Tampa Bay’s Flat Roofing Specialists

For over 50 years, Hendrick Roofing has installed and repaired flat roofs across Largo, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the greater Tampa Bay area. We know how flat roofing systems hold up under Florida sun, humidity and wind, and we build every roof with the proper slope and drainage to keep it watertight.

• Local experience. Serving Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and Manatee counties for five decades.
• Family owned and trusted. A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau and licensed statewide (CCC-1326123).
• Honest recommendations. We match the right system, built up, modified bitumen, TPO or EPDM, to your building and budget.
• Free estimates. Call 727-531-1025 and we will assess your property and give you a clear quote.

A flat roof is one of the smartest roofing options for homes and businesses across Largo, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area. It’s not truly flat, a subtle engineered slope moves water off the roof during our heavy afternoon storms and hurricane season downpours, protecting your building from ponding, leaks, and rot. Beyond superior weather protection, flat roofs offer real advantages for Tampa Bay property owners.

Flat roofing is one of the most practical options for Tampa Bay homes and businesses, from commercial buildings in Largo, St. Petersburg and Clearwater to homeowners with low-slope roof sections. Despite the name, a flat roof isn’t perfectly flat: it has a slight, often invisible slope that’s essential in Florida, moving water off the roof during heavy afternoon storms and hurricane season. Without that slope, water ponds under the sun and causes leaks, rot and premature roof failure.

There are three main flat roofing systems: built-up roofs, modified bitumen and membrane roofs. Each performs differently under Florida’s sun, humidity and wind, so the right choice depends on your building. At Hendrick Roofing, we’ve installed and repaired flat roofs across Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and Manatee counties for over 50 years.

Built Up Roofs

This is the traditional tar and gravel roof most people picture when they think of a commercial flat roof. Layers of waterproof material are built up with hot tar between them, topped with a layer of rock or stone. Older systems used tar paper, but newer fiberglass membranes now extend roof life.

Built up advantages:

• Less expensive than bitumen or membrane roofs
• Attractive appearance
• The gravel or stone top layer is an excellent fire retardant

Built up disadvantages:

• Very heavy
• May require structural reinforcement to carry the weight
• Strong odor and messy to install
• Leaks are difficult to locate
• Gravel can wash off and clog drains and gutters, a real concern during Florida storm season

Modified Bitumen Roofs

These are single ply rolled roofs finished with a mineral based topcoat as the wear surface. Originally torch down systems installed by heating the adhesive, they now also come in peel and stick versions that are safer and easier to install.

Modified bitumen advantages:

• Moderate price, usually between built up and membrane systems
• Light colored mineral coatings reflect sunlight and can lower cooling costs, which is a real benefit in the Tampa Bay heat
• Peel and stick options are available
• Lightweight

Modified bitumen disadvantages:

• The torch down installation process is a fire hazard
• Less wear resistant than membrane systems

Membrane Roofs (EPDM and TPO)

Often called rubber roofs, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a true rubber membrane that resists tearing and sun damage. TPO, a light colored single ply membrane, is a popular choice for Florida commercial buildings because its reflective surface helps fight our intense heat and can reduce energy bills. Installation options include glue down, ballasted with stone, or anchored with fasteners.

Membrane advantages:

• Lightweight
• Easily repaired or patched
• Scuff and tear resistant
• Straightforward to install

Membrane disadvantages:

• Can be punctured
• Standard EPDM is black and absorbs heat, so a reflective coating is worth the extra cost in Florida
• Energy efficient light coatings can cost more up front

Talk to a Tampa Bay Flat Roofing Contractor

Understanding the three flat roofing systems is the first step in choosing the right roof for your building. The next step is talking with a knowledgeable, local flat roofing contractor who knows how these systems hold up in Florida weather. Hendrick Roofing has served Largo, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area for over 50 years. We will walk your property, explain your options and recommend the system that fits your building and budget.

Call Hendrick Roofing at 727-531-1025 for a free flat roof estimate.