An in-progress roofing project showing insulation boards laid out on a flat roof with a boom lift in the background.

Industrial Roofing Systems In Florida

Differences Between Commercial and Industrial Roofing

Although the terms “commercial roofing” and “industrial roofing” are often used interchangeably, there are notable differences. Generally, industrial roofing is viewed as a segment of the overall commercial roofing industry. Commercial properties involve the business or professional use of a non-residential structure or building. They typically encompass everything from restaurants and retail shops to warehouses and factories. Industrial properties have a much more limited scope. They usually incorporate factories, power plants, warehouses, and shipping centers.

StormForce Roofing works with industrial property owners and building managers to provide exceptional roofing services. We understand the unique challenges that come with servicing industrial roofing. Whether your structure requires roof repair, maintenance, or replacement, we offer expert guidance, unmatched craftsmanship, and the highest quality roofing materials to ensure long-lasting roofing solutions. Industrial property owners and building managers trust us to deliver prompt, professional, and budget-conscious roofing services without exception.

A completed flat roof with a reflective white coating, typically used for energy efficiency and extending the roof life on commercial buildings.

Defining An Industrial Facility

Like any real estate classification system, industrial facilities encompass a variety of buildings and structures designed to promote functionality over aesthetics. Typically, industrial complexes are intended to support heavy machinery and equipment. Often, they will utilize an open floor plan with high ceilings (and, in many cases, incorporate an extensive amount of natural light.)

Because industrial facilities are subject to strict regulatory guidelines, compliance issues (from local, state, and federal governments and agencies) can be complex and difficult to understand. How a roof is constructed, managed, and repaired significantly contributes to this regulatory equation. Thus, you should only work with a highly experienced industrial roofing contractor.

Industrial buildings usually fall into one of three primary categories:

  • Heavy/Heavy-Duty Industrial Buildings
  • Auto Manufacturing Plants
  • Light Manufacturing Buildings
  • General Purpose Warehouses
  • Specialized Warehouses
  • Hazard Material (HAZMAT) Facilities
  • Storage Facilities
  • Industrial and Commercial Storage Warehouses
  • Shipping and Distribution Centers
  • Refrigeration/Cold Storage Buildings
  • Truck Terminals/Cross-Dock Facilities
  • Telecommunications/Telecom Centers
  • Small Warehouse Buildings
  • Mixed Use Industrial/Retail/Office Spaces
  • R&D Centers
  • Wet Lab or Biotechnology/Biotech Buildings
  • Light Manufacturing Facilities
  • Data Centers
  • Showroom Properties
  • Auto/Vehicle Dealerships
A telescopic lift conveying roofing materials to the roof of a building, with a focus on industrial roofing maintenance or installation.

Roof Repairs For Industrial Properties

Commonly, industrial facilities involve an expansive layout with thousands (if not tens or hundreds of thousands) of square feet of roofing. With such a large building (or buildings) to monitor, industrial property owners and managers often have difficulty identifying problematic areas (or spotting potential issues that may require addressing in the very near future.) In fact, some roofing challenges can take weeks or even months to notice.

In addition to outside or natural elements (such as rain, wind, hail, snow, or ice), manmade chemicals, exhausts, and residues from various manufacturing processes often will adversely affect the composition of roofing materials (and the building’s structural integrity.) The impact of these forces produces premature degradation or erosion of an industrial building’s roofing system. Restoring the roof becomes necessary before it’s too late.

Comprehensive Industrial Roofing Solutions

At StormForce Roofing, we address the following roofing problems with common-sense, long-lasting solutions:

  • Billowing Roof Materials
  • Breaks and Shrinkage
  • Broken Seams
  • Hail Damage
  • Ponding Water
  • Punctures, Holes, and Tears
  • Reinforcing Weak Points
  • Replacing Flashings
  • Ridging and Splitting
  • Roof Leaks
  • Securing Loose Tiles/Shingles
  • Storm Damage
Close-up of insulation boards being laid on a flat roof for thermal efficiency, part of the industrial roofing process.

