Hail storms frequently strike Columbus, and the aftermath can be particularly destructive for commercial roofs. Commercial Roof Storm Damage can have serious consequences, and business owners must pay close attention to the potential damage hail can inflict. The size of hailstones, as well as the type and age of the roof, will determine how much damage occurs. Understanding how different roofing materials react to various hail sizes can help businesses prevent long-term problems. Let’s dive into what to look for and how Central States Commercial Roofing can assist.
Identifying Commercial Roof Storm Damage Caused by Hail
Hailstones come in all sizes. Sometimes they’re as small as ½ inch. Other times, they’re as large as golf balls—2 inches or more in diameter. While small hailstones might seem harmless, even hail as small as ¾ inch can harm a commercial roof. You’d be surprised how quickly that damage can escalate.
For example, when hailstones reach 1 inch in size, it’s time to act. A storm that brings hail between ¾ inch and 1 inch (about the size of a quarter) should trigger an immediate call to a roofing professional. Hailstones that are 1¾ inches to 4½ inches can cause widespread damage. This can result in cracks, punctures, and dents that weaken the roof’s structure and lead to leaks or insulation issues. That’s where we come in. Central States Commercial Roofing specializes in identifying and repairing this kind of damage.
How Different Roofs Handle Hail
The type of roofing material your commercial property has will determine how well it can handle a hailstorm. Let’s break down how some common commercial roofing materials react:
1. Metal Roofs: Durable but Vulnerable to Dents
Metal roofs are strong, often selected for their durability and longevity. However, when hail hits, these roofs are prone to denting. The dents might not affect the roof’s immediate functionality, but over time, they can weaken the roof’s protective finish. If that finish is compromised, rust can form, leading to long-term issues.
This is why it’s so important to inspect metal roofs after a hailstorm. Central States Commercial Roofing can quickly assess the extent of any cosmetic damage and prevent it from turning into something worse.
2. Thermoplastic Roofs (TPO, PVC): Strong Until They Age
Thermoplastic roofs—like TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)—are popular for their energy efficiency and reflective properties. When they’re new, they can withstand hailstones up to 1¾ inches. However, as they age, these materials become more susceptible to punctures and tears, especially if the membrane has worn down.
Older TPO or PVC roofs, even with smaller hailstones, can suffer significant damage. That’s why you need a professional inspection after each storm to verify your roof remains intact.
3. EPDM (Rubber Roofing): Flexibility Provides Protection
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), commonly known as rubber roofing, is known for its flexibility. This flexibility allows it to absorb some of the impact from hailstones, handling hail up to 2½ inches in diameter without significant issues. However, repeated hail impact or larger hailstones can cause surface cracking or puncturing.
Damage to an EPDM roof may not always be visible right away. Even if the surface appears fine, the underlying structure might be compromised. An inspection from Central States Commercial Roofing secures that nothing gets overlooked.
4. Spray Foam Roofs: Indentation but No Immediate Leaks
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs are prized for their excellent insulation properties. When hail hits a spray foam roof, it can leave noticeable indentations or dents. The good news is that spray foam roofing is resilient—its closed-cell structure prevents water from leaking into the system. Water will only penetrate if the hailstone punctures the entire 1½ inches of foam.
However, larger dents can shorten the roof’s lifespan, especially if they weaken the foam’s protective outer layer. After a hailstorm, it’s essential to have Central States Commercial Roofing assess whether the foam has been breached.
When Should You Call for a Roof Inspection?
A common mistake business owners make is waiting until visible signs of damage—like leaks—appear. By then, the damage may already be extensive. Even if the damage isn’t visible from the ground, small punctures or cracks can transform into major problems, leading to water intrusion, mold, and energy inefficiency.
Any hail larger than ¾ inch should prompt you to call for a professional roof inspection. Central States Commercial Roofing offers free roof inspections to Columbus businesses, so you can stay ahead of any potential problems. Our team will thoroughly assess your roof, identifying even the smallest signs of damage before they escalate.
Insurance and Hail Damage
Hailstorms can cause thousands of dollars in roof damage, but the good news is that many commercial property insurance policies cover hail damage. However, timely reporting is critical. Delaying a roof inspection or repair after a storm can reduce your chances of receiving insurance compensation for the damage. It’s essential to act quickly.
At Central States Commercial Roofing, we assist with the entire insurance claims process, making sure your documentation is in order and helping you get the coverage you need to restore your roof.
Protecting Your Commercial Roof from Hail Damage
Hail damage is not something to take lightly, especially in a city like Columbus, where hailstorms are a known risk. Even if the hail is as small as a quarter, it can still harm your commercial roof. The type of roof you have—whether it’s metal, thermoplastic, EPDM, or spray foam—plays a significant role in how your roof will handle hail impact. Each type of material has unique strengths and vulnerabilities.
By working with Central States Commercial Roofing, you can guarantee your roof is properly inspected and maintained after a hailstorm. We specialize in storm damage roof repair and restoration in Columbus, with over a decade of experience protecting Ohio businesses from the elements.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a free inspection today and let us help protect your investment from the unpredictable effects of hail damage. Central States Commercial Roofing has you covered, from minor repairs to full roof restorations. Together, we can verify your commercial roof withstands whatever the weather throws at it.
