Spring brings about those spring rains and sometimes, dangerous spring storms. With storms can come hail. Unfortunately, hail can wreak havoc on commercial roofing systems. In fact, it is estimated that hail causes approximately $1 billion in damages each year. When hit by hail, it is imperative to know what to do next in order to minimize damage and prevent further problems.
Perform an Initial Inspection
After a hail storm, one of the first things that can be done is an initial inspection to notice the damage. While an insurance company or commercial roofing company is going to want to do their own inspection, an initial inspection can reveal the extent of the damage such as cracks, punctures, or indents. Even the smallest amount of damage can lead to roof leaks and should be noted. If hail damage doesn’t lead to leaking, it can still shorten the life expectancy of a commercial roof.
Avoid Long-Term Damage
Roofing damage left without repairs will lead to major problems. Hail, while initially seeming to have caused no issues, can weaken roofing systems over time as it can weaken the attachment or adhesive bond between the insulation and membrane. Over the years, this can cause complete detachment of the membrane. So whether there are obvious signs of damage or not, it is best to have a roof inspected by a qualified commercial roofing company and any roof repairs made as soon as possible.
Roof Replacement
While hail can damage a roof, it doesn’t always require roof replacement. But when does it? Most likely, it will depend on the age and condition of the existing roof. An older roof may undergo more extensive hail damage and need replacing sooner than a newer, stronger roof. However, if constant repairs creep up, a new roof altogether could be more cost-effective in the long run. Commercial roofers can let you know when it’s time to repair versus replace a roofing system after hail damage. Contact Certified Commercial Roofing if your roofing system has incurred damage from a hail storm to keep your roof from becoming compromised.
