How To Spot Hail Damage

Large hail of ice taken from ground, on palm, on background of green grass in summer
Large hail of ice taken from ground, on palm, on background of green grass in summer

Your roof can’t hide from the elements. Rain or shine, your roof keeps the entire building safe. However, it’s easy to forget that your commercial roof isn’t invincible. Hail can seriously damage your roof, posing a threat to the integrity of your entire building. The single-ply membrane is vulnerable to punctures from sharp objects like fallen limbs or hail stones. If a roof is older, it may become more brittle, causing it to crack under the strike of a hailstone. Hail can also damage metal canopies or even break out plastic skylight domes. It’s essential to check your roof for damage after a hail event so you’ll know how to move forward with any repairs. Ignoring or not addressing hail damage on your commercial roof can lead to significant problems.

If you’ve experienced hailstones, check your roof for any damage once conditions are safe. The first thing to look for is cracks or dents in your ceiling and signs of hail damage. Based on your roof’s material, the damage could appear in different colors, such as white, black, yellow, or red. Take pictures of all the damage you see, even if you’re not sure it was caused by hail. This documentation will help you when it’s time to process your insurance claim.

Next, contact your insurance company. You’ll want to confirm whether your roof is covered or under warranty. At this point, it’s time to consider your roof repairs. While there are ways you could do it yourself, there are several risks involved, especially if you’re not a certified professional. If you’re not an accredited professional, some hazards include making the damage worse; some of the worst risks involve agitating the damage already there, personal injury, and wasting time and money due to inexperience. 

You deserve the best, most reliable repair services for your roof. A preventative measure we suggest when repairing is adding a rigid substrate that can be installed under the membrane to lessen the risk of a puncture from sharp objects, such as a dense deck or wood, in the future. At Mid-South Roof Systems, we combine our 30+ years of experience with our core values of excellence, efficiency, and knowledge. We’re always on time, on budget, and reliable. To request a consultation, call us today at (404) 361-5154. 

Posted in

Categories

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ?

Sign up for our newsletter to get fresh articles, updates and more!

Mid-South Roof Systems Team Members atop a roof working on water damage

Water Damage – The Good, The Bad, The Solution

Water is arguably one of the leading causes of accelerated aging on roofs, particularly flat roofs typical of large commercial and industrial buildings. Ponding water caused by rain, melted snow or leaking heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can contribute to the wearing down of the roof surface, leading to leaks, mold and decay.

Read More »

Signs of Winter Roof Damage on a Commercial Flat Roof

Winter weather can be tough on a commercial flat roof. Heavy snowfall, ice buildup, and extreme temperatures can all lead to roof damage. Snow accumulation could cause roof damage and leaks. Ice infiltration into seams and flashing will cause failure over time. If you see ice forming on your roof, the use of deicing cables…

Read More »