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Spotting hail damage on commercial roofs in Hickory, NC, is the first step in protecting your business investment. The Piedmont region often faces severe weather. This weather can leave your roof vulnerable to leaks and structural failure. Even small hailstones can cause significant issues. These problems are not always visible from the ground. If you wait until water drips from the ceiling, the damage may be extensive and expensive to fix. Taking quick action after a storm helps you maintain your building. It also helps you meet insurance reporting requirements.
Integrity Roofing, LLC has served the Hickory and Western North Carolina regions since 2017. We understand the local climate. Additionally, our roofing team understands the specific challenges business owners face after a major storm. Our roofing team provides honest assessments. Furthermore, we work directly with you to handle the insurance claim process. We focus on high-quality craftsmanship and community service. This focus has earned us hundreds of positive reviews from our clients. When you need a reliable partner to evaluate your property, call (828) 448-0855 to schedule a professional assessment.
Commercial buildings use a variety of materials. Each material reacts differently to hail impact. Identifying these signs early can prevent long-term moisture problems.
TPO and EPDM Membranes: On these flat roof systems, hail can cause fractures. These appear to be small "stars" or cracks in the membrane. These breaches allow water to seep into the insulation layer below.
Modified Bitumen: Hail often creates circular cracking or indentations on asphalt-based commercial systems. These "bruises" weaken the material. This leads to premature aging.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Look for areas where gravel has moved. This exposure leaves underlying felt layers vulnerable to UV rays and rain.
Metal components often show the most obvious signs of a hailstorm. While some damage is cosmetic, other impacts can compromise the roof seal.
Vents and Flashing: Examine metal vents, flashing, and gutters for visible dings or pockmarks. These soft metal parts often dent easily. They provide a clear record of the hail's size and intensity.
HVAC Units: Check the cooling fins on rooftop HVAC units. Hail can flatten these fins. This restricts airflow and reduces the efficiency of your cooling system.
Fasteners: Note that even small dents near fasteners can cause them to loosen over time. This creates gaps where water can enter the building structure.
If your commercial property uses asphalt shingles, the signs of damage are often subtle.
Downspouts: Search for piles of granules at the base of your downspouts. Large amounts of shed granules indicate that the shingles have lost their protective coating.
Bruising: Feel for soft spots or "bruises" on the shingles. This indicates that the underlying mat is fractured. The surface may still look intact.
Exposed Felt: Look for dark spots where granules have been dislodged. This leaves the asphalt or felt exposed to the elements.
Ignoring hail damage can lead to serious consequences for your business operations. What starts as a small impact can quickly turn into a major structural issue.
Moisture Infiltration: Small cracks allow water to enter the building. This leads to mold growth and damaged inventory.
Structural Rot: Water reaching the wooden or metal decking can cause rot or corrosion. This weakens the entire roof structure.
Warranty Issues: Many manufacturers require regular roof maintenance and prompt post-storm inspections to maintain warranty coverage. Insurance companies often consider ignoring storm damage as neglect. This can void your roof warranty or complicate future insurance claims.
Proper documentation is essential for a successful insurance claim. Following these steps helps you gather the evidence needed to support your case.
North Carolina does not have a single statewide deadline. Instead, your specific insurance policy determines the timeframe. Many policies require you to report damage "as soon as practicable." Adjusters often interpret this as 30 to 60 days. You should check your policy immediately. Report any suspected damage promptly to avoid a denial.
While large hail can puncture a roof and cause immediate leaks, most hail damage is cumulative. It weakens the roof over time. This leads to leaks months or even years later.
Hail as small as one inch can cause damage to certain roofing materials. The severity depends on the wind speed and the age of the roof.
In North Carolina, insurance companies cannot raise your individual rates for a single weather-related claim. However, the NC Rate Bureau may adjust statewide or territorial rates based on regional loss trends.
Yes, at Integrity Roofing, LLC , a free inspection is a no-obligation service. We provide an honest assessment of your roof's condition. This helps you make an informed decision.
Taking quick action after a storm is an effective way to protect your commercial property. Integrity Roofing, LLC is committed to providing reliable roofing solutions. We help Hickory business owners recover after severe weather. We provide thorough inspections and expert guidance throughout the repair process. If you suspect hail damage on commercial roofs in Hickory, NC, call (828) 448-0855 or visit our office at 1612 Tate Blvd—SE, Hickory, NC 28602, to schedule your assessment today.
January 21, 2026
How to Spot Hail Damage on Commercial Roofs in Hickory, NC
Spotting hail damage on commercial roofs in Hickory, NC, is the first step in protecting your business investment. The Piedmont region often faces severe weather.…
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