It’s halfway through the summer storm season, and Iowans have already endured a handful of thunderstorms and flash floods, although most of them came in the late spring. Even if your commercial space has managed to stay dry thus far, have you looked into what effects the high winds and hail have had on your roof? Take a proactive approach to maintaining your building’s safety and watertightness by looking for signs of wear.
The Consequences of Unaddressed Wind & Hail Damage
Don’t wait to assess your commercial roof for storm damage. Doing so can only make matters worse and cost you more money in repairs and remediation in the long run. If wind and hail is allowed to wreak havoc on your roof over time, the membrane and structure of your roofing system will deteriorate over time. This leads to compounded damage as breaks in your system can allow for water to leak in and mold to grow.
Signs of Wind Roof Damage
If you suspect that your roof may be victim to wind damage, there are a handful of things you can look for to confirm your suspicions.
Peeled Back Roof Coverings
Depending on the wind speed and the height of your building, your roof may be suffering from wind uplift pressure. Over time, this phenomenon puts pressure on the corners of your roof and you may notice coverings that peel back from the roof. This is a sure sign that it is time to call in a professional for some reparations.
Displaced Rooftop Accessories
If equipment and/or accessories such as a satellite dish has become displaced or mangled on the roof, you have reasonable evidence to conclude your roofing membrane may need some attention as well.
Signs of Hail Damage for Commercial Roofs
While wind damage can affect various roofs in similar ways that are easily seen, the effects of hail on your commercial roof are sometimes less obvious depending on what your roofing system is made up of.
Metal Roof Hail Damage
When hail has its way with the metal panels on a roofing system, it is common for dents to develop. While it may look unsightly, unless these dents lead to cracks or rusted spots it will not negatively affect the watertightness of your roof. Watch for signs of cracks, and call an expert to solve any water issues!
Damage on Thermoplastic Roofing Systems
Thermoplastic roofing membranes can typically withstand impact of hailstones up to 1 ¾ inches in diameter, and cover boards can be installed beneath the membrane for further improvement. On PVC and TPO roofing systems, watch for deterioration in the form of cracks looking like crow’s feet or circular patterns.
EPDM Membranes and Hail Damage
While EPDM roofing systems tend to be more flexible than thermoplastic materials, signs of damage can look similar. Watch for cracks in circular or crow’s feet patterns as a result of hail cracks and puncturing.
Modified Bitumen & Built-Up Asphalt Roofing Hail Damage
The most resilient of roofing systems when it comes to hail, MB and BUR roofs provide extra protection from either a gravel surface, or a two-ply construction. These roofs can last a long time, but if hail displaces the asphalt granules or fractures the membrane’s reinforcement, you may need an expert’s repair.
Des Moines Commercial Roof Repair for Storm Damage
If you’re unsure about the state of your roof after an Iowa hailstorm or an episode of high winds, call the experts at Duerson to assess and remediate your roofing system. Call today, and take steps to ensure you won’t be putting money into water damage control or mold remediation later.