Question 1

What size hail can damage my commercial roof?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the type, condition and age of the roof, wind speed and direction, intensity of the storm as the shape of the hailstones. Even if the size of the hail is small, sharp hail and concentration of stones can cause significant damage. We have seen roof damage from ¾” hail and no significant problems from 4” hailstones. On average, 1” hailstones are considered big enough to damage some commercial roofing systems, depending on the age of the roof, type of substrate and overall roof condition. Larger sized hail will, of course, create more significant issues.

Question 2

What are the signs of roof hail damage?

Accepted Answer

After a hailstorm of any magnitude you should visually inspect your roof or have it evaluated by a professional. New dents and/or divots on the roof following a hailstorm are a clear sign of hail impacts and possible damage. Hail can also scuff the surface, creating “cleaner” areas on membranes or bare spots on roofs with granular surfaces. Other signs of possible hail damage are tears, cracks or material that has been deformed or stretched in spots.

Question 3

When does hail damage mandate roof replacement?

Accepted Answer

This largely depends on the age of your current roof and the condition of the material it’s made from. A single storm can cause enough damage to require replacement, especially if the roof is already at risk due to age or other factors. For example, an older membrane roof may be more brittle and less resilient to smaller sized hail. Our inspectors will provide an honest assessment of any damage so that you can make the best decision for your building and business. If repairs are all that are needed we can complete that work for you.

Question 4

How does insurance work with respect to commercial roof hail damage?

Accepted Answer

Hail is a fairly frequent event in our part of the country and most commercial property insurance policies cover hail or storm events. Don’t wait until after a hailstorm to review your policy to verify hail damage is covered. Even if hail is covered, not all policies are the same. Cosmetic damage, such as dented metal, is covered by some policies and not others. Insurance companies also differ in how much damage they require to consider a roof in need of replacement. This can be based on type of damage or number of hail strikes in (for example) a 10’ by 10’ area. You should also make sure that your deductible is set at a level you are comfortable with.

Question 5

Can Sentry Roofing help with my insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we regularly work with insurance companies to help our clients obtain satisfactory results with their claims. We can help you with documentation for them and we’ll meet insurance adjusters on the roof to help them identify damage and resolve the claim. Over the Sentry Roofing representatives have met with hundreds of insurance professionals. In our experience, most insurance companies treat customers fairly. However, it helps to have an experienced contractor help deal with the details and to make sure the adjuster understands the full extent of the damage done to your roof and rooftop equipment.

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Protect your facility, business, staff and clients with a contractor team you can trust!