Essential Tips for Dealing with
Commercial Roof Hail Damage
Picture this: your business is booming, and everything’s going great until Mother Nature decides to throw a hailstorm your way. Ouch! Hailstorms can be highly destructive, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks, cracks, compromised structural integrity, or worse if left unchecked. And as a business owner or property manager, ensuring the longevity and durability of your commercial building is extremely important. In this article, we will explore essential tips for identifying, preventing, and repairing commercial roof hail damage to safeguard your investment and keep your business thriving.
Understanding the Impact of Commercial Roof Hail Damage
Commercial roof hail damage can have severe consequences for your property and its occupants. Hailstones can range in size from 3/4 inch (the size of peas) to 1 3/4 inch in diameter (the size of golf balls) causing punctures, dents, and fractures in various roofing materials. Over time, these damages can lead to leaks, water infiltration, and, in extreme cases, complete roof failure. On top of just harming your roof, neglecting hail damage can substantially hurt your bottom line, as the costs of repairs escalate with worsened damages.
Tip 1: Conduct Regular Roof Inspections
Prevention is always the best route when it comes to any damage, especially commercial roof hail damage. By staying proactive through regular roof inspections, potential issues can be identified early on and repairs can be made before the issues grow. You should schedule professional roof inspections at least twice a year to assess your roof’s condition thoroughly.
During these inspections, we’ll look for signs of hail damage, such as cracks, punctures, loose shingles, and granule loss. We’ll also inspect your flashings, gutters, and downspouts, as they are often vulnerable to hail impacts.
Tip 2: Invest in Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials
Choosing the right roofing materials can significantly minimize the impact of hail damage on your commercial roof. Opt for impact-resistant materials designed to withstand hailstones of varying sizes. Some of the most popular options include metal roofs, rubber roofing, and asphalt shingles with Class 4 hail ratings. These materials offer superior protection against hail impacts and can save you money on frequent repairs.
At Clayton Hoover & Sons, we use CertainTeed Landmark Shingles which has been redesigned with ClimateFlex® shingle technology, combining durable roofing asphalt with the performance benefits of rubberizing polymers. This results in impact-resistant shingles that offer an industry-leading Class 4 rating for protection against hail damage and hail impact, as well as superior surface granule adhesion and all-weather performance that protects year-round in almost any climate or condition.
Tip 3: Maintain Proper Roof Drainage
Proper roof drainage is essential to prevent water accumulation, especially after hailstorms. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning correctly to channel water away from the roof’s surface. Standing water on the roof can exacerbate hail damage and lead to leaks and structural issues over time.
You can learn more about properly maintaining your gutters and roof in our articles on 5 Signs You Need New Gutters and Leading Causes Of Commercial Roof Damage.
Tip 4: Address Hail Damage Promptly
If your commercial roof does sustain hail damage, immediate action is crucial. Ignoring the damage can result in more extensive problems and escalate the repair costs. Contact a reputable roofing contractor with experience in handling commercial roof hail damage to conduct a thorough inspection and provide an accurate assessment of the necessary repairs.
After assessing the damage, our team will apply temporary fixes, such as sealing punctures and tarping exposed areas, to prevent water damage while awaiting more extensive repairs. We’ll provide you with an estimate and will get you scheduled for repairs or a roof replacement, depending on the extent of the damages. With our professional expertise and the best asphalt shingles on the market, your roof will be backed by warranties to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the solutions applied.
Professional Hail Damage Repairs
Commercial roof hail damage is a significant concern for property owners. Understanding the impact of hail damage, conducting regular roof inspections, investing in impact-resistant materials, maintaining proper roof drainage, and addressing damage promptly are essential steps to protect your investment.
Remember, your commercial roof is an integral part of your business’s infrastructure, and protecting it is essential to safeguarding your bottom line. By hiring a professional roofing contractor for routine inspections and hail damage repairs, you’ll get expert advice on how to prevent future damages and the necessary steps to restore your roof.
Don’t underestimate the potential consequences of hail damage; take action now to secure your property and keep your business thriving for years to come. Contact us at ClaytonHoover.com/roofing or call 574-288-8630 to protect your business.