Just look at the damage from hail to this flat roof. The hail was so large and hit the roof so hard that it actually broke through the membrane! Damage like this needs to be repaired as soon as possible before much water leaks into the inside of the building and causes further damage. If you catch it early, you do not need to worry about replacing the insulation and also dealing with mold that will build up.
Most Calgary Alberta Roofing Companies will prepare estimates for Insurance Claims, however only specific companies can handle flat roofs with the technologies to repair roofs and or replace roofs that have been severely damaged by hail, wind or damage from flying projectiles during a storm. It is really important to react to this damage quickly to prevent further water damage. That is why the company you hire should be ready to provide the appropriate estimates to the insurance adjuster so that you can get on with the repairs.
Roofs, Vents, Flashing and Siding
All of these components can sustain wind and hail damage to varying degrees depending on the storm system, the size of the hail, the wind speed and whether items are picked up by the wind and carried as projectiles through the air to strike your home. Aside from outright holes in the roof or the side of the house, there are tell tale signs that will demonstrate damage and significantly shorten the life of your roof and / or cause future water leaks.
A flat roof with gravel on top can usually withstand much more than a regular roof with no protection. Roofs with dimples, broken asphalt, and brown spots were the granules have warn off are places were water leaks are waiting to occur if they have not already. Your roof might not be leaking now, however if the roof membrane, whatever it is, has been damaged, this is the place that will leak sometime in the future. The life of your roof will be significantly shortened if you do not do something with it.
Vents and flashing on your roof may also sustain damage. If they are torn from the roof or even loosened, they can let a lot of water into your building. They may also become unsightly as well if there are a lot of marks due to hail stones. After a major storm where you think some damage may have occurred, have someone check the roof. Even if you have to pay someone to do the job, the peace of mind will be worth it when they tell you there is no damage.
Most roofing companies also repair and replace siding on homes and commercial buildings. Roof repair and installation will be the mainstay of the work they do, since siding is damaged less often as a rule. If you suspect damage to the siding, this should also be repaired immediately to avoid water leaks and mold inside your home or business.
When Should You Replace a Damaged Roof
Really it will be up to the insurance adjuster to decide whether the roof should be replaced and whether the insurance company will pay for it when there is storm damage. He or she will rely on the report and opinion of the roofing company that is hired to prepare an opinion on the damage and an estimate of the cost to complete the repairs. In some cases minor repairs can be completed which will make the roof as good as new.
Significant damage from wind or hail for example, will require complete replacement to ensure that all potential leaks have been caught. Insurance claims can be handled easily with the proper paperwork.
Of course, the owner of the building can make their own decision as well in situations were there is no insurance or if the insurance coverage does not fully cover the repairs. This can be a tough decision for many owners in a situation like this. Do you opt for repairs or do you opt for a full roof replacement. Of course it depends on the amount of damage that has been done and how concerned you are about leaks. A small garage may be treated differently than an office building full of equipment, products, and people working at work stations. If the impact of a water leak is going to be more significant than the cost of repairs, there is no question, most people will go ahead with the repairs, insurance or no insurance.
Bottom line, all leaks should be dealt with immediately before water has a chance to cause mold to set in, to destroy materials inside a building, and to start the rotting process on joists and supporting roof materials. It can be a risk vs. cost decision, however we would expect most people to error on the side of caution when it comes to roof leaks.
The folks at Flat Roofing Calgary will help you in any way they can with your roof damage. They can evaluate your roof for repairs vs. replacement, they can prepare estimates for the insurance company and they can get the job done quickly. Just give them a call at the number at the top of this page!