How to Inspect Your Commercial Roof After a Major Storm

Once the storm clouds roll out, the real work begins.

If you manage a commercial property in places like Indiana or Michigan, you know how quickly weather can flip the script—and how quietly it can leave behind a mess.

A roof might look fine from the parking lot, but looks can be deceiving. That layer overhead isn’t just for show. It’s the line between a dry, operational space and a facility full of problems.

Obvious damage is one thing. It’s the stuff you don’t catch right away that causes headaches later.

Leaks that sneak in, mold that sets up shop in hidden spots, small issues that snowball into major repairs—those are the silent troublemakers.

You might be tempted to eyeball it and move on, but unless you’re trained to spot the subtle signs, you’re gambling with your building’s future.

A proper inspection isn’t just a box to check. It’s how you stay one step ahead of the next storm.

The Impact of Storms on Commercial Roofs

Storms don’t just mess with your schedule—they take aim at your roof. In states like Indiana and Michigan, where weather doesn’t pull punches, commercial roofs take the brunt.

High winds peel back membranes, yank off flashings, and create entry points for water. Rain pools on flat surfaces, giving moisture the perfect setup to soak in and quietly eat away at your roof’s structure.

Then there’s hail, which doesn’t need much time to leave a mark—cracks, dents, and punctures that chip away at your roof’s durability with every hit.

Not all damage screams for attention. The obvious stuff—like torn fixtures or gaping holes—gets noticed. But it’s the subtler problems that tend to stick around and get worse.

A small puncture might not look like much, but it can let water sneak into layers where it has no business being. That’s how you end up with soaked insulation, hidden mold, and an interior that’s one leak away from a serious problem.

The real danger is what you can’t spot from the ground—or even from a quick walk on the roof. Moisture can sit trapped between layers, quietly breaking things down over time.

Weak spots might not sag or creak today, but they’re silently setting the stage for future failures. Without a trained eye, these threats stay off the radar until they turn into costly repairs or safety hazards.

That’s why timing matters. The longer damage goes unchecked, the worse the outcome. A storm might roll through in a few hours, but the mess it leaves behind can linger for months if no one acts on it.

Getting a pro to check things out early gives you the full picture. They know where to look, what to look for, and how to flag problems that don’t announce themselves right away.

This isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about catching the issues that could cost more later. A solid inspection leads to a smart repair plan, keeping your roof ready for whatever comes next.

And with someone experienced in local weather patterns, you’re not just getting a quick once-over—you’re getting insight. That’s what separates a patch job from a long-term solution.

Signs to Look For: Identifying Roof Storm Damage

Not all roof damage comes with flashing lights. Some signs hit you over the head—others whisper until it’s too late.

After a storm, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket damage like puddles, punctures, or missing panels. But the real trouble often hides in plain sight, slowly chipping away at your roof’s integrity if you don’t know where to look.

A lot can go wrong in the quiet corners. High winds might not tear through membrane edges, but they can lift or shift them just enough to create gaps.

Hail can leave soft indentations that won’t show unless you physically check the surface. Even heavy debris can rearrange itself to hide smaller issues beneath. What looks like a clean sweep could be hiding the start of a bigger problem.

Here are four subtle signs that your roof might have taken more of a hit than you realize:

• Lifted membrane seams or edges: These can loosen without tearing and are easy to miss unless inspected up close.

• Dents or soft spots on metal surfaces: Especially around HVAC units or flashing—if it’s soft to the touch or looks bruised, that’s a red flag.

• Clogged or misaligned drainage systems: If water isn’t draining the way it used to, check for debris buildup or shifted scuppers.

• Cracked or deteriorating sealants: Hairline cracks around flashing or expansion joints can lead to water intrusion later.

The most deceptive damage is often around the roof’s perimeter or along the seams—places most people skip over.

Sealants wear down, flashings loosen, and minor shifts can open doors for moisture. Once water gets in, it doesn’t stay in one place. It moves, spreads, and invites mold or rot along the way.

Don’t assume that everything’s fine just because nothing’s leaking yet. Look closely at every edge, joint, and piece of rooftop equipment.

If drainage paths have shifted, or if water is lingering in spots that used to stay dry, something’s changed—and not in a good way.

If anything looks off, or if you’re not sure what qualifies as damage, call in someone who knows what to look for.

Early identification is the best way to avoid repairs that blow your budget later. Storm damage isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just quiet enough to be dangerous.

When to Call a Professional Commercial Roofing Contractor for an Assessment

There’s a fine line between being proactive and being overconfident. After a major storm, even the most hands-on property managers can miss things a trained eye would catch.

Surface-level inspections might give you peace of mind, but they rarely tell the full story. That’s where a professional roofing contractor comes in—someone who knows what’s normal, what’s not, and what needs attention before it snowballs.

Relying on guesswork or a quick glance can be costly.

Contractors who specialize in commercial roofing bring more than just ladders and flashlights. They bring methodical inspection routines, industry-grade tools, and deep experience spotting damage that’s easy to overlook.

Warped panels, compromised membranes, or weakened seals don’t always stand out, especially if you don’t know what subtle signs to track.

A thorough inspection by someone trained for this work protects your investment by laying out exactly what’s working—and what’s not.

Choosing the right professional matters just as much as knowing when to call one. Skip the generic search results. Look for a local contractor with a track record of commercial work in your region.

Reviews matter. So do certifications, licensing, and insurance. A contractor who’s dealt with Midwest storms before will be familiar with the wear patterns and weather quirks unique to Indiana and Michigan.

You’ll want someone who doesn't just show up, scribble notes, and disappear. A quality contractor explains what they’re seeing and why it matters.

They’ll point out concerns, provide documentation, and walk you through potential fixes, timelines, and priorities.

Their inspection won’t stop at the roof membrane—they’ll check drainage, flashings, sealants, rooftop equipment, and all the edges in between.

There’s another perk to bringing in the pros: insurance claims. A professional inspection helps build a solid case for any damage-related claims.

With clean documentation, photos, and a detailed report, you’re better positioned to get the coverage you’re owed—without back-and-forth headaches.

Waiting too long or trying to wing it with a self-assessment can cost you more than a repair bill. It can compromise the structure, safety, and lifespan of your entire building.

If there’s any question in your mind, bring in someone who knows how to find the answers. An expert assessment today can prevent a costly surprise tomorrow.

A Severe Storm Hit Your Area? Don't Leave Your Business Vulnerable

Storms don’t always leave visible damage—but they always leave a question: Is your roof still doing its job? If you're even slightly unsure, it’s time to stop guessing.

A smart, thorough inspection now can save you from costly repairs—or worse—later. It’s not just about checking the boxes; it’s about knowing the roof over your operations won’t let you down when the next storm hits.

That’s exactly what we help you do. Our team specializes in commercial and industrial roofing solutions designed for properties across Indiana and Michigan.

We know what local weather can do to a roof, and we know how to catch problems before they spiral. From flashing to drainage, from the obvious to the nearly invisible, we cover every detail with experience and precision.

Want to take the next step?

Schedule your expert commercial roof assessment today and get ahead of potential issues before they affect your business.

Questions or ready to speak directly with us?

Call (574) 875-1740 or email a1roofingspec@aol.com to get started.

Roof damage isn’t just a maintenance issue—it’s a business risk.

Choosing experienced contractors means you’re not just reacting to storm damage; you’re actively protecting your investment. That’s the difference between patchwork fixes and long-term peace of mind.

With the right team on your side, your roof doesn’t just recover—it gets stronger. Let’s make sure your building is ready for whatever comes next.