You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you prepare for it! Make sure your commercial roof can survive a summer storm.
Summertime storms produce all types of severe weather. Gusty winds, heavy rains, and pelting hail that can cause significant damage to your commercial roof.
Your first line of defense against severe weather damage is to assess your commercial roof’s current condition before the storm. By taking a proactive approach and having it inspected regularly, small problems can be addressed before they develop into large issues. In addition, keeping your commercial roof clear of debris and standing water can mitigate future problems and decrease the likelihood of storm damage.
What To Do Before a Summer Storm
Storm Preparedness Checklist:
What To Do After a Summer Storm
Water infiltration/leaks may be obvious; however, some damage may not be immediately noticeable. Even a well-maintained roof has its limits of what it can take from a summer storm.
Don’t wait to assess your roof for any summer storm damage. Schedule a post-storm commercial roof inspection with Roofing Dynamics!
Commercial Roof Storm Damage
Here are different types of damages Roofing Dynamics can uncover on your commercial property’s roof after a summer storm:
After any storm, it is common to find ponding (standing water) on a flat commercial roof. However, if the water remains after 48-72 hours, this ponding can rapidly erode your roof membrane and lead to significant issues such as mold, leaks, deterioration, and sagging of the commercial roof. Once your commercial roof begins to sag, ponded water will accumulate and lead to total collapse if its weight threshold is exceeded.
Flashing, the metal edge that runs along the perimeter of a flat commercial roof, prevents leaks and seals areas that are vulnerable to water build up. If after a summer storm this metal flashing is bent, rusted, loose, or otherwise damaged, the flashing is no longer effectively sealed and will allow water to seep in. If left unrepaired, flashing damage can lead to an entire roof replacement.
Bubbles, blisters, or cracks found on the surface of your commercial roof is a likely indicator that moisture is already trapped within your roof system. Whether moisture is trapped within the layers of a multi-layer roof or between the single-ply membrane and the roof insulation, if left unaddressed, this moisture can leak out and lead to serious problems.
Regardless of the commercial roofing material, high winds can damage any roof. The push and pull from high winds can lift, tear, and pull back your roof’s flashing and membrane. In addition, pieces of your roof’s surface as well as rooftop accessories can tear off and damage other parts of the roof as the wind carries the debris. Equipment can become unanchored and drag across the roof. Gutters and downspouts can be ripped away.
Hailstorms can be a major threat to your commercial roof. Hail can dent or puncture your roof’s membrane and lead to ponding or leaking. However, depending on what your roofing system is made up of, hall damage can be less obvious. For example, the bottom of your roofing membrane can shatter without any visible damage to the surface layer. This can lead to undetected leaks and substantial damage to your roof’s integrity.
Insurance Claims After Summer Storm Damage
After a storm has passed and damages are detected, it’s time to act. Dealing with an insurance claim can be overwhelming. For a stress-free process from beginning to end, let Roofing Dynamics assist with your insurance claim for a storm-damaged commercial roof.
With an understanding of your roof’s original construction and a thorough knowledge of roofing material performance, we inspect, analyze, and document the damage.
We provide a comprehensive report that includes our findings as well as cost-effective options for repair or replacement.
Moving forward, we file the appropriate paperwork to get your claim underway and work with your insurance adjuster to confirm all damages are covered on your claim.
