Florida Building Code mandates a secondary water barrier on every roof replacement within the HVHZ. For tile roofs in Coral Gables, this means a self-adhering peel-and-stick membrane applied directly to the structural roof deck before any other roofing layer is installed. The membrane acts as a backup waterproofing surface: if hurricane-force winds strip the tile from the battens, the secondary barrier keeps rain from penetrating the deck and entering the home. Without it, a roof that loses its tile covering in a storm becomes an open channel for water intrusion into the ceiling, insulation, and living space below.
Haven Home Remodeling Group uses a self-adhering modified bitumen membrane that meets the product approval requirements of Miami-Dade County. The membrane is rolled onto the deck and sealed at every lap joint and pipe penetration. Seam integrity is critical because any gap in the membrane defeats its function as a continuous waterproof layer. Haven’s roofing crews inspect every seam before the underlayment and batten system are installed over the top. This secondary water barrier installation is verified by the building inspector during the open-deck inspection, which occurs before any tile is set.