Damage to a commercial property after severe weather can be very frustrating for business owners and can hurt a business’s bottom line. In Texas, hail is one of the most common types of weather damage property owners face. Knowing how to spot hail damage can help businesses act fast, prevent more damage, and file an insurance claim on time.
Commercial Hail Damage in Texas
During strong thunderstorms, hailstones form inside tall storm clouds with strong updrafts. These strong winds, similar to those in storms that can also produce tornadoes, push water droplets high into the colder parts of the cloud.
As the droplets rise, temperatures can drop to freezing (32°F or 0°C), turning them into ice. From there, they continue moving through the cloud and collect more ice, slowly growing into hailstones.
Eventually, hailstones become too heavy for the updraft winds to hold them up, and they fall to the ground. In the United States, hail can begin to cause damage when it reaches about 2.5 to 4.4 centimeters in size. Smaller hail is usually just a nuisance, but larger hail can seriously damage property.
Texas is one of the states that often experiences hailstorms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center Annual Severe Weather Report Summary, there were 5,432 hail events in 2025, compared to 5,373 in 2024. Texas was among the most affected states.
These storms can be very costly for businesses, leading to major losses in revenue, property, equipment, crops, and more.
While hail can happen at any time of year, it most often forms during severe thunderstorms fueled by warm, humid air. Because of this, hail season is most common in the spring and summer and becomes less frequent in the fall. A region known as Hail Alley covers much of North and West Texas, stretching across the plains and impacting major cities like Dallas.
The Hidden Impact of Roof Damage
Roof problems often start with small, easy-to-miss signs. Tiny paint bubbles, ceiling stains, or sudden drafts may not stand out at first. But each of these can point to a bigger and more costly issue.
The following issues, in particular, can quickly escalate:
- Moisture that enters an attic can compromise insulation and greatly increase utility costs.
- Water behind walls can promote mold growth, which is especially harmful to the health of those inside the building.
- Soft spots in ceilings can eventually collapse.
- Dampness can damage belongings that may not be easily replaceable.
These issues can escalate quickly, making early roof care a key component of a safe and stable working environment.
Identifying Hail Damage
When checking a commercial roof for hail damage, safety should come first. A trained roofer can inspect the roof, assess the damage, and provide a report. Property owners can use this report when filing an insurance claim.
While hail can cause damage, several factors can affect how much damage a roof takes, including:
- Wind direction: Wind direction and wind speed during a hailstorm can vary. Changes in these conditions can affect both the location and severity of hail.
- Size and density: The size of hailstones can affect the severity of property damage. While a hailstone can be as small as a pea, it can also be as large as a softball (or larger).
- Roof materials and age: Different roofing materials used in construction or repair react to hail in different ways. For example, hail may dent aluminum, gutters, or asphalt, while it can crack vinyl or wood. The age and condition of the roof also matter. If the roof already has storm damage, it may be weak enough for hail to break through.
- Property barriers: Nearby buildings and natural barriers, like trees or landscaping, can help block hail. These can lower the risk of damage to a business.
Hail may dent metal and asphalt but can crack vinyl or wood.
When checking if a commercial roof has hail damage, one clear sign is a leak. You may see water dripping from AC units, stains on the ceiling, or even mold in some cases. When inspecting the outside of the building, property owners should look for the following signs of hail damage:
- Gutters: Dented or damaged gutters can be a clear sign of hail damage on the roof. Look for dents or scratches on gutters, gutter screens, and downspouts.
- HVAC systems: Many commercial buildings have HVAC systems on the roof. If the system is not working well, like uneven heating or cooling, hail may be the cause. Hail can damage the thin metal fins that control airflow, which can block air movement.
- Asphalt and tar roofs: These roofs can make hail damage hard to see. Often, gravel must be cleared away so a sample can be taken and checked by a specialist.
- Modified bitumen roofs: Hail damage is usually easier to spot. Look for dark, round, or star-shaped marks where hail hit the roof surface.
- EPDM rubber roofs: Hail can damage the layer under the roof, causing dents and water to collect. If this happens, the roof may need to be fully replaced with new materials.
- TPO and PVC roofs: Hail damage can be hard to find on these roofs, especially on older ones. Damage may not show on the surface but underneath the roof layer. This can let water in and make leaks hard to locate.
