Each year in the US, hail causes billions of dollars in damage to crops and other property. Naturally, being exposed to the sky, commercial roofs are vulnerable to hail damage. Although hail can possibly develop from any thunderstorm, it’s most likely created in “supercell” storms.

After any storm that produced even small-sized hail, you should conduct a quick inspection of the rooftop. Obviously, any serious membrane ruptures must be dealt with immediately. But also keep any eye out for cracks, dimples, punctures in the membrane or any other unusual conditions that may have been caused by hail impact. If any of these are present, you should contact a commercial roofing contractor to assess the situation. A seemingly small issue today may turn into a serious leak problem down the road – even months later.

Even if the membrane itself remains watertight, hail can weaken it, which will shorten its lifespan on the roof. Hail can also damage underlying insulation, decreasing its R-value, and possibly leading to additional membrane durability issues.

If your commercial facility is located in an area that’s prone to hailstorms and you need a new roof, consider a manufacturer that has hail warranties available. They will cost more than a standard warranty and probably require a thicker membrane, but the added protection may be worth it. Your roofing contractor should be able to provide you with options.

Regardless of whether your commercial facility has weathered a hailstorm, Diversified Services would consider it a privilege to work with you on your next roofing project. We are a full-service commercial roofing contractor offering commercial roof maintenance and roof repair services. We look forward to your call.