How Roofing Works
September 16, 2024
Can hail damage a commercial roof? Good question. Hailstorms cause millions of dollars’ worth of property damage each year. And your answer is yes, hail can cause severe damage to commercial roofs, especially when they are made from metal, they are past their lifespan, they have areas of damage or degradation of the roofing membrane has occurred, etc and especially around skylights, AC units, and other equipment or exits in the roof where flashing has been applied.
This post will discuss whether or not hail can damage a commercial roof and give you some tips on how to identify hail damage on your commercial roof. If you notice any signs of hail damage, or you think that a recent hailstorm may have caused damage to your commercial roof, contact us today for a fee estimate. You’d rather be safe than sorry; especially when it could void your warranty or insurance to leave hail damages untreated.
Think you might have hail damage to your commercial roofing system? Call Sellers Roofing Today for a FREE estimate with one of our expert hail damage inspectors!
Can Hail Damage Commercial Roof? Here’s What You Need to Know:
Your commercial building is exposed to the elements every single hour of every single week. It is designed to withstand any type of weather condition imaginable. When bad weather strikes, however, what exactly happens to your commercial building? The next 2 sections will let you know what to look for when assessing your commercial roof for hail damage.
About Destructive Hailstones
Hailstorms are caused by severe thunderstorms that develop in areas where cold air meets warm air. Colder air rises, creating a pocket of superheated air near the surface. When the rising air hits the cooler air above it, it expands rapidly into a shock wave. These waves can reach speeds of hundreds of miles per hour. They’re so fast that they can actually lift dust off the ground. That’s why we call them “dust devils.”
When hail stones reach their maximum size, they begin to fall because there aren’t enough updrafts to carry them any longer. These hailstones often have a greenish tint.
Every country has its unique standards for damaging hail, depending on the local sensitivities. For instance, certain roofing materials may suffer if they’re hit by hailstorms measuring between two and four inches, and larger hailstons can cause more serious problems.
Assess the Damage to Your Commercial Roof After Hail Storms
Hailstorms are more common in the innermost parts of various continents. But if your commercial building is situated in the Minneapolis area, you should be especially ademant about inspecting roofs after any major storms.
Hailstorms can impact roofs, even if they aren’t big enough to be considered damaging by meteorologists. Small hailstones can actually tear into your shingles and weaken them. If a storm causes high winds, even small hailstorms could result in serious structural issues for your house.
When inspecting your home’s exterior, ensure that no weather dangers remain. Look for cracks, holes, or dents in your siding or shingle that indicate possible damages from storms. A metal siding is particularly vulnerable to denting from hailstones.
(If you’re not comfortable climbing up on your house’s rooftop, a professional property inspector can easily check out the condition of your home’s exterior.)
If your roof has been there for at least 10 years, even small cracks and dings could mean serious structural issues. Make sure to get an inspection from a professional roofer before assuming that everything is fine.
Most commercial buildings have flat roofs covered with asphalt shingling. But if your building has a metal or tile rooftop, check and make sure none of the tiles or metal is rusted through or otherwise showing signs of deterioration. You might also notice small holes or tears in the shingling material. These are probably caused by hail.
The entire exterior of your building should also be inspected for damaged areas. Inspect your gutters, downpours, copings, flashing, and vent covers for signs of wear and tear. Also, if your building has skylight windows, check both the sky pieces and their seals for any damages.
If you notice anything unusual, take photos of it and save them for later. You may be able to use these photos to file an insurance claim.
It’ll be important for you not to ignore any signs of commercial building damages. If there are any signs of structural issues, it’ll be best to get them fixed right away before they become worse.
Contact your Insurance Company
Once you’ve completed your roofing assessment, it’s time to call your insurance provider. They may require additional documentation before they agree to pay out on your claim. You can expect them to send someone out to assess the damages.
It’s crucial that you begin this procedure as soon as you notice a hailstorm, since any delay in the hail damage could impact your budget in the long run. If your house has a warranty, this might be a good time to check out its coverage for hail damage.
Keep Your Roof Protected
To ensure the best results for your commercial roof project, be sure to contact the most reliable roofer you can find. Also, if you’re working with a roofer who specializes in commercial roofs, he or she will know how to handle them differently from residential ones.
At Sellers Roofing Company- New Brighton, we’ve been handling commercial roofs in Minneapolis for over a decade, so we know exactly what to look out for when repairing one. We offer free commercial roof inspections and hassle-free estimates! If you need help with commercial roofing project now just click this link to have one of our master commercial roof inspectors get back with you!
If you want the best possible service in commercial building repair, then we suggest contacting Sellers Roofing Company – New Brighton. Our company provides exceptional services for every type of commercial building material including steel, aluminum, copper, fiberglass, PVC, rubberized asphalt shingles, tile and slate.
With our team of highly trained professionals, you can rest assured knowing that your building will receive the highest quality care and attention. Call us today at 651-703-2336 or click the button below to learn more about how we can help -protect your property.
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