Hail damage may not show on the surface but can exist underneath the roof layer.
Common Hail Damage Myths
Checking for hail damage on a business roof may seem simple, but there are several common myths property owners should avoid. These include:
Not Filing an Insurance Claim Because the Damage Doesn’t Look Serious
After any hailstorm, business owners should schedule a professional roof inspection as soon as possible. These inspections require trained experts who can find damage that may not be easy to see. It’s common for small damage to be overlooked, but even minor issues can get worse over time.
If a property is not well maintained and damage grows, an insurance company may deny a claim later. Property owners are responsible for keeping their buildings in good condition.
Newer Roofs are Covered Under Warranty from the Material Manufacturer or Building Contractor
Many property owners think a new roof is fully covered by a warranty from the manufacturer or contractor. However, it’s important to read the details. Most roofing warranties do not cover hail damage, even on newer roofs.
Property Owners Can Fix a Hail-Damaged Roof on Their Own
Not all roofing systems are the same, so commercial property owners should make sure any hail damage is handled by both their insurance company and an experienced roofer. While flat roofs can work well, they need proper care and skilled repair to last. Trying to fix the roof without help can make the problem worse and may lead to more damage.
How to Protect Your Business’s Roof Against Hail and Storm Damage
For commercial property owners, protecting buildings before a hailstorm, hurricane, or other severe weather is an important part of storm preparation.
Even regular thunderstorms and heavy rain can damage a roof, which is one of the most expensive parts of a commercial building. Roof damage can cause leaks that affect the inside of the property. Making sure the roof is in good condition before a storm can help reduce damage and make problems easier to manage if they happen.
Protecting buildings before a hailstorm or severe weather is an important part of storm preparation.
Some of the most effective ways to prepare a commercial property’s roof before a storm include:
Inspect the Property’s Roof Drainage Systems
Commercial roof drainage systems should be checked regularly throughout the year. During a rainstorm, thousands of gallons of water can fall on a roof. Many commercial roofs have low slopes, so water must flow to drains to avoid pooling.
If water flows off the roof through overflow areas and runs down the outside of the building, it may mean a drain is blocked or not working. If this happens, it should be reported right away to a contractor or roofing expert to help prevent further water damage.
Consider Wind Causing Water Entry
When a severe storm happens, wind speeds can reach up to 35 miles per hour. Commercial roof membranes are made to be watertight, but HVAC units, vents, stacks, and skylights can still have openings where water may get in.
These roof openings are usually designed to handle rain that falls straight down or at a slight angle. However, strong winds can push rain sideways. When this happens, water can get inside more easily and cause leaks.
Commercial property owners should think about this risk before a storm starts to help prevent interior damage.
Mitigate Interior Damage to the Property
In any commercial building, the most important business items are usually inside, so it is important to prevent interior damage.
Before a storm, property owners should find HVAC registers and move valuable items like computers, documents, or hard drives away from them. This is especially important if there is a risk of a roof leak. Roof leaks or broken pipes can let water enter air ducts and spread inside the building.
Roof ductwork is often not fully sealed against water, so moisture can get in through seams and reach interior vents. If items cannot be moved from under vents, HVAC units, or skylights, they should be covered to protect them from water damage.
Know the Location of a Leak
Roofing contractors are often called to repair leaks to windows, doors, or walls, or leaks under a building’s foundation. If you notice a roof leak on your property, engage a qualified contractor to repair it as soon as possible. This is especially important to consider because contractors will likely be in high demand after a major storm.
Knowing the right professional to contact can expedite the repair process and ensure it is successful.
Commercial Property Damage Lawyers
A hail-damaged roof can cause major stress for business owners. While preparing for storms can help reduce damage or leaks, it is also important to have the right insurance coverage in place.
Talking with a commercial property damage lawyer who understands insurance policies can help identify gaps in coverage. If a valid roof damage claim is denied, legal support can help hold insurance companies accountable and work to secure the financial support needed to restore business operations.
At Raizner Slania, our team of experienced commercial property insurance claim attorneys understands how insurance companies may try to limit or deny claims. Contact our office to learn how we can help with your claim.