If you're in the market for a new Florida commercial roofing system, you can save thousands by combining the right choice in upgrades (e.g., high-quality cool roofing or metal roofing materials) with tax and financial incentives.
You have several options for the latter. There's the Section 179 Deduction, the EPAct Deduction, federal tax credits, and PACE Financing. Equally crucial is to choose a wind-resistant roofing material, given Florida's susceptibility to hurricanes and their disastrous consequences.
As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) points out, Florida experienced 94 confirmed climate/weather disaster events with losses of over $1 billion each from 1980 to 2024.
Don't wait for the next catastrophic hurricane to hit before you consider investing in commercial roofing upgrades. With proper planning and implementation, you can reduce roofing costs while protecting your property and strengthening it against Florida's extreme weather events.
What Classifies as a Commercial Roof in Florida?
In Florida, roofing systems classified as commercial roofs are those used for non-residential constructions. Examples include:
- Commercial shops and stores
- Warehouses
- Restaurants
- Office buildings
- Hotels and motels
Commercial roofs are also often larger than the ones installed in residential buildings and are typically low-slope or flat.
What Is the Most Common Commercial Roof Type in Florida?
High-quality roofs for Florida establishments boast durable materials. From metal to TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen, these are some examples of commercial roofing materials designed to withstand the state's challenging climate, as explained by the folks at WaterTite Commercial Roofing.
How Can You Save Thousands on Florida Commercial Roofing Upgrades?
Florida roofing solutions for commercial buildings are an expensive investment, potentially costing thousands and thousands of dollars.
With that kind of money on the line, it makes complete sense that you, a property owner, want to mitigate costs. At the same time, you want to ensure you get expert roofing services and a top-of-the-line system.
Fortunately, with due diligence and careful planning for upgrades, you can realize significant roofing investment savings.
Go for Energy-Efficient and Cooling Upgrades
One of the primary commercial roofing upgrades that can help you save thousands in the long run is a cool roofing system.
Cool roofs feature specialized coatings or materials that offer high solar reflectance, allowing them to "bounce" the sun's rays away. They also have high thermal emittance, which lets them release absorbed heat. Thanks to these features, the surface of cool roofs stays much cooler than their traditional counterparts.
As a result, heat transfer into the building gets reduced, improving comfort while also lowering cooling costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also says cool roofs can improve health and comfort and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution.
Choose Quality Materials
Opting for high-quality materials, such as durable metal or TPO, is another way to save loads over the life of your next commercial roof. With their hardness and long life span, you can minimize costly repairs and the risk of expensive premature replacement.
Explore Tax and Financial Incentives
As a business owner, you can apply for an immediate deduction of the full cost of a qualifying commercial roof upgrade in the same year you place it in service under Section 179 of the U.S. tax code. With this incentive, you can invest in your facility and enjoy the benefits of your roof upgrades without having to depreciate their cost over a long time.
Another program that can help you offset the cost of a new commercial roof is the EPAct Deduction or 179D. 179D allows for deductions for eligible energy-efficient property, including those for a building's envelope (like the roof). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, qualifying property can get a deduction of $2.90 to $5.81 per square foot.
You may also be eligible for federal tax credits if you install an ENERGY STAR-certified roofing system.
Additionally, there's PACE Financing, a program available for energy-saving upgrades, including energy-efficient roofing systems. If you qualify, you can get low-cost, long-term financing for your new commercial roof.
Do Your Due Diligence
Before investing in an upgrade, investigate the actual condition of your existing roof through a reliable roofer's comprehensive inspection. Their detailed reports can reveal the overall condition of the system, which can then give you valuable insights into whether it needs replacing or if repairs are still cost-effective and feasible.
If a replacement is in order, choose who to delegate the task to with care. Verify each roofing contractor's credentials (e.g., licensure, insurance, and industry/manufacturer certifications). You should also request estimates from at least three contractors, which can give you leeway for price negotiations.
Then, once you have your roof upgrades in place, conduct due diligence by implementing a proactive maintenance approach. With proper care and upkeep, you can prevent costly repairs and help ensure your system lasts as long (or even longer) than its estimated useful service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a New Roof Lower Your Insurance?
It can. If you invest in a new commercial roof made of high-quality materials with exceptional wind resistance and impressive durability, your commercial insurance company will likely perceive your building as lower risk.
The lower the risk that insurers have to take on, the lower their odds of having to pay out a claim later. They can then pass on these "potential" savings through reduced premiums.
What Maintenance Does a Commercial Roof Need?
Maintaining your commercial roof is integral to preventing costly damage, so ensure you have it scheduled for regular professional inspections, ideally twice a year. Book it for assessments after major storms, too.
You should also enlist the services of a licensed, insured, and bonded commercial roofer for routine debris removal and drainage clearing. Reliable roofers will let you know if there's any issue with your system that needs addressing, such as potential leaks from ponding water.
A reputable contractor will also recommend the most appropriate resolutions to roofing problems, which you should then heed to extend your system's life.
Save Loads When Investing in Florida Commercial Roofing Upgrades
Florida commercial roofing upgrades are undoubtedly hefty investments, but with the right material choices (e.g., energy-efficient cool roofing or metal roofing), tax and financial incentives, and the help of a reputable contractor, you can potentially save thousands on these improvements.
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