After a major storm passes through, most commercial building owners look at their roof from the parking lot and see no obvious damage. This then, often, leads to the assumption that everything is fine. But that assumption can be a costly mistake.

Storm damage on commercial roofs is frequently invisible from the ground, and even damage that appears minor can compromise waterproofing and contribute to significant leaks weeks or months later.

Start Inside the Building

The first place to look for storm damage isn’t on the roof. It’s inside your building.

• Check your ceiling tiles for water stains.
• Look at the interior walls near the roofline for moisture or discoloration.
• Inspect mechanical rooms, storage areas, and anywhere near roof penetrations.

Water that entered during the storm may not have fully dripped through yet, so look for any signs of saturation or staining.

Wind Damage: What to Look For

High winds can lift or displace roofing membranes, particularly at edges, corners, and around penetrations.

After a significant wind event, look for:

• Lifted or displaced flashing
• Membrane pull-back at perimeter edges
• Displaced gravel on built-up or ballasted systems
• Visible membrane tears or punctures

Edge metal that has lifted even slightly allows wind-driven water to get beneath the membrane.

Hail Damage on Flat Commercial Roofs

Hail damage on flat roofs is notoriously difficult to identify without professional inspection.

On modified bitumen systems, hail creates impact marks that knock off granules and dimple the membrane. Ultimately, weakening its UV protection.

Meanwhile, on TPO and EPDM systems, hail can leave impact fractures not visible to the naked eye. This makes professional inspection critical after major hail storms.

Then, on metal roofing systems, hail damage typically appears as dents and is easier to identify, but getting a professional inspection and opinion is still beneficial.

Check Drains, Scuppers, and Gutters

Storms often deposit branches, leaves, and roofing materials from neighboring buildings that can block drainage systems. After a storm, it’s important to verify that all of your roof drains and scuppers are clear. This is crucial because standing water that accumulates puts additional structural load on your roof and accelerates membrane deterioration.

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