Even if there are no apparent leaks right after a hailstorm, a commercial roof can still be severely damaged. Hail can break roofing materials, dislodge flashing, strip protective coatings, and form weak points that lead to water infiltration later. A commercial roof maintenance checklist after a storm will help business owners catch issues early and make repairs before they become a costly problem.

Post-storm inspection should be systematic and thorough. Some areas may be able to be checked from the ground, but a professional roofing contractor will be able to inspect the roof itself to determine hidden damage safely.

Table of Contents

Examine the Roof Surface

The first thing you should do when it comes to the commercial roof maintenance checklist is to take a look at the roof surface as a whole. Inspect for dents, cracks, punctures, loose material, and damaged areas in the roofing membrane.

The impact marks caused by hail can be insignificant, but over time the roof will become weaker. For membrane-covered roofs, inspect for tears, punctures, or separation. For metal roofs, look for dents, finishes that are damaged, or exposed spots where corrosion can form.

Don’t overlook minor-looking damage. Small defects can be exacerbated by repeated exposure to rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations.

Check Flashing, Seams, and Edges

Vulnerable areas that are exposed where sections of the roof meet are protected by flashing. When you’re conducting a commercial roof maintenance checklist, thoroughly check flashing on vents, skylights, chimneys, roof edges, and other penetrations.

Check for bent, cracked, loose, or displaced flashing. Seams should also be checked for signs of separation or deterioration. These areas are also vulnerable to water intrusion due to hail and strong winds.

Any repairs to flashing or seams should be done promptly if they are damaged.

Review Gutter and Drainage

Drainage is critical to commercial roofing systems. After each significant hailstorm, include gutters, downspouts, drains, and scuppers in your commercial roof maintenance checklist.

Look for leaves, dirt, hail debris, and other items that might impede drainage. Check for dents, cracks, loose connections, or standing water around drains as well.

Drainage that is obstructed may lead to water accumulation on the roof surface, leading to leaks and structural issues. Maintaining good drainage helps to keep the roof and the structure underneath safe.

Also Read: Commercial Roof Maintenance Checklist for Building Owners

Look for Interior Damage

Not everything on the roof will be damaged by storms. Include ceiling, wall, insulation, and upper-level areas of the roof space on your commercial roof maintenance checklist to check for water intrusion.

Look for any water stains, peeling paint, damp insulation, odd smells, or water dripping. These signs can be a clue that the roof membrane or the other protective layer has been damaged by hail.

If there is no leak, moisture can accumulate in the roofing materials and cause larger issues in the future.

Record Damage and Schedule Repairs

Photograph any damage that can be seen and record the location of any damage. Documentation will be useful in discussing repairs and insurance claims.

The last thing on your commercial roof maintenance checklist should be a professional inspection. Roofing professionals are equipped with the tools and expertise to detect damage that might not be apparent in a visual inspection.

Key Takeaways

Post-hail check commercial roofing systems following major hailstorms.
Check for dents, cracks, punctures, and loose materials.
Inspect flashing, seams, roof edges and penetrations.
Clean and check gutters and drains.
Look for interior signs of leaks and moisture.
Take pictures of any damage to the document.
Schedule a professional inspection if there is damage.

Summary

Roof damage can be left behind by a hailstorm and can get worse over time. A comprehensive commercial roof maintenance checklist will help you determine if there are any issues that can cause a leak, structural damage, business disruption, or expensive repair. Hiring a professional roofing company for prompt inspections and maintenance will help your commercial roofing system last longer.

Call 911 Commercial Roofing To Protect Your Commercial Roof

Have you had a hailstorm in your commercial property recently? Avoid waiting for a leak to detect the damage. 911 Commercial Roofing can help inspect your roof, determine if there are issues arising from the storm, and recommend repairs. Call us today to arrange a professional roof inspection post-hail and keep your business safe.