Industrial Roof Replacement Services

Typically, a roof replacement is a significant undertaking (in terms of time and expense) because of the relative largeness of most industrial facilities. Deciding to remove and replace an existing industrial roof with a new one requires careful consideration and conscientious budget planning. A business may also experience a certain amount of operational disruption (i.e., downtime) and involve a significant adjustment of logistical considerations (at least temporarily.)

Knowing what type of industrial roof best serves your needs demands a thorough understanding of many relevant factors. For example, you should analyze what kind of ventilation system your building incorporates. Your geographical location and prevailing weather conditions play a significant role in determining your ideal roofing system. For example, if you want to maximize natural lighting entering your building, you will want to consider whether skylights make sense.

Many kinds of industrial roofing systems exist depending on your needs and preferences. They include the following options as outlined below:

Type of Industrial Roofing MaterialFeatures & Benefits
Asphalt Shingle Roof
  • Durable
  • Easy installation
  • Flexible roofing material
  • Less expensive/more affordable
  • Not ideal for flat (or most) industrial roofing
  • Outstanding curb appeal
  • Weather resistant
Built-Up Roof (BUR)
  • Attractive aesthetic for flat roofs
  • Cost-effective over time
  • Extremely waterproof
  • Highly durable
  • Known to last 50 years or more
  • Requires little maintenance
  • Resistant to UV rays
Concrete Roof
  • Energy efficient
  • Extremely durable
  • Fire retardant/nonflammable
  • Heavy (requires strong structural support)
  • Highly impact resistant
  • Low maintenance
  • Offers extended lifespan
Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) Single-Ply Roof Membrane (Thermoset)
  • Acid, alcohol, and solvent resistant
  • Cold resistant
  • Eco-friendly
  • Energy-efficient and cost-effective
  • Fire retardant/nonflammable
  • Lasts up to 40 years
  • Rubbery material that is easy to maintain
Green Roof
  • Aesthetically-pleasing
  • Aids drainage system
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Improves air quality
  • Low maintenance
  • Outstanding rainwater retention system
  • Provides 50-75 years of longevity
Metal Roof (Corrugated or Galvanized)
  • Extended longevity of 40-80 years
  • Eco-friendly
  • Fire retardant/nonflammable
  • Many options (aluminum, copper, steel, zinc)
  • Not ideal for flat roofs due to lack of draining
  • Strongly wind resistant
  • Versatile
Modified Bitumen Roof
  • Applied to flat and low-slope roofs
  • Asphalt with modifiers added for durability
  • Easy to install
  • Granules protect against UV rays
  • Maintains structural integrity in cold weather
  • Unbeatable impact and tear resistance
  • Works well with heavy foot traffic
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Roof (Thermoplastic)
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Expensive roof material but highly durable
  • Life expectancy of 15-30 years
  • Resistant to chemical exposure
  • Fire retardant/nonflammable
  • Low maintenance
  • Weatherproof, including wind resistant
Roof Coating Systems
  • Applied as a liquid over existing roof surface
  • Forms a seamless, water-tight membrane
  • Outstanding U/V protection
  • Prolongs the roof’s longevity
  • Protects and restores roof substrates
  • Requires fewer roof repairs
  • Reduces energy consumption (utility costs)
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roof
  • Can be installed on any roof slope
  • Energy efficient
  • Highly durable
  • Lightweight
  • Known to last 50+ years
  • Starts as a liquid and morphs into a foam
  • Useful in almost any climate or region
  • Waterproof and seamless
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Single-Ply Roof Membrane
  • Algae, bacteria, and debris resistant
  • Does not easily puncture
  • Fire retardant/nonflammable
  • Extremely durable
  • Lifespan of 10-25 years
  • Reflective material
  • Wind resistant
Tile Roof
  • Durable and long-lasting for up to 50 years
  • Extremely versatile
  • Holds color extremely well
  • Offers excellent drainage system
  • Provides an aesthetically pleasing look
  • Requires little to no maintenance
  • Rot and degradation-resistant

Contact StormForce Roofing today to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a free inspection to assess your industrial roof’s condition.