The impact of hail damage on a commercial roof can be disastrous. While hail damage can vary in severity depending on the type of roof membrane you have, any damage should be assessed and attended to promptly by a professional roofer.
How Commercial Roof Types Stand Up to Hail
Each type of commercial roof has its strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to withstanding hailstones, some commercial roof types are more prone to sustaining damage than others, succumbing to hailstones as small as a half-inch in diameter or even smaller. Other types of commercial roofs have a more robust resistance to hail damage.
Here is a breakdown:
- BUR: Built-up roofing (BUR) that features gravel surfacing to protect the roof membrane is very hearty in standing up to hail. BUR systems installed in smooth-surfaced configurations are more susceptible to hail damage.
- Metal: Metal roofing commonly becomes dented when pelted with hail, but the damage is typically cosmetic. However, hailstones can impair a metal roof’s water-tightness if the roof panel finish is chipped or cracked by the hail, which can then lead to the development of rust.
- EPDM: Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing, also known as rubber roofing, is flexible and usually stands up well to hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter. If an EPDM roof does sustain hail-related damage, it usually manifests as surface cracking. EPDM roofs are most susceptible to hail-caused fracturing at the roof perimeter or in areas where equipment has been installed. Additionally, if the roof substrate isn’t solid, hail can puncture the membrane.
- Modified Bitumen: Modified bitumen roofs are generally able to withstand even very large hail. Granule-surfaced BUR is the heartiest type of modified bitumen roofing, but the underlying reinforcement can sustain fracturing from hail, and hail can also displace the granules. The most vulnerable parts of a modified bitumen roof are unsupported areas where there is ridging or blistering.
- Thermoplastic: Thermoplastic roof membranes, like PVC and TPO, can hold up against hail that is approximately 1 ¾ inches or smaller, but fracturing and other kinds of damage can occur from even very small hailstones if the membrane is old and has deteriorated.
Finding Expert Help in Your Area
Need a Local Expert?
Our group works together to provide:
- Larger Base of Knowledge
- Group-Wide Accountability
- Set Standards for Service
- More Peace of Mind
Find local pro
No matter what type of commercial roof you have, when hail damage assaults it, you can find a roofer through the Choice Roof Contractor Group. One of our members would be happy to take care of all problems resulting from the hail using industry-leading products and practices with the aim of restoring your roof to full functionality.
Our nationwide roofing association is composed of reputable roofing professionals throughout the United States. Before they are given endorsement status, applying roofing contractors must meet the following criteria:
- Possess insurance
- Provide proof of happy references
- Attend an advanced training
- And more
When you decide to work with a Choice Roof Contractor Group member installing Conklin, an exclusive “Lifetime Service Guarantee” is issued to your business. Our contractors are among the only roofers in the nation to offer such a guarantee, and this promise means you are guaranteed to have follow-up services offered to you by another knowledgeable roofer whenever you need them if for some reason the roofer who originally performed the work on your roof is no longer available. This ensures a contractor that meets the same requirements can be made available to handle your future needs.
To located a Choice Roof Contractor Group member in your area, give us a call at (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page of our group’s website.
Complete terms and conditions of the Choice Roof Contractor Group’s “Lifetime Service Guarantee” are contained in the Terms of Use, Disclosures and Conditions found at www.choiceroofgroup.com/disclaimer.
Joel H. Roy 