When hail hits North Texas, commercial buildings often take the brunt of the impact—especially flat roofs. The challenge? Hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground, and what looks like a minor issue today could lead to serious leaks or structural damage down the line.
If you’re responsible for a commercial property, here’s how to spot signs of hail damage on a flat roof—and what to do next to protect your investment.
Why Flat Roofs Are Vulnerable to Hail
Flat commercial roofs, especially those made from TPO, PVC, EPDM, or modified bitumen, don’t have the natural slope to help deflect hail like pitched roofs do. That means hailstones hit directly, increasing the risk of:
Punctures or membrane fractures
Compromised seams and flashing
Hidden insulation damage
Water pooling and intrusion
Top Signs of Hail Damage on Flat Commercial Roofs
1. Punctures or Cracks in the Roofing Membrane
Hail can cause blunt-force damage to the roofing membrane, especially older or brittle systems. These punctures may be small but can allow water to infiltrate the system over time.
2. Indentations or Soft Spots
Walk the roof (safely) and check for spongy or soft areas underfoot. These often indicate that the insulation layer beneath the membrane has been compromised.
3. Granule Loss on Coated or Modified Bitumen Roofs
If your roof has a protective coating or granular surface, hail can knock off granules and leave bald spots, which accelerate UV damage and shorten the lifespan of the roof.
4. Damaged Flashing, Edges, or Roof Equipment
Check the flashing around HVAC units, drains, skylights, and edges. Dents, cracks, or separation are all red flags that your roof may have taken hail impact.
5. Visible Debris or Pooling Water After a Storm
While not direct evidence of hail damage, large amounts of debris or standing water can point to blocked drains, altered slope, or hidden membrane damage caused by hail impact.
Document Everything (Before You Call Insurance)
If you suspect hail damage, it’s crucial to:
Take clear photos of visible roof damage and surrounding property
Note the date of the storm and any weather alerts
Avoid making repairs before documentation is complete
Tip: A professional inspection with photo evidence can strengthen your insurance claim and speed up the process.
What to Do Next: Schedule a Hail Damage Inspection
Even if you don’t see visible damage, it’s a smart move to get a qualified commercial roofer on-site after any major hail event. At MAZE, we offer free storm damage inspections, complete with photo reports, damage assessments, and next-step recommendations.
What If My Roof Has Damage?
Depending on the extent, you may not need a full replacement. Options include:
Targeted repairs to the membrane or flashing
Full or partial restoration using coatings or overlays
Full roof replacement, often covered by insurance
We’ll help you make the best call for your building—and assist with insurance coordination if needed.
Need Help After the Storm? We’re Ready.
MAZE Commercial Roofing & Construction specializes in helping North Texas property owners and managers navigate storm damage with less stress and faster solutions.
Call us at (214) 214-6293
[email protected]
Serving Dallas, Fort Worth & the entire North Texas region