Commercial Roofing Hurricane Guide: Protecting Your Property Before, During, and After the Storm

As hurricane seasons become longer and more intense, protecting your commercial roof has never been more critical. Hurricanes pose a serious threat to commercial buildings, particularly in coastal regions. From powerful winds and flying debris to torrential rain and flooding, your roofing system is the first and most vulnerable line of defense.

At Applied Roofing Solutions, we understand that preparation is the key to prevention. This guide covers everything building owners, facility managers, and property maintenance professionals need to know to harden commercial roofing systems against hurricane damage, ensure safety, and streamline recovery.

Why Commercial Roofs Are at High Risk During Hurricanes

Unlike residential structures, commercial roofs are often flat or low-sloped, making them more susceptible to wind uplift, ponding water, and membrane failure during extreme weather. Features such as HVAC units, vents, skylights, and solar panels add complexity—and risk. If even one component fails under hurricane stress, it can lead to cascading damage throughout the building.

Hurricanes don’t just bring one hazard; they deliver a dangerous combination of high winds, driving rain, flying debris, and prolonged exposure to moisture. That’s why roof preparation must go beyond simple patchwork or reactive fixes.

The best time to prepare your commercial roof for a hurricane is well before hurricane season starts. Here’s how to take proactive measures that can save your business thousands in post-storm repairs.

1. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Start with a commercial roof inspection by a licensed commercial roofing contractor. At Applied Roofing Solutions, we evaluate every aspect of your roofing system—membranes, flashing, seams, drainage, and structural elements—to identify vulnerabilities.

This isn’t just about finding leaks. We look for:

• Loose or lifted membranes
• Corroded or missing flashing
• Compromised edge metal
• Improperly sealed penetrations
• Deteriorating caulk or sealants
• Blocked or undersized drainage systems

The goal is to identify and correct weaknesses before the first storm rolls in.

2. Reinforce and Repair Vulnerable Areas

Small issues become big problems in hurricane conditions. Repair any damage or signs of wear promptly. In some cases, upgrading to high-wind-rated materials may be necessary—especially for buildings located in wind zone areas designated by local building codes.

We recommend reinforcing:

• Perimeter flashing
• Roof anchors and tie-ins
• Attachment systems for mechanical units and skylights

If your roof membrane is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacement with a system designed for wind uplift resistance, such as a fully adhered TPO or PVC membrane with reinforced seams.

3. Clear and Test Drainage Systems

Proper drainage is critical. Hurricanes can drop several inches of rain per hour, and a blocked or poorly designed drain system will quickly lead to water ponding or interior flooding.

Ensure:

• All scuppers, downspouts, and internal drains are clear of debris
• Drainage points are securely attached and structurally sound
• Roof slopes are adequate to guide water away efficiently
  
  

Consider adding emergency overflow drains if your current system can’t handle heavy volumes.

48–72 Hours Before the Storm: Last-Minute Safeguards

As a hurricane approaches, last-minute roof prep becomes critical. Use this time to execute your emergency action plan.

Secure Loose Items and Rooftop Equipment

Walk the roof and remove or tightly secure anything that could become airborne in high winds. That includes tools, trash, panels, or unsecured mechanical covers.

Ensure rooftop units such as HVAC systems, exhaust fans, and solar panels are properly anchored. If you’ve installed cable bracing or wind-resistant curbs, double-check fastenings.

Document the Condition of Your Roof

Take time-stamped photos and videos of your entire roofing system. These will be crucial for insurance claims if damage occurs. Include shots of:

• Roof surface (membranes, seams, and flashings)
• Rooftop equipment and penetrations
• Drainage systems
• Perimeter and parapet walls

Keep these records stored in a cloud-based platform for easy post-storm access.

Notify Your Roofing Partner

If you’re working with Applied Roofing Solutions on a service agreement or preventative maintenance plan, let us know when a storm is coming. We can help you prioritize last-minute adjustments or plan for emergency service availability post-storm.

During the Storm: Prioritize Safety

Never attempt to access your roof during a hurricane. Your safety and the safety of your staff should be the only priority during the storm. Ensure your building is secured, and follow all local evacuation orders and emergency protocols.

After the Storm: Inspection and Recovery

Once the storm has passed and it's safe to return, begin the recovery phase. The faster you act, the more likely you’ll be able to mitigate further damage.

1. Perform a Visual Walkthrough

Start with a ground-level inspection and, if conditions allow, move to the roof. Look for:

• Visible tears, punctures, or membrane blow-offs
• Detached flashing or edge metal
• Water ponding or sagging areas
• Missing equipment covers or damaged mounts
• Leaks or water stains inside the building

Take new photos and compare them to your pre-storm documentation.

2. Call a Commercial Roofing Contractor Immediately

Even if the damage seems minor, call your roofing contractor as soon as possible. Some problems, such as compromised seams or hidden punctures, aren’t immediately visible but can worsen quickly. Applied Roofing Solutions offers quick repair response times to get your roof watertight fast.

3. Begin the Insurance Process

Having documentation before and after the storm simplifies your claim. Share all materials—including inspection reports, estimates, and repair invoices—with your insurance provider.

We often assist clients by working directly with adjusters to ensure accurate assessments and maximum coverage.

Long-Term Strategy: Strengthening for Future Storms

If your roof sustained damage—or even if it didn’t—now is the time to upgrade for future resilience. Consider:

• Upgrading to a hurricane-rated membrane roofing system
• Adding wind uplift-resistant fastening systems
• Increasing insulation and slope for improved drainage
• Investing in a roof asset management plan

Applied Roofing Solutions offers custom preventative maintenance programs that reduce emergency costs and extend the lifespan of your roofing system.

Don’t Leave Your Roof to Chance: Choose Appiled Roofing Solutions

From pre-season inspections to post-storm recovery, Applied Roofing Solutions is your trusted partner for hurricane-ready commercial roofing. We serve businesses across the Southeast with industry-leading expertise, rapid response times, and commitment to quality.

Our expert roofing solutions are tailored to businesses throughout the NC Piedmont region, including Reidsville, Madison, Eden, Mayodan, Graham, Burlington, Mebane, and beyond. We also extend our commercial roofing services to Southwest Virginia, including Danville, Martinsville, Stuart, Collinsville, Stanleytown, and Patrick Springs. 

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You can explore our portfolio or contact our commercial roofing professionals to get started today!

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