Commercial Roof Hail Damage Guide
Hail size is the first clue to what your roof may have gone through. Pick a hail size below to see what it typically does to each major commercial roofing material — and what a smart inspection looks like after. This guide is educational; only an on-site professional inspection can determine your roof's actual condition.
The hail-size scale
Select a size. Stones marked severe meet or exceed the National Weather Service severe-thunderstorm criterion (1.00"+). Circles are shown relative to actual size.
Quarter — 1.00"
NWS severeThe National Weather Service severe-thunderstorm threshold. This is the size where insurance-worthy roof damage most commonly begins.
TPO (single-ply)
Hailstone bruises and splits in aged membranes; punctures where hail hits over voids.
EPDM (single-ply)
Splits and tears in weathered areas; flashing pulls become common.
Metal
Denting across panels; paint/coating damage that invites corrosion.
Modified bitumen
Deep granule loss exposing substrate; mat fracturing under heavy strikes.
Recommended action
Get a professional inspection within days. Photograph hailstones next to a ruler or coin, log the storm date, and keep repair records — carriers ask for all three.
General guidance only. Actual damage depends on membrane age and condition, hail density and wind speed, roof slope, and installation quality. Storm Fix Now never confirms damage without an on-site inspection.
When to get a professional inspection
Hail was quarter-size or larger
At or above the NWS severe threshold, functional membrane damage is common. Don't wait for leaks.
You see dents on rooftop equipment
Dented HVAC housings, vents, or gutters mean the roof took the same beating. Equipment usually fails first.
Your roof is past mid-life
Aged membranes, brittle sealants, and worn coatings are far more vulnerable to the same hail event.
Frequently asked questions
What hail size damages a commercial roof?
There is no single magic number — membrane age, type, and hail density matter as much as size. As a rule of thumb, hail at or above 1 inch (quarter-size, the NWS severe threshold) is where functional damage to commercial membranes most commonly begins. Aged or brittle roofs can show damage from smaller hail.
Can hail damage a metal commercial roof?
Yes. Hail typically dents metal panels rather than puncturing them, but denting can crack protective coatings, damage seam sealants and fastener gaskets, and invite corrosion. Deep denting on thin-gauge panels can affect panel attachment.
What does hail damage look like on a TPO or EPDM roof?
Look for circular bruises or soft spots in the membrane, splits along seams, punctures (often over insulation joints), and displaced or torn flashing. Bruising may not be visible at first — it often shows up as accelerated wear weeks later.
How soon after a hailstorm should a commercial roof be inspected?
For quarter-size hail or larger, within days. Prompt inspection matters because documentation made close to the storm date is far more useful for maintenance planning and any insurance discussion. Cosmetic-only events can wait for your next scheduled inspection.
Does insurance cover commercial roof hail damage?
Many commercial property policies cover hail damage, but coverage depends on your policy, deductible, and whether the damage is functional (affecting the roof's service life) rather than purely cosmetic. A professional inspection with dated photos is the foundation of any claim discussion.
Can I inspect my own commercial roof after hail?
A ground-level or window survey for obvious damage is fine, but roof access carries fall and electrical hazards, and untrained eyes miss bruising that becomes a leak months later. NRCA recommends professional inspections at least twice a year and after severe weather.
Saw hail in your area?
Storm Fix Now lines up a vetted local pro to walk your roof, document what they find, and give you clear next steps — free, no obligation. Call +1 (407) 553-9550 or request online.
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