If you have ever experienced a summer hail storm, then you know how hazardous it can be. Hail can break windows, dent vehicles, and cause significant damage to one of the most vulnerable spots on your building: the roof. What exactly does hail damage look like on your roof? For commercial flat roofs, it may be harder to detect the damage unless the size of the hail is rather large. It also depends on your roofing system.
On PVC and TPO roofing systems, hail creates cracks that look like crow’s feet or circular patterns.
EPDM roofing systems can be more flexible than PVC or TPO membranes, but signs of damage can look similar. Ballasted EPDM roof systems allow for greater protection due to the added layer of ballast on top of the roof membrane itself.
Metal panels on a roofing system commonly develop dents caused by hail. These dents can lead to cracks or rusted spots, in which case will need to be professionally repaired.
BUR and Modified Bitumen roof systems provide extra protection from hail with either gravel or a two-ply construction. However, if hail shifts the asphalt granules or cracks the membrane’s reinforcement, it will need to be handled by a professional.
Being proactive in getting your roof inspected before a season of summer storms is important, as it helps in the process of submitting an insurance claim if hail damage occurs. This allows insurance companies to have a recent report prior to any future damage the summer storms may bring.
It is also important to have your roof inspected after a hail storm to document any damage. Unless the damage is allowing water into the building, it is common for property managers to not realize their building has significant issues. This results in a delay with filing a hail damage commercial roof insurance claim. It is key that the extent of damage is found early on in order to back a successful hail damage claim. As with other types of property insurance claims, hail damage commercial roof insurance claims require swift notice to your insurance company.
Holland is here to help with both pre and post-storm inspections. Our detailed reports document the damage with pictures that are helpful when submitting an insurance claim. Give us a call today to inspect your roof and document the current condition.