Without a birds' eye view of your roof, you may not notice extensive hail damage until your Fort Smith, AR commercial property shows interior water damage. This is a serious issue that you can't afford to ignore. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to avoid significant property damage.
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 Understand Hail
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Property owners are often under the impression that a commercial roof isn't susceptible to hail damage. Unfortunately, hail is often carried by very powerful winds, resulting in compact chunks of ice hurtling toward your roof at up to 100 mph. Even without the wind, a piece of hail, about the size of a marble, can build up to 20 mph just due to gravity.

 Inspect the Roof After a Hailstorm

There's a very good chance that older roofs and roofs that were installed incorrectly will suffer shingle damage because of hail. However, even new, top quality roofs can suffer because of hail damage. After the storm has passed, inspect your roof for divots, indentations, loose shingles, fractures, and similar damage. Check the gutters, siding, and appliances for damage as well.

 Clean Up Your Property

Hail isn't the only source of damage after serious storms. Strong winds can knock down tree limbs and throw around twigs and branches from shrubs on the property. Keep trees and shrubs well-trimmed to avoid roofing damage from this type of debris.

 Secure Outside Equipment and Belongings

If heavy winds are common in your area, it's a good idea to secure furnishings and other outdoor items year-round. Store your equipment in a shed and make sure that belongings are securely fastened. Take these steps to be sure that items don't become projectiles that harm your building.

 Learn More From Professionals

Your insurance provider has good reason to help you avoid hail damage. You can also ask professionals, such as those at Lewis Roofing, for suggestions. These roof repair and restoration professionals have a lot of experience repairing damaged roofs and often have tips for property owners that can help you reduce damage or avoid it altogether.