Commercial roofs are designed to withstand many elements, but severe storms can cause significant damage. From high winds that lift roofing materials, to hail that dents and cracks, the impact on your roof can mean costly repairs and business downtime. If left unaddressed, even minor damage can become structural issues, water leaks, or an unsafe environment for occupants.

According to the NOAA, hail alone causes billions of dollars in property damage each year in the U.S. So it’s crucial to inspect storm damage quickly to protect your investment and provide a safe environment for employees and customers.

In this article, we will cover common signs of storm damage, how to inspect your roof, and why you need to partner with a professional roofing contractor who can also provide roof restoration to ensure long-term durability.

1. Immediate Safety Considerations

After a storm, the following should be considered:

• Avoid Damaged Areas: After a storm, safety is key. Restrict access to areas with heavy roof damage to prevent accidents. Falling debris, weakened structures, or hidden dangers like standing water can be a hazard to employees and visitors. Setting up barriers or signs around damaged areas is a quick way to keep everyone safe while you assess the situation.
  
  

• • Inspect from a Distance: While it may be tempting to climb on the roof to inspect the damage, this can be very dangerous. Roofs damaged by hail, wind-driven heavy rain or flying debris may have weak spots that are not visible from the ground. Do a preliminary inspection from the ground or a safe distance to look for visible signs of severe damage, such as missing shingles, dents, or structural issues.
    
    

• Call for Professional Help: Hire a professional roofing contractor who works with commercial clients to do a thorough inspection. They will have the tools and training to safely identify and document roof storm damage so nothing gets missed. This is especially important for commercial properties as even minor damage can impact business operations.

2. Conduct a Preliminary Inspection

Start with visually inspecting your commercial roof to look for signs of storm damage. This could include:

• Lifted, deformed, or blown roofing
• Membrane punctures
• Loose or displaced flashing 
• Hail damage, such as dents or ruptured seams in metal, concentric fractures in membrane roofing, or displaced granules for asphalt roof types

The exterior of the roof may also show damage from flying debris or high winds, such as cracked shingles or bent roofing material. If accessible, check the roof deck, as it may reveal deeper structural issues.

Remember, some types of damage, such as impact damage below the surface of the roof, may not be easily identified during a visual inspection.

Finally, look inside the building for signs of water leaks. Stains or discolouration on ceilings and walls mean water damage, which could be from roof storm damage. Standing water or clogs in gutters and downspouts mean storm damage, poor drainage, or debris buildup. 

If left unchecked, these can get worse and damage your property.

3. Document the Damages

While doing the initial walkthrough, take notes and photos of any visible damage. This will be important for an insurance claim and will help a roofer give you a more accurate estimate of repairs. Make sure to note all visible storm damage so nothing is missed.

Source: Statista

Take photos and videos of the roof storm damage from all angles. Make sure to capture all visible damage, including:

• Hail dents
• Water leaks
• Debris on the roof or around the property
• Gutters, downspouts, and roof deck for standing water or debris

Taking visual records is important because it creates a timeline of the storm and can prevent disputes later.

Having documentation also helps to speed up the inspection process. A professional roofer or consultant can use your photos and videos to prioritize the areas that need to be addressed first. This record will also help you make a more informed decision when choosing a contractor and provide evidence if there are discrepancies during inspections or repairs.

Lastly, documentation supports your insurance claims by giving you tangible proof of the damage to your property. Many insurance companies require visual evidence to process claims quickly, especially for large repairs.

4. Hire a Professional Roof Inspector

When dealing with storm damage to a commercial roof, contacting a certified roof inspector, for a detailed expert analysis, can position you for success from the outset.

Certified roofing professionals like Armour Roof Co. are trained to find subtle but significant damage, such as fractured roof coverings, compromised flashing or weakened roof deck areas. Armour is experienced in inspecting and working with many commercial roofing products; some include EPDM (rubber), TPO, PVC, Metal, Asphalt, SPF, and several coating systems.  

A certified inspector will thoroughly evaluate your roof and give you a report to guide repairs or replacements.

Other ways you can get this done include:

• Drone Inspections: Drone technology has changed the professional roof inspection game, making it safe and efficient to inspect hard-to-reach areas. Inspectors can capture high-resolution images and videos of large commercial roofs and find issues like shingle damage, granule loss, and wind damage. This method minimizes the risks of manual inspections and provides accurate and detailed results.
  
  

• Infrared Inspections: Infrared technology adds another layer of precision by finding hidden moisture damage that can lead to long-term problems like structural damage or water leaks. Infrared scans show temperature variations on the roof surface and pinpoint where water has seeped into the roof deck or insulation layers. This is especially important for commercial properties where moisture can compromise the building and its operations.

By hiring professional roofing contractors with these tools and expertise, you can rest assured your roof storm damage will be thoroughly evaluated and repaired.

Protect Your Business with Armour Roof Co.

A quick and thorough response to major storm damage is key to protecting your commercial property. 

Ignoring visible signs of storm damage, leaking, or any other anomalies can lead to costly repairs, disrupt business operations, and can put employees and customers at risk.  

At Armour Roof Co., we offer comprehensive commercial roofing services to protect your investment. Our certified roofing experts evaluate and repair all types of roof damage, whether from severe storms, flying debris, or strong winds that won’t be visible to the untrained eye.

Don’t wait. 

Contact Armour Roof Co. today for a quote and get started on restoring your roof to top shape! 

We’re here to serve you and your roofing project!