Serving Tampa and nearby areas
The warning signs that a Tampa commercial roof needs a look, and a free inspection and written estimate scheduled the same day you call.
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Need help sooner? Call (656) 233-6113.
We connect property owners in Tampa and nearby areas, including Downtown Tampa, Westshore, East Tampa, Brandon, Riverview and Plant City, with one independent local commercial roofing specialist.
Most rain falls in four months
Tampa averages 49.48 inches of rain a year, and about 30 inches of it falls from June through September, according to the National Weather Service. Summer is when small roof problems turn into leaks.
Hot roofs, every summer
Normal highs at Tampa reach about 91 degrees in July and August. A flat roof in full sun gets much hotter than the air, which dries out sealants and opens seams over time.
Milton's rain and wind
Hurricane Milton dropped 18.88 inches of rain at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg and 16.88 inches on McKay Creek near Largo in October 2024, with gusts of about 96 mph at Tampa International Airport. Roofs that survived it may still have hidden damage.
Helene's record water
Hurricane Helene pushed water to 6.67 feet above normal high tide at Clearwater Beach and 6.31 feet at St. Petersburg in September 2024. Salt water and wind near the bay are hard on roofs, edges and rooftop units.
You do not have to climb on the roof to know something is wrong. Most commercial roof problems show up inside the building, in the parking lot, or in the utility bill before anyone sees the roof itself.
Here are the signs Tampa property and facility managers should watch for. If you see any of them, call (656) 233-6113 or send the form. We call you back and get your inspection and written estimate scheduled the same day you reach us.
Stained or sagging ceiling tiles
The most common sign. Brown rings mean water has been getting in, maybe for a while.
Drips or puddles after rain
Especially in the same spot every storm.
Water stains on walls,
Often near the top where the wall meets the roof.
A musty smell or mold
In upper floors or near outside walls. Wet insulation above the ceiling can hold water for a long time.
Rust on the underside of a metal deck,
If you can see it in a warehouse.
Light coming through
In a warehouse with no ceiling. If light gets in, water can too.
Higher cooling bills
Wet insulation does not insulate. A roof that is wet underneath can make the AC work harder.
If you have safe roof access, look for these. Stay away from the edges and skylights.
Water that sits for more than about two days
After rain.
Clogged drains and scuppers,
Full of leaves, dirt or storm debris.
Seams that are lifting or open
On white or black single-ply roofs.
Bubbles, blisters or soft spots
That feel spongy underfoot.
Cracks, crazing or a chalky surface
From years of sun.
Flashing pulled away
From walls, curbs, pipes or rooftop units.
Loose or rusted screws
And rust spots on a metal roof.
Bent or loose edge metal,
Especially at corners.
Patches on top of patches
A roof with many old repairs may be near the end.
Tampa storms can damage a roof without causing a leak right away. After any major wind event, look for:
Edge metal that is bent, lifted or missing
Debris on the roof,
Like branches, signs or parts of other buildings.
Rooftop units that moved,
Tipped or lost panels.
Torn or lifted roof sections,
Often starting at corners.
New leaks inside
In the days and weeks after the storm.
Take dated photos from the ground if it is safe, and have the roof inspected soon. A written report with photos helps your insurance claim. See commercial roof inspection.
Some signs point to a repair. Others point to a roof that has run out of time:
If that sounds like your roof, ask about roof coatings if the insulation is dry, or a new roof if it is not. See commercial roofing and the cost guide.
It is worth a look. A stain means water got in somewhere, and on a flat roof the leak point is often far from the stain. Catching it early usually means a small repair instead of wet insulation.
A little water that dries within about two days is common. Water that is still there after that adds weight, wears out the surface and finds weak spots. Have the drains and low spots checked.
Yes. Wind damage at edges, seams and flashing is often hard to see from the ground and may not leak until the next hard rain. Dated photos taken soon after the storm also help with an insurance claim.
Only if there is safe access and you follow your building's safety rules. Stay away from edges, skylights and wet or soft areas. Never go up during a storm. You can also check for signs from inside, which is often enough to know you need a call.
Water coming in near electrical equipment, a ceiling that sags, or a roof deck that feels soft or bouncy. Call right away and keep people clear of the area.
It depends on the system. Published guides put TPO and PVC at about 15 to 30 years, EPDM at about 20 to 30 and metal at 30 to 50 or more. If yours is near the end of that range, an inspection helps you plan.
Call (656) 233-6113 or send the form. Tell us what you are seeing. We call you back and get your inspection and written estimate scheduled the same day you call.