What Tampa weather does to a commercial roof
Wind gets under the edges. In a hurricane, wind does not push down on a flat roof. It pulls up. The corners and edges feel that pull the most. If the metal edge or the first row of fasteners lets go, the wind can peel back a whole section. That is why Florida roof systems are tested and approved for how much uplift they can hold. The code's strictest High-Velocity Hurricane Zone covers only Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but roofs in Tampa still have to meet the state's wind rules for this area.
Rain finds every gap. Tampa gets most of its rain from June through September, often in a hard afternoon storm. A roof that drains slowly holds water. Standing water finds pinholes and weak seams, then soaks the insulation.
Sun wears it down. Strong sun, nearly all year, breaks down the top layer of many roofs. Black roofs get hot. Coatings chalk and thin out. Seams that were tight when new can open up after years of heat.
Salt air near the bay. Buildings near the water in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater face salt spray that speeds up rust on metal roofs, fasteners and rooftop units.