How to Spot Commercial Roof Damage After a Midwest Storm

We’ve seen it a hundred times.

A big Midwest storm rolls through. Heavy rain. Strong wind. Maybe some hail.

And the next day? Everyone just goes back to work like nothing happened.

Here’s the thing though: storm damage to a commercial roof isn’t always obvious.

You might not see a hole. You might not notice a leak right away. But under the surface? There could be real problems brewing.

That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for after a storm hits your building. Because if you wait until water starts dripping through the ceiling, you’re already behind.

At American Builders, we help property managers, business owners, and facility teams all over Elkhart and the Midwest spot issues early — before they turn into expensive problems.

Here’s what to watch for.

1. Loose or Missing Flashing

Flashing is the metal that seals up the edges and seams around HVAC units, curbs, drains, and skylights. When wind gets under it? It rips up fast.

You might not notice it from the ground, but your roof could be wide open to rainwater. That’s a recipe for leaks.

Pro tip: Look for bent, missing, or detached metal pieces around roof openings.

2. Membrane Tears or Punctures

Flat commercial roofs (like TPO, EPDM, or PVC) are covered with a waterproof membrane. But wind-blown debris, hail, or even loose tools can tear it.

If you’ve got a puncture in your membrane, water can seep in slowly over time. It might not cause damage today. But in a week? A month? You could be dealing with mold, soaked insulation, or worse.

3. Clogged or Damaged Drains

Storms bring debris. Leaves, sticks, trash — it all ends up on your roof. And if your roof drains are clogged? That water’s not going anywhere.

Ponding water (water that sits on your roof for more than 48 hours) puts extra weight on the structure and eats away at the roofing membrane.

If you see water pooling after a storm, it’s time to call someone.

4. Hail Hits

Hail doesn’t need to be baseball-sized to cause problems. Even smaller hail can create tiny fractures in the membrane, bruise insulation, or knock protective coatings loose.

The damage might not leak right away. But give it a few freeze-thaw cycles, and it will.

Quick check: If you notice dents on your rooftop units or metal surfaces, chances are your roof took some hits too.

5. Torn Seams or Lifted Edges

Strong winds can lift the edges of your roof if the seams aren’t sealed properly. Once that happens, wind gets underneath and starts peeling it back — like a flap.

Even if only a small corner lifts, it weakens the whole system.

And when the next storm hits? It’s coming off.

6. Interior Red Flags

If your ceiling tiles are stained, your lights are flickering, or your HVAC smells musty after a storm? That’s a sign your roof may have taken damage.

Leaks don’t always show up right away. Water can travel along beams and pipes before it drips through.

Don’t assume it’s just condensation or bad luck. Check the roof.

7. Displaced Gravel or Coating

On modified bitumen or built-up roofs, protective gravel or coatings help reflect sunlight and shield against damage.

When wind or hail knocks that protection loose? The roof underneath is exposed.

You might see bare spots, shiny patches, or trails where gravel has washed to one side. That’s not just cosmetic — it’s a vulnerability.

8. Emergency Repairs or Past Patches

If you’ve had roofers slap on a patch or make a quick fix in the past, storms will test those weak points.

Temporary repairs don’t last forever. They’re often the first things to fail when bad weather rolls in.

If you’ve got a patched-up section? Inspect it.

So What Do You Do Now?

You don’t need to climb up there yourself. In fact, we don’t recommend it.

But what you do need is a commercial roofing contractor who knows what to look for and how to document it.

At American Builders, we offer post-storm inspections for commercial roofs across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.

We check for damage, take photos, and give you a straight answer. No fluff. No scare tactics. Just the truth about what your roof needs — and what it doesn’t.

We also help with:

• Insurance documentation

• Emergency repairs

• Long-term roofing plans

If your building’s in Elkhart or anywhere in the Midwest and a storm just passed through, don’t wait for a leak to show up. Let’s catch the problem before it costs you.

Contact American Builders today to schedule a no-obligation roof inspection.

Storms happen. Roof damage doesn’t have to.