What to Do If You Have Roof Storm Damage: A Step-by-Step Guide

A strong storm can cause significant damage to your commercial roofing system, leaving business owners wondering what to do if you have roof storm damage. Taking immediate action and following the right steps can mean the difference between minor commercial roof repairs and extensive damage that requires a full roof replacement, potentially disrupting your business operations.

Immediate Safety Assessment

The most important step in knowing what to do if you have roof storm damage is to prioritize safety above all else. After a severe weather event, your commercial property may have hidden dangers that aren’t immediately visible, and ensuring employee and customer safety is paramount.

Safety considerations include:

Check for downed power lines near your commercial property
Look for structural damage to your building’s exterior
Assess whether it’s safe for employees and customers to enter certain areas
Evacuate any areas with potential ceiling or structural damage
Never attempt to inspect your commercial roof during ongoing severe weather

If you notice any structural issues or suspect your commercial roof has suffered severe damage, evacuate the affected areas immediately and contact emergency services if necessary. Consider closing your business temporarily if your roof does not meet safety standards.

Conducting a Visual Inspection from the Ground

The next step of knowing what to do if you have roof storm damage, once it’s safe to do so, is to perform a thorough inspection of your commercial roof from ground level. Commercial roofing systems like TPO, EPDM, PVC, and metal roofing each show different signs of storm damage.

What to look for during your commercial roof inspection:

Punctures or tears in commercial roof coatings (TPO, EPDM, PVC)
Missing or damaged roofing material
Dents in metal roofing from hailstorms
Damaged or displaced flashing around HVAC units, drains, and penetrations
Pooling water in areas that should drain properly
Debris lodged in drains or on the roof surface
Damage to roof-mounted equipment like HVAC units

Checking for Interior Damage

While you’re assessing the exterior, don’t forget to inspect the interior of your commercial building for signs of water damage. Storm damage to commercial roofing systems often allows water to penetrate, potentially affecting inventory, equipment, and business operations.

Commercial interior inspection checklist:

Look for water stains on ceilings and walls throughout the building
Check for any dripping or pooling water that could damage inventory or equipment
Inspect areas below the roof-mounted HVAC equipment
Monitor computer systems and electrical equipment for water exposure
Document any damage to merchandise, machinery, or office equipment
Check for signs of mold growth in the days following the storm

Water damage can lead to costly repairs and business interruption if not addressed quickly, and it may indicate more extensive damage to your commercial roofing system than initially apparent.

What to Do If You Have Roof Storm Damage: Document Everything

Proper documentation is essential for a successful insurance claim process. Your insurance company will need detailed evidence of the damage to process your claim effectively.

Documentation best practices:

Take photos from multiple angles and distances
Include close-up shots of specific damage areas
Photograph both exterior and interior damage
Keep a written log of when the damage occurred
Save weather reports from the day of the storm

The more thorough your documentation, the smoother your claims process will be with your insurance provider.

Temporary Repairs and Protection

If your commercial roof has suffered damage that could allow water infiltration, you’ll need to implement temporary fixes to prevent further damage to your business operations. However, only attempt these repairs if you can do so safely, and consider hiring professionals for commercial roof work.

Safe temporary repair options for commercial roofs:

Use heavy-duty tarps to cover damaged membrane areas
Apply commercial-grade roofing cement to small punctures
Set up water collection systems to protect inventory and equipment
Remove any loose debris that could cause additional damage to the roofing membrane
Ensure roof drains are clear to prevent pooling water

Remember, these are temporary fixes only. Commercial roofing systems require professional repairs to restore your roof to its original condition and ensure your building’s structural integrity and warranty compliance.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

An important step in knowing what to do if you have roof storm damage is contacting your insurance company. Once you’ve documented the damage and implemented any necessary temporary repairs, contact your commercial insurance provider as soon as possible. Commercial insurance policies often have specific requirements and timelines for storm damage claims.

When speaking with your commercial insurance company:

Provide a detailed description of the damage to your commercial roofing system
Share the date and time the storm occurred
Be prepared to email photos of both exterior and interior damage
Inform them if business operations have been affected
Ask about your policy’s deductible and coverage limits for commercial roof repairs
Request information about the next step in the claims process
Inquire about coverage for business interruption if applicable

Your insurance adjuster will typically schedule a professional roof inspection to assess the extent of the damage and determine the scope of work needed for repairs to your commercial roofing system.

Planning for Future Storm Damage Prevention

Once your commercial storm damage repairs are complete, consider implementing preventive measures to protect your commercial roof from future storms. Regular roof maintenance and inspections are especially critical for commercial properties where roof failure can significantly impact business operations.

Commercial roof preventive maintenance strategies:

Schedule regular commercial roof maintenance with a professional contractor
Implement a preventive maintenance program for your roofing system
Keep roof drains and gutters clear of debris
Ensure proper maintenance of roof-mounted HVAC equipment
Consider upgrading to impact-resistant commercial roofing materials
Install additional tie-downs for roof-mounted equipment
Maintain proper documentation for warranty purposes

If your commercial property has been affected by recent storms, don’t wait to address potential roof damage. J. Smucker Contracting offers free inspections and works directly with commercial insurance companies to ensure you receive the coverage you deserve. Our BBB Accredited team serves Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland with comprehensive commercial storm damage roof inspection and repair services for all types of commercial roofing systems. Contact us today to schedule your free commercial roof inspection and protect your business investment.