Austin Hail Damage Repair for Commercial Roofs

Hailstorms are not uncommon in the Austin area, and they can do serious damage to commercial roofs. A metal or flat roofing system can be compromised when hailstones of any size strike and alter its ability to stay watertight. The effect may not be immediately obvious, so property owners and managers should have their roofs professionally inspected after every hail event.

It’s a mistake to believe that there is no damage just because there isn’t any apparent evidence, such as interior leaks. There could be cracks, indentations, or punctures that are not detectible to an untrained eye but can weaken the bond between the roof membrane and insulation. When leaks go unnoticed, rot and mold can slowly develop. It can take weeks, months, or years for this destruction to surface. Addressing these issues right away will save you money and inconvenience down the road.

Kidd Roofing special specializes in hail damage inspection and repair for Austin commercial and industrial roofing systems. We will identify all the jeopardized areas and expertly resolve the issues with minimal disruption to your business. Schedule your inspection today by calling us at (512) 671-7791.

Factors in Hail’s Impact on Commercial Roofs

A single hailstorm will have varying outcomes on building roofs located within the same geographical area. Hail’s effect is determined by several issues, including:

Roof composition and condition – Some roofing materials withstand hail better than others. A newer roof will sustain a hailstorm better than a roof in older condition with multiple years of wear-and-tear.

Roof slope – The most damage from hail comes when it hits at a 90-degree angle. For this reason, low-slope roofs are more susceptible to hail damage. Higher sloped roofs have a built-in resistance to the impact.

Wind – The direction and speed of the wind that accompanies a hailstorm determine how much and how hard hail strikes a roof. If the wind is blocked by large trees or other barriers, the hail will have less impact.

Size and density of hailstones – Hail falls in a variety of sizes. The bigger they are, the more harm they can cause. Hailstones with air bubbles in the ice can be softer like a snow cone and not as destructive as higher density stones.

How Commercial Roofing Materials Tolerate Hail

Roofing materials are selected for commercial buildings for a variety of reasons, and each type has its pros and cons. There is no completely hail-proof material, so even the hardiest roofs can suffer damage in a violent hailstorm. However, certain roofing products are more hail-resistant than others.

Metal – Hail will make dents in metal roofing that are just cosmetic damage. However, if the protective finish on the panels gets cracked, it will no longer be watertight. This can result in corrosive rust, which leads to leaking, mold, and rot. The thicker the metal is, the more it can resist punctures. Corrugated metal panels are best at camouflaging the defects caused by hail.

Asphalt built-up roofing (BUR) – Made up of alternating layers of asphalt and fabrics, this roof offers multiple levels of protection and high puncture resistance. A gravel surface protects the roof membrane and stands up well to hail.

Asphalt modified bitumen – This roofing is layers of asphalt that have been modified with a rubber or plastic ingredient and reinforced to increase flexibility and strength. It can withstand very large hail.

Single-ply rubber (EPDM) – Ethylene propylene diene monomer roofing is made from recycled materials and is the sturdiest roof type for hail. It should withstand stones up to 2.5 inches in diameter, although some surface cracking can occur.

How Hail Damage Can Impact Your Business

If you own or manage a commercial property, you need to consider the potential consequences your business may suffer from a hail-damaged roof. A leak inside your building will cost you time and money, so it should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Some of the problems a leaky roof can cause include:

Damaged property and equipment – Moisture can ruin insulation, ceiling tiles, walls, carpet, furniture, equipment, and product inventory.

Hazardous conditions – Pools of water can trigger slip-and-fall accidents for employees and customers, and mold or mildew can cause a variety of health issues. These can lead to loss of productivity and legal complications.

Future expensive repairs – Unaddressed leaks create damage that worsens over time and spreads to other areas, leaving you with large-scale repairs on more than just the roof.

Get Expert Hail Damage Service in Austin

A commercial roof that has been pelted by hail needs attention. Kidd Roofing provides professional inspection and repair to keep your business going at full speed. Trust our industry-leading service and products and call us today at (512) 671-7791 or use our online contact option.