The Steps You Should Take to Protect Your Commercial Roof After a Hail Event

In Colorado, hailstorms are part of life, especially across the Front Range. If you manage or own a commercial property, your roof is one of your building’s most valuable and vulnerable assets. And when hail hits, knowing what to do in the hours and days that follow can make all the difference between minor repairs and major expenses.

Hail damage isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, issues stay hidden until leaks appear weeks, or even months later. That’s why it’s essential to take the right steps immediately after a storm to keep up your commercial roof maintenance and avoid further damage.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you respond quickly, minimize risks, and prepare for possible insurance claims.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety First

Before anything else, ensure the safety of everyone on the property. After a hailstorm, hazards may include:

• Broken skylights or windows
• Standing water on flat roofs
• Damaged HVAC or rooftop equipment
• Electrical risks from water intrusion

Don’t attempt to walk on the roof yourself, especially if you suspect damage or if the surface is wet. Leave that to trained professionals with the proper equipment and safety gear.

Step 2: Document the Storm and Potential Damage

It’s important to document the event as soon as it’s safe to do so. This will help later if you need to file an insurance claim.

• Note the date and time of the hail event
• Take photos of the hailstones, if possible, next to a ruler or coin for scale
• Photograph visible damage on the ground: fallen shingles, broken fixtures, clogged drains, or roof debris
• Look for signs of water intrusion inside the building — ceiling stains, drips, or moisture on walls

While you won’t be able to inspect the roof itself just yet, gathering as much context as possible helps establish a timeline and supports your claim.

Step 3: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

This is the most important step you can take after a hailstorm. A licensed commercial roofing contractor will:

• Inspect the full roof system for signs of hail damage, both visible and hidden
• Check seams, flashing, vents, HVAC curbs, and drains
• Look for membrane punctures, splits, or blistering
• Assess the condition of insulation and underlying decking
• Provide a written report and photo documentation

At Reliable Roofing, we offer free post-storm inspections for commercial properties across Colorado. Our team is trained to recognize even subtle signs of hail damage and will walk you through what needs attention, whether it’s minor repairs or a full replacement.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Provider

If damage is confirmed, your next step is to notify your insurance company. Many commercial policies have strict deadlines for reporting storm damage, sometimes as short as 30 days, so time is of the essence.

Here’s what to do:

1. Review your commercial property policy and deductible amounts
2. Submit the storm date and any documentation you’ve gathered
3. Schedule an adjuster visit and ask your roofer to be present for that inspection if possible

A roofing contractor can act as your advocate during the claim process, helping ensure all damage is identified, documented, and included in the claim scope.

Step 5: Make Temporary Repairs if Needed

If your roof has been compromised, temporary repairs may be needed to prevent further water intrusion while your insurance claim is processed.

Examples include:

• Tarping damaged areas
• Sealing obvious leaks
• Clearing clogged drains or scuppers
• Covering exposed equipment or skylights

Reliable Roofing offers emergency commercial roof repair services to help stabilize your building quickly after a storm. Acting fast can prevent costly interior damage and keep your operations running smoothly.

Step 6: Decide on Repair vs. Replacement

Once your inspection is complete and your claim is underway, it’s time to evaluate your options. Your contractor should provide:

• A full breakdown of the damage
• Repair vs. replacement recommendations
• Material options for durability and energy performance
• Cost estimates and timelines

In some cases, only localized repairs are needed. But if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, or if hail damage is widespread across the surface, a full roof replacement may be the most cost-effective and reliable long-term solution.

Step 7: Protect Your New or Repaired Roof Going Forward

Once your repairs are complete, it’s important to keep your commercial roof in top shape to prevent future damage and preserve your warranty.

Post-hail event best practices include:

• Schedule regular roof inspections at least once per year, and after every major storm
• Keep your roof free of debris that can clog drains or wear down membranes
• Monitor indoor areas for signs of leaks, especially after rain
• Establish a maintenance plan with your roofing contractor for ongoing care

At Reliable Roofing, we offer commercial roof maintenance packages to extend the life of your system and help you stay ahead of issues.

Why Hail Damage Can’t Wait

In Colorado, commercial properties face hail season almost every year. The damage may be out of sight, but it can cause major disruptions and expenses if ignored.

• Minor membrane tears can lead to slow leaks and insulation damage
• Granule loss or surface cracking may reduce UV resistance and energy efficiency
• Loose seams or flashing can cause water infiltration behind walls or equipment
• Structural rot may develop beneath the surface, weakening your building’s frame

Early inspection and repair can save you thousands in the long run and help avoid insurance claim denials due to delayed reporting.

Trust Reliable Roofing for Post-Hail Commercial Roof Support

With over 25 years of experience serving Colorado’s commercial property owners, Reliable Roofing & Restoration Inc. understands how to respond after a storm. We specialize in:

• Flat and low-slope roofing systems (TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen)
• Storm damage inspections and documentation
• Insurance claim assistance
• Emergency roof repairs
• Full commercial roof replacements

Our crews are trained, licensed, and OSHA-compliant, and we take pride in delivering clear communication, clean job sites, and durable results.

Don’t Wait. Protect Your Commercial Roof Today.

If your building has been through a hailstorm, don’t leave your roof’s condition to chance. Schedule a free post-storm inspection with Reliable Roofing and get peace of mind that your property is protected and your insurance claim is handled the right way.We proudly serve Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, and commercial properties across the Colorado Front Range. Contact us today for expert support after a hail event and let our team help you protect what matters most.