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Raleigh Commercial Roofs

Serving Raleigh and nearby areas

Storm and Wind Damage to Commercial Roofs in Raleigh, NC

After a strong storm, a flat roof can have lifted edges, torn flashing or hail bruises you cannot see from the parking lot, so call (984) 464-8602 for a free inspection with dated photos for your insurance claim.

Call now: (984) 464-8602 or book your free inspection online

Book a free roof inspection

A few quick answers. A local roofing specialist calls you back the same business day.

Local to Raleigh

We connect property owners in Raleigh and nearby areas, including Research Triangle Park, Durham, Cary, Morrisville, Apex and Holly Springs, with one independent local commercial roofing specialist.

  • Florence in 2018

    The National Weather Service recorded a 47 mph gust at Raleigh-Durham airport during Florence on September 14, 2018, with gusts above 60 mph to the south in Cumberland County.

  • A tornado through downtown

    On April 16, 2011, North Carolina's largest one-day tornado outbreak sent an EF3 tornado from Sanford into Wake County and across downtown Raleigh. It caused about $172 million in structural damage.

  • Fran in 1996

    Hurricane Fran caused over $900 million in property damage in Wake County alone, according to the National Weather Service.

  • Big spring hail

    The North Carolina State Climate Office reported hail up to 2.5 inches across in Wake County in May 2016.

What it costs

Typical published ranges for Raleigh. The contractor's written estimate is the price, and the inspection is free.

WorkTypical range
Hole or puncture repair $150 to $1,200per repair
Flashing repair $200 to $750per repair
Membrane patch $250 to $1,750per repair
Seam repair $200 to $1,000per repair
Stand-alone roof inspection $200 to $1,500+per visit

See typical commercial roofing prices in Raleigh

What storm damage looks like

Some storm damage is easy to spot. A lot of it is not. These are the signs managers report after a storm passes through Raleigh:

Edge metal bent, loose or gone

Wind gets under the edge first.

Membrane lifted or flapping

Near the edges and corners.

A section peeled back

With insulation showing.

Torn or loose flashing

At walls, curbs and parapets.

Debris on the roof

Limbs, signs, gravel, parts of other buildings.

Dents in metal

Vents, edge trim, gutters and AC unit housings after hail.

Rooftop units shifted

Off their curbs or with panels missing.

New leaks

That start during or right after the storm.

Skylights cracked

Or broken.

Why Raleigh roofs take storm hits

Raleigh is far enough inland to miss storm surge, but not wind and rain. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.

Tropical storms. Hurricane Fran in 1996 caused over $900 million in property damage in Wake County alone, according to the National Weather Service. During Florence in 2018, the weather service recorded a 47 mph gust at Raleigh-Durham airport, with stronger gusts to the south.

Tornadoes. On April 16, 2011, an EF3 tornado that started in Sanford crossed into Wake County and through downtown Raleigh. It was part of the largest one-day tornado outbreak in state history.

Hail. The State Climate Office reported hail up to 2.5 inches across in Wake County in May 2016.

Summer thunderstorms. Short, strong storms bring gusty wind and heavy rain. They do not need a name to lift a loose edge.

How wind tears a flat roof

Wind blowing over a flat roof pulls up on it, much like air over a wing. The pull is strongest at the edges and corners. If the edge metal is loose or the membrane is not fully attached there, wind gets underneath. Once it gets under, it can peel back a large section in one gust.

That is why the edges, corners and flashing are the first places an inspector checks after a storm. A small lift at the edge is cheap to fix. A peeled section is not.

Why hail damage is hard to see

Hail can crack or bruise a membrane without making a hole you can see. It can also crush the insulation board under the membrane. On older, stiffer membranes, the damage can show up as small cracks that leak months later.

From the ground, the best clues are dents in soft metal: vent caps, gutters, edge trim and the tops of AC units. If those are dented, the roof should be checked up close.

Cosmetic or urgent

Can wait a few days: a few dents in metal trim with no leaks, no lifted edges and no debris on the roof. Still get it inspected and photographed for your records.

Call now:

  • A section of roof is lifted, flapping or peeled back
  • Water is coming in during or right after the storm
  • Edge metal is hanging or loose
  • A tree limb or heavy debris is on the roof
  • Rooftop equipment has moved

Do not go on the roof while the wind is still up or the surface is wet. Keep people away from the building edge below any loose metal.

What the fix usually is

Make it safe and dry. The first visit is often a temporary cover: tarps, temporary patches or sealing a torn seam. This limits damage, which most insurance policies expect you to do.

Document it. The inspector takes dated photos of each damaged area, notes the storm date, and, where needed, checks for wet insulation with an infrared camera or core cut. That report is what your adjuster will want.

Repair or replace. Most storm damage is repaired: new edge metal, new flashing, patched punctures, resealed seams. If a large part of the roof is torn off or soaked, replacing that section or the whole roof may make more sense. North Carolina code does not allow a new roof over a water-soaked one.

Working with your insurance

  1. Call your agent or carrier soon. Policies often set a time limit to report.
  2. Take your own photos from the ground and inside before cleanup.
  3. Keep receipts for tarps, emergency work and moving stock.
  4. Get the inspector's report and photos in writing.
  5. Meet the adjuster on site with the inspector if you can.
  6. Check that any contractor holds a North Carolina general contractor license where the job size requires one.

Wear, age and poor upkeep are not storm damage. A roof that was already failing may only be partly covered.

About these prices

The cost table shows typical repair ranges from Fixr's published flat roof repair guide and a commercial inspection cost guide. They are not quotes. Large storm repairs are priced after the full inspection.

Call (984) 464-8602 or send the form with the address and the storm date. A local commercial roofer is set up the same day you call.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my flat roof has hail damage?

On a flat roof, hail damage is hard to see from the ground. Look for dents in metal edges, vents and AC unit housings. On the roof, an inspector looks for cracks, bruises and small holes in the membrane, and for crushed insulation under it.

How soon after a storm should I have the roof checked?

As soon as it is safe, and before the next rain if you can. Many insurance policies have time limits for reporting damage, and quick photos make it easier to tie the damage to the storm date.

Will insurance pay for storm damage to a commercial roof?

Damage from a sudden event like wind or hail is often covered. Old age and wear usually are not. Coverage depends on your policy and deductible. Call your agent and keep every photo and receipt.

The wind peeled back part of the roof. What do I do right now?

Keep people out from under the area and away from the roof edge. Move what you can away from the opening. Call for an emergency tarp or temporary cover. Take photos from the ground before anything is moved.

Should I sign with the first roofer who knocks on the door after a storm?

Take your time. Get a written inspection report and a written price, check the contractor's North Carolina license, and read anything that assigns your insurance benefits before you sign it.

Other services

Common commercial roofing problems in Raleigh

Areas we serve around Raleigh

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