Southlake Commercial Roofs: Built for Hail Country
A leak in a store, office or warehouse costs more than a repair bill. Here is how commercial roofs in Southlake hold up and how to keep them working.
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What the storm data means for business roofs
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 51 hail reports of 1.75 inches or larger within 10 miles of Southlake from 2015 through 2024, out of 202 hail reports in all. The largest measured 4.25 inches on June 11, 2023. Southlake is mainly in Tarrant County, where large hail showed up in 6 of those 10 years.
Flat and low-slope roofs take hail straight on. The surface may look intact while the cover board or insulation under it is crushed. Dents in rooftop units and metal trim are often the first sign. Because water spreads sideways under a membrane, a single puncture can wet a large area before anyone inside sees a drip.
Summer heat adds its own wear. Long, hot days dry out sealants, and expansion and contraction stress seams and flashing at rooftop curbs. A seam that held through spring can open by fall, which is why checks twice a year are worth the time.
Warning signs on a commercial roof
Soft or spongy spots when walking the roof.
Membrane seams that are lifting or open.
Water that ponds more than two days after rain.
Dented HVAC housings, vents or coping after a storm.
Stained ceiling tiles or musty smells inside.
Cracked flashing around curbs and penetrations.
Blisters or bubbles across the surface of the membrane.
Roof systems you will see on the market
TPO and PVC
Light-colored single-ply sheets with welded seams, common on newer low-slope buildings.
EPDM
A rubber membrane with a long track record. Compare it with TPO in TPO vs. EPDM roofing.
Modified bitumen
Asphalt-based rolls in layers, often used where foot traffic is heavy.
Metal panels
A durable choice for shops and low-slope buildings with some pitch.
Shingles
Smaller commercial buildings with steeper roofs often use the same shingles as homes.
After a hailstorm hits your building
Check inside first
Look for new stains, drips or wet ceiling tiles and move inventory away from them.
Clear the drains
Hail and debris can clog drains and scuppers, causing water to pond. See flat roof drainage systems.
Schedule a roof inspection
A roofer checks the membrane, seams, flashing and rooftop units and documents what is found with photos.
Talk to your insurer
Coverage depends on your policy and your insurance company. A written estimate helps that conversation.
Keep records
Save photos, the date of the storm and any repair invoices in one place for the claim and for future budgets.
Planning work around your business
Roof work on an active building takes planning: access, noise, staging and protection for entries. Our guide on reducing business disruption during roof repairs covers the basics, and a commercial roof maintenance plan helps you budget year to year. Agree on work hours, where materials will be staged and how entrances will stay safe for staff and customers before the crew arrives.
GemSco handles residential and commercial roofing, including low-slope and flat roofs, with 20+ years of experience. We are fully licensed and insured, and estimates are free. Learn more about commercial roofing or our work in Southlake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if hail damaged my building's flat roof?
Signs include dents on rooftop units, cracked or punctured membrane, soft spots and new stains inside. Many hits are hard to see without walking the roof closely. A professional inspection after a large storm, with photos, gives you a clear record of what was damaged.
Should a hail-damaged commercial roof be repaired or replaced?
It depends on how much of the roof is affected and whether the insulation under it is wet. Isolated punctures can be repaired. When wet insulation covers large areas, or the roof is near the end of its life, replacement is often the better choice.
What maintenance helps a commercial roof last longer in Southlake?
Keep drains clear, walk the roof in spring and fall, and check it after every hail or wind event. Fix small seam or flashing issues quickly. Keeping dated photos of each visit helps you track wear and supports any future insurance claim.
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