Replacing your commercial roof after hail storm

Commercial Roof Hail Damage: Restoration or Replacement?

Does my commercial roof need to be restored or replaced after a hail storm? After a hail storm, your commercial roof might need restoration or full replacement depending on the extent of the damage. A thorough inspection by a Conklin-trained contractor is the best way to figure out what's needed for your specific roof.

What You See (or Don't See)

After a hail storm, you might see dents or pockmarks on metal roofs, or dings and granules missing from asphalt-based roofs. Sometimes, the damage isn't obvious from the ground. You might not see leaks right away, but water can start getting in slowly, especially around roof edges, seams, or rooftop equipment. Even small hail can cause hidden damage that gets worse over time. If other buildings nearby are having roof work done after a storm, yours likely needs an inspection too.

Why It Happens and What It Costs If Ignored

Hail hitting your roof creates weak spots. On metal roofs, these are dents. On membrane roofs like TPO, PVC, or EPDM, hail can bruise the material, crack it, or dislodge protective granules. These weak spots are entry points for water. Once water gets past the top layer, it can soak into your roof insulation. Wet insulation loses its R-value, meaning it no longer insulates properly, which drives up your energy bills. More importantly, wet insulation can lead to mold, rot, and rust on the roof deck, weakening the whole structure. If you ignore hail damage, what could have been a simple commercial roof restoration project turns into a full tear-off and replacement, which costs a lot more. Patching small, visible holes yourself often misses the hidden damage and can even make things worse if not done right. Also, waiting too long can affect your insurance claim, as policies often have time limits for reporting and repairing storm damage, and the value of your roof might depreciate over time.

How We Fix Hail Damage (and When We Can't)

When we inspect a roof after hail, our goal is to find all the damage, visible or not. We look for dents, cracks, punctures, and areas where water might be getting in. If the insulation is still dry and the roof deck is sound, many hail-damaged roofs can be restored with a Conklin roof coating system. Here’s how a typical restoration for hail damage works:

1. Inspection: A Conklin-trained contractor will do a detailed inspection. We check the entire roof surface, flashings, seams, and look for signs of water intrusion. We use moisture meters to find any wet insulation.
2. Repairing Damage: We fix any punctures or tears caused by hail. For metal roofs, we address any rust and seal fasteners. For flat roofs, we make sure seams are tight.
3. Addressing Wet Insulation: If we find isolated areas of wet insulation, we remove and replace them. If a large percentage of the insulation is wet, then restoration isn't possible, and a full replacement is often necessary. We'll tell you honestly when a roof is past the point of restoration.
4. Cleaning: We clean the entire roof surface thoroughly to prepare it for coating adhesion.
5. Priming (if needed): Depending on the roof type and its condition, we may apply a primer.
6. Coating Application: We then apply one of Conklin's acrylic roof coating systems. These coatings create a seamless, durable, and waterproof layer over your existing roof. This system protects against future hail and weather, stops leaks, and reflects sunlight to lower cooling costs. For metal roofs, the coating can seal all seams and fasteners, preventing leaks that start from hail damage or corrosion. You can learn more about specific systems like metal roof coating or EPDM roof coatings on our site.

Our goal is to give your roof a new life, often for less than half the cost of tearing it off. However, if the roof deck is compromised, or the insulation is extensively wet, or the existing roof material is too far gone, we'll tell you that a restoration won't hold up. In those cases, a full roof replacement is the only responsible option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my insurance company deny a claim for hail damage?

Yes, they can. Insurance companies might say the damage isn't severe enough, or that your roof was already old. It's important to get an independent assessment from a professional roofing contractor. We can provide an objective report of the damage for your insurance adjuster. Don't rely solely on what your insurance agent tells you, especially if you see visible damage or other buildings getting repairs.

How long do I have to file a claim after hail damage?

This depends on your insurance policy and state laws. Some policies have strict time limits, like one year, while others might be longer. Waiting can also mean your roof depreciates further, reducing the payout. It’s always best to get an inspection and file a claim as soon as you suspect damage.

Why choose a Conklin-trained contractor for hail damage repair?

Conklin-trained contractors understand how to properly inspect, repair, and apply Conklin coating systems to various roof types. This training ensures the restoration is done right, creating a durable, watertight seal that will last for years. We know the difference between a roof that can be saved and one that needs full replacement, and we'll be honest with you. Our focus is on solving your roof problem efficiently and effectively. If your commercial roof has been hit by hail, don't wait for leaks to appear. Call White Roofing Systems at (309) 303-3128 to schedule an inspection. You can also visit our contact page to reach out and get your questions answered.