How to Spot Hail Damage on a Commercial Roof

Many property owners are not aware that hailstorms can do more damage to their commercial roof than they realize. Although some dents and cracks seem minor, they can weaken the roofing system and cause water leaks or insulation problems that may result in expensive structural repairs over the years. However, the complication is that a lot of the damage cannot be assessed from the ground.

Understanding how to spot hail damage commercial roofing problems early on helps prevent high costs of repairing a roof – And it serves to protect your investment and prolong the useful life of your roof. This guide will discuss what to look for after a hailstorm and how to proceed.

Table of Contents

What Makes Hail Damage a Critical Issue for Commercial Roofs

Commercial roofs have a larger surface area, so they are more susceptible to the winds that accompany severe weather. Whether it’s a metal roof, TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, or built-up roof, the size, speed, and density of hailstones can affect roofing materials.

And even if the roof seems like it has not been damaged, there can be internal damage:

Making tiny little holes for the water to get through
Weaken protective roof membranes
Reduce the roof’s lifespan
Cause mold and insulation damage
Increase future repair expenses

Prompt inspections in the wake of storms are vital for catching potential issues early on before they lead to escalating problems.

Hail Damage on a Commercial Flat Roof: Common Signs

Dents on Metal Components

The initial signs of hail damage are frequently most evident on metal flashing, vents, HVAC units, gutters, and rooftop equipment. New dents most often mean that the roof went through major storm damage.

Cracked or Torn Roofing Membranes

Repeated impacts from hail can cause small punctures, tears, or cracks in flat membranes. These gaps permit moisture to enter beneath the roof.

Granule Loss

Lastly, if your commercial building has asphalt roofing materials, be on the lookout for excess granules collecting in gutters or around downspouts. Granules, which prevent weathering and UV damage to the roof, quickly fall out.

Soft Spots or Depressions

Moisture has entered under layers of the roof surface and might be detected by spongy or soft spots while walking on the top. This is all stuff that needs immediate work from a professional.

Water Stains Inside the Building

Roof damage caused by hail might introduce ceiling stains, paint peeling, or moisture in your center without any apparent cause. These usually show up a couple of weeks after the storm.

Difficult Areas That Often Hide Roof Problems

Not all cases of damage are easily detectable. The most neglected areas are:

Roof edges and corners
Flashing around vents and skylights
HVAC equipment bases
Drainage systems
Expansion joints
Seams between roofing materials

Because these locations are the most vulnerable, having a professional inspection will ensure that these areas receive more scrutiny.

What to Do After a Hailstorm

Inspect the property safely. An imaginary tour of the building that shows any visible signs of dings, dented gutters, or debris will also be useful. Do not step on the roof unless it is 100% safe.
Document everything. Go outside and snap a picture of damage you can see, with a date stamp or mention of the storm.
Schedule a professional roof inspection. Professional commercial roofing contractors can find problems hidden from ground eyes.
Address repairs promptly. Do not wait until another storm comes along to worsen the slight damage.
Create a maintenance plan. Having year-round roof inspections allows you to identify weather-related problems before they turn into costly emergencies.

Key Takeaways

Hail damage is most probable, the damage is not always instantly visible within days of a storm.
Typical signs consist of dings, punctures in the membrane layer, organized loss of granules, and water stains on the interior.
Typically, hidden roof damage arises from the area around flashing, drains, and rooftop equipment.
Early detection reduces repair costs and assists with insurance claims.
Your commercial roofing system lasts much longer when maintained regularly.

Summary

Sometimes, hailstorms leave behind lasting damage that appears at first glance to be unnoticeable. Punctures and dents slowly become leaks, and compromised roofing materials lead to structural damage and expensive repairs down the line. If you learn how to spot the early signs of commercial roof damage and call for professional inspections following extreme weather, you can avoid costly repair bills while protecting your asset. Taking action now could prevent future repairs costing into the thousands.

Trust 911 Commercial Roofing to Keep Your Roof in the Best Condition

With a team of experts, 911 Commercial Roofing offers complete and thorough commercial roof inspections and quality storm damage assessments and repairs to help shield your property from the elements at any time of year. If you think hail damaged your commercial roof in a storm recently, call us now for an inspection and protect your investment before small issues grow into expensive ones.