Storm Proofing Your Roof
- Christina DeSantis
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
PROTECT YOUR ASSET
STORM PROOF YOUR ROOF
A 1-inch puncture on a TPO roof doesn't look like much—until a storm turns it into a $50,000 interior asset liability.
Severe weather isn’t just a weather event; it’s a stress test for your building's envelope. On a low-slope or flat roofing system, preventative maintenance is the only line of defense between operational continuity and a massive insurance claim.
Here is your quick playbook to protect your asset:
Mitigation Before the Storm
Clear the Drainage Paths: A single clogged scupper, conductor head, or drain can turn your roof into a swimming pool. Flat roofs are engineered to handle dead weight, but thousands of gallons of ponding water can lead to structural deflection or catastrophic deck failure.
Secure Loose Perimeter Components: High winds love to catch loose coping caps, counterflashing, and edge metal. If the perimeter fails, the wind gets under the membrane, risking a major roof blow-off.
Debris Removals: Loose tree branches, HVAC panel doors, or leftover construction debris become high-velocity projectiles during a storm, easily slicing through single-ply TPO or PVC membranes.
Verification After the Storm
Inspect Seam Integrity & Flashing: Wind uplift puts massive stress on welded seams and penetration flashings. Have your roofing partner check for micro-tears or splits around HVAC curbs, pipes, and parapet walls.
Look for "Puncture Tracks": Hail and flying debris can puncture single-ply membranes without causing an immediate catastrophic leak. Over time, water seeps into the insulation board, destroying your R-value and rotting the deck from the inside out.
Document Everything: Take photos immediately following a storm. If there is membrane or ballast damage, you’ll need clear, time-stamped proof for your insurance carrier.
A proactive inspection and cleaning program will always beat an emergency mitigation bill. Don't wait for the ceiling tiles to start dropping in your tenants' spaces.
Is your roof ready for the next round of weather? Let’s get an inspection on the books before the clouds roll in.
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