Commercial Roofing in Arlington: Keeping Flat Roofs Dry Through Storm Season
Flat and low-slope roofs fail in different ways than homes. This guide covers what Arlington property owners should watch.
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Why commercial roofs need a different approach
Most commercial buildings use flat or low-slope roofs. Water moves slowly on them, so small problems at seams, drains and edges can turn into leaks fast. Ponding water adds weight and wears the surface.
The roof also protects stock, equipment and the people who work inside. A leak can stop business for a day or more. Planning repairs around operating hours matters, as we explain in how to reduce business disruption during roof repairs.
Commercial roofs also carry more equipment. HVAC units, vents, pipes and walkways all pass through or sit on the surface, and every one of them is a place where water can get in. Regular checks at those points prevent most surprise leaks.
Common problems on low-slope roofs
Open or lifted seams in the membrane.
Clogged drains and scuppers that leave water standing. See flat roof drainage systems.
Punctures from foot traffic, tools or debris.
Failing flashing around rooftop units, curbs and parapet walls.
Blisters and cracks from heat and sun.
Hail impacts that crack or bruise the membrane and insulation below.
Hail and Arlington commercial roofs
Arlington sits in Tarrant County, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 152 hail reports within 10 miles of Arlington from 2015 through 2024. The largest was 5.0 inches, on June 12, 2023.
On a flat roof, hail can damage the membrane and crush the insulation board underneath. The surface may look fine while the layers below are compromised. After any large-hail event, a commercial roof should be checked up close, with photos of each area.
Owners should also know the history of their building. A roof installed before several of those storms may have damage nobody has documented. Arlington had hail of 1.75 inches or larger in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024. A dated photo record after each storm season makes it easier to see what changed and when.
Systems GemSco works on
Low-slope and flat roofs
Membrane roofs on offices, retail and warehouses. Learn the differences in TPO vs EPDM roofing.
Metal roofs
Panels and fasteners that need regular checks for loose screws and rust.
Steep-slope commercial
Shingle, tile and stone-coated roofs on smaller commercial buildings.
Gutters and drainage
Edge gutters and downspouts that keep water away from walls and entries.
Repairs between storms
Seam repairs, flashing work and drain fixes that keep a roof working until a full replacement is planned.
Signs a commercial roof is near the end
Leaks in new places after each storm.
Wet insulation across large areas of the roof.
Membrane that is brittle, cracked or shrinking away from edges.
Repairs on top of repairs at the same seams.
More detail in signs a commercial roof needs replacement.
Repair, restore or replace
Inspect
Walk the full roof, check drains, seams and flashing, and document problems with photos.
Estimate
A written estimate lists the repairs or the replacement scope.
Schedule
Work is planned to limit the impact on your business.
Maintain
A maintenance plan catches small problems early. See our commercial roof maintenance plan guide, or visit the commercial roofing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Arlington commercial roof has hail damage?
Look for dents on rooftop units, vents and metal edges, and for cracks or soft spots in the membrane. Damage to the insulation below often cannot be seen from the surface. A roofer should walk the roof, check suspect areas closely and photograph each area after a large-hail event.
Can a flat roof be repaired instead of replaced?
Often yes. Seams, flashing and small damaged areas can be repaired if the rest of the membrane and insulation are sound. If water has soaked the insulation across large areas, or the roof keeps leaking in new places, replacement may be the better long-term choice.
Does GemSco work on commercial buildings outside Arlington?
Yes. GemSco handles residential and commercial roofing across Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. That includes flat, low-slope, metal and steep-slope roofs on business properties. For Arlington and the rest of Tarrant County, call (844) 980-5506 to request a free estimate and an on-site visit.
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