Commercial Roofing in Plano: Flat and Low-Slope Roofs Under Hail
A commercial roof protects inventory, equipment and the people inside. In Plano, it also has to handle frequent hail. Here is how owners and managers can stay ahead of it.
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What Plano hail means for a flat roof
Plano is mainly in Collin County, and the area sees hail often. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 202 hail reports within 10 miles of Plano from 2015 through 2024. Of those, 75 were 1.75 inches or larger, and the biggest was 4.5 inches on March 24, 2019.
On a flat or low-slope roof, hail can puncture or crack a membrane, crush insulation boards underneath and damage rooftop units. Small punctures let water spread under the membrane, where it travels far before showing up inside. That is why a quick look after a storm is not enough on a commercial building.
Business owners also face a cost that homeowners rarely do: downtime. A leak over a server room, a stockroom or a dining area can close part of the building. Catching damage early keeps a repair small and keeps the doors open.
Repair, restore or replace
Not every worn commercial roof needs a full tear-off. If the membrane is mostly sound and the insulation is dry, targeted repairs can buy years. If water has soaked large areas of insulation, replacement is usually the honest answer, because wet insulation keeps the deck damp and loses its value.
A moisture survey and a section-by-section inspection tell you which case you are in. Our post on signs a commercial roof needs replacement covers the warning signs in more detail.
Common low-slope roof systems
Single-ply membranes
Sheets such as TPO and EPDM are widely used on commercial buildings. Our post on TPO vs. EPDM roofing compares them.
Modified bitumen
Layered asphalt-based sheets, often found on older low-slope roofs.
Metal roofs
Common on warehouses and shops with some pitch. Fasteners and seams need regular checks.
Coatings
Applied over some existing roofs to extend their life. They only work on a sound, dry roof.
Warning signs on a commercial roof
Water ponding for days after rain.
Blisters, splits or open seams in the membrane.
Wet or soft insulation underfoot.
Stains on ceiling tiles inside the building.
Dents and cracks on rooftop units and flashing after hail.
Clogged drains and scuppers. See flat roof drainage systems.
A simple plan for building owners
Baseline inspection
Document the roof as it is today, with photos of every section.
Routine checks
Clear drains and look at seams on a set schedule and after storms. Our commercial roof maintenance plan post lays out a routine.
Fix small problems fast
Punctures and open seams are cheap to fix early and costly once water spreads.
Plan replacement with the business in mind
Schedule work to limit disruption to tenants and customers, and budget for it before the roof fails.
Working with GemSco
GemSco handles residential and commercial roofing, including low-slope and flat roofs, metal and shingle. We are family owned, fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of experience, and estimates are free. Learn more about our commercial roofing service, our hail damage repair in Plano or our Plano roofing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if hail damaged my building's flat roof?
Hail damage on membranes can be hard to see. Look for punctures, cracked flashing and dents on rooftop units, and for new leaks inside. A roofer can walk the surface, check the insulation underneath and photograph each spot. That record helps with repairs and any claim.
Can a commercial roof be replaced while the business stays open?
In many cases, yes. Work can be phased by section and scheduled to keep entrances and parking usable. Planning noise, deliveries and safety zones ahead of time keeps disruption down. Our post on reducing business disruption during roof repairs covers practical steps.
Is ponding water on a flat roof normal?
A little water that dries within a day or two is common. Water that sits longer adds weight, speeds up wear on the membrane and can point to clogged drains or a sagging deck. It is worth having it checked before it becomes a leak.
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