value for energy efficiency while maintaining structural integrity needed to withstand Florida’s intense summer heat.
TPO Membrane Installation with Full Adhesion
Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofing membrane offers exceptional durability, heat reflectivity, and weather resistance for commercial flat roof applications. The white surface reflects up to 80 percent of solar radiation, significantly reducing cooling costs compared to darker roof systems. TPO’s chemical resistance and flexibility allow it to perform reliably in Florida’s humid climate while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction.
The fully adhered installation method bonds the TPO membrane directly to the underlying cover board using specialized adhesives applied across the entire surface. This technique eliminates mechanical fasteners that could create potential leak points and provides maximum wind uplift resistance rated for coastal hurricane zones. Seams between membrane sheets were heat-welded using specialized equipment that creates watertight bonds stronger than the material itself.
Custom Metal Coping and Edge Details
Perimeter edge details represent critical waterproofing transition points where the horizontal roof membrane meets vertical parapet walls. New custom-fabricated metal coping caps were installed along all exterior edges to provide finished appearance while protecting vulnerable termination points from wind-driven rain. The metal components were precisely measured, cut, and formed to match the building’s architectural details.
Installation of edge metal requires careful coordination with membrane work to create layered protection against water intrusion. The TPO membrane extends up the parapet wall and is secured beneath the metal coping. All fasteners receive sealant treatment, and metal sections overlap according to manufacturer specifications with concealed fasteners wherever possible.
Quality Assurance and Waterproofing Inspections
Upon completion of the membrane and metal installation, the roof underwent comprehensive inspections to verify proper installation. Crews conducted flood testing in critical areas, checked all seam welds with specialized probes, and confirmed that flashings around penetrations were properly sealed. This quality control process ensures the roof will perform as designed.
The completed roof system carries manufacturer warranties covering both materials and installation workmanship. Documentation includes detailed photos of the installation process, warranty certificates, and maintenance recommendations to help extend the roof’s service life. Regular inspections will keep this new TPO system performing optimally for decades despite Florida’s challenging weather conditions.
Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Performance
The reflective white TPO membrane qualifies for Energy Star certification and can significantly reduce the building’s cooling costs throughout Florida’s extended summer season. By reflecting solar heat rather than absorbing it, the roof surface stays substantially cooler than traditional dark-colored membranes. This temperature reduction decreases the thermal load on HVAC systems.
Beyond energy savings, the new roof system provides enhanced protection against future hurricane events with its fully adhered installation and high wind-rating. The tapered insulation eliminates drainage issues that could compromise the membrane. Property managers can expect minimal maintenance requirements and reliable performance from this commercial-grade roofing solution.
Expert Commercial Roofing Throughout Florida
DeSantis Roofing specializes in commercial roof replacements and storm damage restoration for multi-story buildings throughout Central Florida. Our experienced crews handle complex logistical challenges including high-elevation work, crane operations, and coordinated installations that minimize disruption to occupied buildings. We understand the unique requirements of Florida’s building codes and coastal wind zones.
Located in Apopka and serving the Daytona Beach area, we deliver professional service backed by manufacturer certifications and comprehensive warranties. Contact us at (321) 501-6220 to schedule a free roof inspection and consultation. Whether addressing storm damage or planning preventive replacement, our team provides reliable solutions that protect your commercial property investment.
