When it comes to your roof, it is important to take extra precautions that will protect it against the natural elements. In any commercial property, hail can be one of the most damaging elements that can impact your roofing system. Because hail can be so destructive, many believe that puncture damage is the only possible result of hail, which isn’t the case, even though it may appear to be so to the untrained eye.
Not only is hail damage relatively uneasy to detect, but it can also be a costly problem to building owners. In some circumstances, hail has caused up to $1 billion of damage over the course of one year. With this being said, it is important to ready your roof for hail this winter, instilling some preventative measures to help minimise any hail related damage to your property.
Roofing Materials
The older a roof is, the more susceptible it may be to the hazards of the natural elements, however each roof system is different, providing different degrees of resistance against certain threats. If your area is prone to hailstorms, it may be worth choosing or upgrading to a roofing system that provides some degree of impact-resistance.
To find the roofing that is best for you, it is best to consult a roofing contractor like ACR Roofing about the materials that are ideal for your situation. They can help guide you through the decision-making process, giving you the best solution for your needs.
Trim the Trees
In the event of a hailstorm, damage can cause the trees or branches surrounding your property to break. If the trees are tall enough when this occurs, they may come down, potentially hitting your roof. If a tree falls onto your roof, this may cause cracks, punctures, or gaping holes.
It is important to take the time to attend to the surrounding trees, trimming any branches that might pose a threat. If you live in an area that is prone to hazardous weather, it may be best to avoid this potential circumstance altogether, by keeping any landscaping or tall gardening a safe distance from your roof.
Take Precautions
If your commercial roof was built in the last few decades, it will most likely have equipment installed into the roof. Materials like HVAC are vulnerable to hail, and can be damaged without the proper protection. Installing protective shields can help to defend against hail damage, guarding the equipment within your roofing system.
It is also important to look out for missing granules in your roof, as this is a common result of hail damage. Hail can erode the protective coating of granules on your roof shingles, which help to defend against UV rays. Exposed shingles weaken and age with sun damage, which can decrease the life span of your roof. To combat this, a trusted contractor can be consulted after a big hail-storm, allowing them to check the roof for granule loss.
Although these may seem like costly precautions, it will definitely save you money in the event of hail damage.
Conduct a Thorough Roof Inspection
After any major hailstorm, it is important to perform a thorough roof inspection. While superficial damage may be obvious initially, it is essential to reach out to a roofer or contractor as soon as possible, as a pair of trained eyes can save you lots of trouble and money down the line.
Use this time to ask questions and gather as much information as you can about protecting your roof from the elements. This can ensure your system is getting the attention it needs and it is being constantly attended to with the utmost care.
After a Hail Storm
Chances are, your roof will cop a bit of a beating this hail season. This is inevitable. However, there are a number of things to do following a hailstorm that can save you a lot of time and money. Look out for the following warning signs during an initial inspection, helping you to assess the damage
- Look out for dents or spots on the roof – there may be where hail and debris has struck
- Note any missing granules in your gutters
- Water spots on the underside of the roof
Following a hailstorm, it is always a good idea to consult a professional. ACR Roofing specialises in all metal and colorbond roofs, helping you protect your property this winter.