TPO, modified bitumen, and built-up systems for hidden flat roofs.
Many Coral Gables mid-century moderns, contemporary infill homes, and commercial buildings have flat roofs behind parapets. These roofs don't read from the street, so BAR rarely reviews them — but they live with the same hurricane code, the same salt-zone exposure, and the same live-oak debris load as a tile roof. The system matters.
Systems we install
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) — white reflective single-ply membrane. Best for cooling-load reduction, common on contemporary homes and commercial properties.
- Modified bitumen (mod-bit) — multi-layer asphalt-based system, torch-applied or cold-applied. Excellent durability under foot traffic and debris.
- Built-up roof (BUR) — traditional layered asphalt-and-gravel system, used selectively where the existing system has been BUR for decades and the deck is sound.
- EPDM (rubber) — less common in HVHZ, used occasionally on small commercial flat roofs.
Why drainage matters more than membrane
The most common Coral Gables flat-roof failure isn't the membrane — it's ponding water from inadequate drainage. We design tapered insulation patterns to move water to internal drains and scuppers within manufacturer-spec timeframes (typically 48 hours of dry weather). On older parapet roofs, we re-evaluate drain placement and add overflow scuppers when needed.
Tree canopy considerations
Coral Gables' live-oak canopy drops leaves, acorns, and small branches year-round. A flat roof under canopy needs more drain maintenance than an open-yard property — we recommend leaf-strainers at every drain and a quarterly visual inspection during oak-fall season.
What's included
- Tear-off of existing membrane (or recover where deck condition allows)
- Tapered insulation system for proper drainage
- Membrane installation per manufacturer spec and HVHZ NOA
- Flashing at parapets, drains, scuppers, and curbs
- Drain bowl and overflow scupper evaluation and replacement
- Final inspection and warranty handoff
Timeline and warranty
A typical Coral Gables single-family flat-roof replacement runs three to seven working days once permitted. Manufacturer warranties on premium TPO systems run 20–30 years. Our workmanship warranty is provided in writing with the project documents.