What Storm Damage Really Looks Like on a Commercial Roof in San Antonio
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In San Antonio and across Central Texas, severe weather poses a direct threat to the long-term performance of commercial roofing systems, more than just a seasonal inconvenience. Whether it’s a high-wind event, hailstorm, or days of steady rain, even “minor” storms can leave behind lasting damage that compromises insulation, shortens a roof’s lifespan, or leads to expensive structural issues down the line.
At JGA Roofing Systems, we’ve been helping Texas business owners, school districts, and facility managers identify and recover from storm damage for over 38 years. We know that roof damage doesn’t always present as a gaping hole or a dramatic leak, and that’s why proper inspection and timely action are crucial.
Understanding Roof Damage in Texas Storms
Texas storms are unpredictable and often aggressive. In San Antonio, especially, the combination of scorching heat, sudden cold fronts, and severe storm systems means your roof is under constant pressure throughout the year. These storm systems can strike with wind gusts over 70 mph, quarter-sized hail, and torrential rain that overwhelms drainage systems. The materials used in commercial roofing, whether PVC, TPO, metal, or modified bitumen, can all react differently under storm stress, and not every type of damage will be immediately apparent.
That’s why understanding what roof damage looks like after a storm is essential, not just for safety, but also for protecting warranties and insurance eligibility.
Common Types of Roof Damage from Texas Storms
Storms affect each roofing system differently, but we consistently see a few key types of damage across commercial properties in San Antonio:
Wind damage is one of the most common problems, especially on older membrane roofs or roofs with poor edge securement. Wind can lift and peel back seams, dislodge flashing, and tear away rooftop equipment coverings. These openings allow rain to enter, leading to water intrusion and the potential for mold growth.
Hail damage is often underestimated. While metal roofs might dent or deform visibly, membrane roofs usually suffer from hairline punctures or surface cracking that frequently go unnoticed. These micro-fractures allow water to seep in slowly, saturating insulation and rotting deck boards over time.
Water damage can be caused directly by rainfall or made worse by clogged drains and scuppers that prevent proper runoff. Ponding water, especially in low-lying areas, is a significant threat to roof longevity and often leads to premature system failure if left unaddressed.
Structural damage may occur if storms shift rooftop units, dislodge heavy debris, or create impact pressure that cracks the decking or compresses the insulation. On older buildings, even modest storm activity can result in buckling or flexing that compromises the building envelope.
What to Look For: Signs of Commercial Roof Storm Damage
From the ground, most commercial roofs look intact after a storm, but that doesn’t mean they are. Common signs of hidden damage include stained ceiling tiles, inconsistent interior temperatures, unexpected increases in energy bills, musty odors from wet insulation, or new areas of water pooling inside the building. On the roof itself, issues may include split seams, bubbled membranes, missing granules on coatings, loose fasteners, or lifted flashing around HVAC units and penetrations.
Even minor issues can escalate quickly, especially in San Antonio’s intense heat, where materials are constantly expanding and contracting due to the high temperatures. At JGA Roofing Systems, we specialize in identifying this kind of subtle, storm-related damage. Our team can safely inspect the entire roof system, document potential risks, and give you a clear plan for next steps. If you spot any of these signs, or even if you’re just unsure, it’s time to schedule a professional assessment to prevent more serious structural or water-related problems down the road.
The Impact of 'Minor' Storms on Roofs
It’s a common misconception that only major storms cause meaningful damage. In reality, it’s the slow buildup of wear from “minor” wind or hail events that often leads to system failure. For example, small tears in PVC or TPO membranes can remain unnoticed for weeks, allowing moisture to seep into the insulation layers. Over time, this leads to thermal inefficiency, water damage within the building, and weakening of the structural deck.
Furthermore, insurance companies may deny claims if Damage appears to have been ignored or left unaddressed for too long. That’s why consistent post-storm inspections are vital, even if the last storm didn’t seem like a big deal.
How to Assess Commercial Roof Storm Damage and What to Do Next
After any significant weather event, it’s best to document the condition of your building and roof as soon as possible. Take note of any visible damage from the ground and inside your facility, but avoid climbing onto the roof without proper safety training.
At JGA Roofing Systems, we offer complimentary, professional roof inspections tailored to meet the specific needs of commercial properties. Our trained technicians inspect the entire roof system, document damage with photos and notes, and provide you with an honest, no-pressure recommendation on whether it’s a repair, partial retrofit, or full replacement. If your insurance covers the damage, we can assist with documentation and help coordinate with adjusters to streamline the claim process.
Why Ignoring Storm Damage Can Cost You More
Post-storm damage doesn’t go away on its own. Small membrane punctures can lead to waterlogged insulation, mold contamination, rusted fasteners, and deck deterioration. A minor $1,000 repair can turn into a full $100,000 tear-off if leaks go undetected for too long. Additionally, once damage compromises the structural integrity of the roof system, you're also risking occupant safety and business disruption.
Timely inspections protect your investment and can mean the difference between a manageable repair and an emergency overhaul.
Preventing Future Storm Damage to Your Commercial Roof
Prevention begins long before a storm ever hits. JGA Roofing Systems offers preventive maintenance programs tailored to Texas’s climate, including pre- and post-storm inspections, drainage checks, and membrane reinforcement.
For buildings needing more robust protection, we specialize in storm-resistant commercial systems, including Duro-Last® PVC roofing, which is prefabricated for tight seams, high reflectivity, and high wind uplift ratings. We also install metal roofs with protective coatings, custom retrofit systems, and roof coatings that provide an additional layer of waterproofing without requiring a complete tear-off.
How soon should I schedule a commercial roof inspection after a storm?
Within 48–72 hours is ideal, especially if you’re planning to file an insurance claim or need to document the damage for warranty purposes.
Can JGA help with my insurance claim?
Yes. We provide documentation, photos, and written assessments to help support your claim.
What if my roof looks fine after the storm?
Damage is not always visible from the ground. Many problems, like membrane punctures or loose flashing, require a close inspection to detect. Even if everything appears to be okay, it’s worth having it checked to be sure.
Is storm damage covered under my commercial roof warranty?
Warranties vary, but storm-related damage is typically covered by insurance, not the roofing warranty. However, proper maintenance and certified repairs help protect your warranty from being voided.
Can you inspect and repair my roof while my building is occupied?
Absolutely. Our crews are trained to work safely and discreetly around active businesses, schools, and facilities with minimal disruption.
