If you own or manage a commercial building in the Midwest, you are no stranger to severe weather. Hailstorms, in particular, can strike with little warning and leave behind considerable damage, especially to your building’s roof. While some signs of hail damage are obvious, others can go unnoticed until they turn into costly problems. That is why business owners in Niles, Michigan trust our team at Armor Commercial Roofing to assess, repair, and protect their roofs after a storm. If you suspect you have a hail damaged roof, don’t wait, and call our team today at 517-617-6953 to get your roof inspected.
Signs of Hail Damage
After a hailstorm, it is essential to inspect your property, especially the roof. Even small hailstones can weaken roofing materials, leading to leaks and structural issues over time. Here are some common signs your commercial roof may have sustained hail damage:
- Visible Dents or Cracks: On metal roofs, hail can leave noticeable dents. On membrane systems like TPO or EPDM, you may see cracks or punctures.
- Punctures Around Seams and Penetrations: Seams, drains, and areas around rooftop penetrations like vents or HVAC curbs are especially vulnerable to hail impact. Damage in these areas often leads to leaks and long-term water intrusion.
- Pooling Water: Impact from hail can affect the slope or drainage system of your roof, leading to standing water, which accelerates wear and promotes leaks.
- Torn Membranes or Flashing: Hail can lift, tear, or puncture membrane roofing or flashing, compromising your roof’s waterproofing abilities.
- Damage to Rooftop Equipment: HVAC units, vents, skylights, and other rooftop elements often show visible hail impact. Their damage is a strong indicator that your roof itself may also be affected.
Since not all damage is immediately visible from the ground or even to the untrained eye, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection after any significant hail event.
The Repair Process
Once damage is identified, the hail damaged roof repair process begins with a detailed evaluation. We follow a proven repair process to restore your roof’s integrity efficiently and effectively:
- Thorough Inspection: Our team uses industry-standard tools and techniques to assess the extent of the hail damage, including infrared scanning when needed to detect hidden moisture.
- Damage Documentation: Photographs and reports are prepared for your insurance claim, making the process smoother and more accurate.
- Customized Repair Plan: Based on the damage, a repair plan is created. This may involve patching torn membranes, replacing damaged sections, or reapplying protective coatings.
- Material Matching: Whenever possible, we use materials that match the original system to maintain appearance and performance consistency.
- Final Quality Check: Once repairs are completed, a final inspection ensures your roof is watertight and up to code.
In some cases, if the damage is widespread or if the roofing system is nearing the end of its life, our team at Armor Commercial Roofing may recommend a full or partial replacement.
The Risks of Ignoring Hail Damaged Roof
Ignoring hail damage might seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it can quickly turn into a major liability. Here is what can happen if a hail damaged roof is not repaired promptly:
- Water Leaks: Even small punctures can allow water to infiltrate your building, damaging insulation, ceilings, walls, and equipment.
- Mold and Mildew: Persistent leaks create the perfect environment for mold growth, which can affect indoor air quality and lead to health risks.
- Decreased Energy Efficiency: Compromised insulation and roof membranes can lead to higher energy bills due to lost heat or cool air.
- Structural Damage: Water intrusion can weaken the building’s structure, leading to costly and dangerous repairs.
- Voided Warranties and Insurance Claims: Delayed action may void roofing warranties or reduce insurance payouts if it’s determined that you didn’t act in a timely manner.
Armor Commercial Roofing emphasizes proactive maintenance and timely repairs to protect your investment and avoid long-term complications.
Repair Your Hail Damaged Roof
Hail damage is a serious threat to commercial roofs, and acting quickly is the key to minimizing its impact. For business owners in Niles, Michigan, our team at Armor Commercial Roofing provides the experience, equipment, and dedication needed to identify and repair hail damage before it becomes a major issue. With a commitment to customer service, detailed inspections, and top-quality workmanship, we help protect your property, preserve your roof’s lifespan, and give you peace of mind from a hail damaged roof. Call us today on 517-617-6953.
FAQ
How soon after a hailstorm should I get my roof inspected?
It is best to schedule an inspection within a few days of the storm to catch damage early and start the insurance process promptly.
Will my insurance cover hail damage repairs?
Most commercial property insurance policies cover hail damage. Armor Commercial Roofing can assist with inspection reports and documentation to support your claim.
How long does it take to repair hail damage?
Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can take anywhere from a day to several days. Larger repairs or partial replacements may take longer.
Can small hail really cause serious damage?
Yes, even small hailstones can weaken roofing materials, especially over time. Repeated minor impacts can lead to major damage if not addressed.