In 2024 alone, there were 5,373 documented hail events across the U.S., and according to the State Farm analysis, hail-related insurance claims jumped by over $1 billion in 2022 compared to the previous year, with payouts exceeding $3.5 billion due to increased storm frequency and inflation-driven repair costs. These figures highlight how neglecting roof integrity can lead to recurring damage, operational risks, and even higher insurance premiums, especially when your insurance policy does not explicitly cover such risks.

For property owners, especially those managing large commercial buildings, even a single hailstorm can result in severe property damage, operational downtime, and mounting repair bills, which is what happened at Scantron’s Omaha facility.

A global provider of digital assessments, office technology, and IT support, Scantron serves schools, government agencies, and businesses worldwide. But after a round of severe hail events, their EPDM roofing system began to leak, threatening stacks of paper inventory and sensitive electronic equipment. The damage caused wasn’t just visible; it was costly and disruptive.

So, Scantron turned to Armour Roof Co., a trusted and reputable roofing contractor with extensive experience in restoring commercial roofing systems, especially in hail-prone regions. With our technical expertise and responsive service, we assessed the situation and recommended the most effective course of action.

In this article, we’ll walk through how Scantron tackled commercial roof hail damage head-on, using strategic thinking, the right partner, and a durable roofing solution that’s built to endure both storms and time.

 

When it comes to commercial roofing systems, hailstorms don’t just leave a dent—they leave behind a ticking bomb. What may initially appear as harmless scuff marks or cosmetic damage can often evolve into serious structural vulnerabilities, leading to leaks, insulation damage, and even early system failure.

Understanding the science of hail damage is the first step in taking proactive action, something that Scantron learnt firsthand.

How Hail Silently Destroys The Roof

Different roofing materials react differently to hail impact, but more often than not, the outcomes are the same: damage to your commercial building that worsens with time.

• EPDM (rubber roofs), like the one used on Scantron’s facility, may not show visible signs of trauma immediately. However, large hailstones can stretch or puncture the membrane, compromising its waterproofing and long-term integrity.
• Metal roofing may appear sturdy, but it’s vulnerable to dents and fractures that can disrupt drainage, create standing water, and eventually lead to rust or membrane separation.
• For systems using modified bitumen or polyurethane foam, hail can cause blistering, granule loss, or cracks that expose the substrate to UV damage and moisture infiltration.

One of the major challenges with hail damage is its delayed visibility. Minor-looking indentations may not seem urgent—unlike broken windows, which demand immediate attention—but they can lead to significant damage during the next round of severe weather. This risk is compounded when moisture seeps through and affects insulation, ceiling tiles, or expensive machinery.

For commercial facilities, the stakes are even higher, considering the scale of assets, equipment, and operational downtime at risk. This is why scheduling regular roof inspections is crucial. For organizations like Scantron, with sensitive electronic devices and large volumes of paper, even small water leaks can disrupt daily operations and result in thousands of dollars in property damage, as well as potentially increased insurance premiums over time.

Scantron’s Specific Situation

Scantron’s Omaha facility was protected by an EPDM roofing system, a common choice for commercial flat roofs due to its flexibility and resistance to UV rays. But after a severe hailstorm, the surface began to show signs of varying degrees of damage. What initially appeared as superficial wear quickly turned into punctures and compromised membrane sections, allowing moisture to seep in and result in active leaks throughout the building.

This became a growing concern for Scantron, whose operations rely heavily on paper products and sensitive electronic equipment. The presence of water not only posed a threat to their inventory and infrastructure but also risked costly operational disruptions.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, they contacted our team of experts to inspect the roof, assess the full extent of the damage, and determine the most effective course of action. The goal wasn’t just to stop the leaks, it was to ensure long-term protection and restore confidence in the facility’s structural integrity.

Once the signs of hail damage became visible, Scantron knew they needed more than a quick fix; they needed a lasting solution that would protect their facility, prevent future leaks, and minimize operational disruptions. That’s where our methodical, experience-driven approach came into play.

Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis

The first step was a detailed site inspection. We deployed a combination of in-person roof assessments and infrared thermal scanning to detect underlying moisture issues that weren’t visible to the naked eye. This helped expose not only immediate concerns, like membrane punctures and water infiltration, but also areas at risk of future failure.

The use of drone thermal scanning footage is critical in modern commercial roofing systems, especially following a hailstorm, where impacts can cause subsurface damage to insulation and decking layers. By leveraging our in-house inspection protocols, our team mapped out all problem areas and delivered a comprehensive report.

Offering Practical and Cost-Effective Solutions

After a complete assessment, we presented Scantron with multiple repair options tailored to their needs and budget. Understandably, one of the initial considerations was a full roof replacement, a choice many building managers face after major roof damage. However, the cost implications, extended timelines, and operational disruption made this option less than ideal.

Fortunately, we offer emergency repair services, which consist of practical alternatives that don’t compromise on quality or performance. One such alternative was full roof restoration, a process designed to extend the lifespan of the entire roof without the cost or complications of a tear-off.

By reviewing Scantron’s facility type, use case, and long-term needs, we decided that a restoration system would deliver both time-saving and structural protection, while keeping the project within budget.

The Chosen Solution

After weighing all options, Scantron chose the 18-year Full Fabric Roof Restoration by Conklin, a decision driven by its proven durability, strong manufacturer’s warranty, and seamless compatibility with the existing EPDM system.

This system, reinforced with high-tensile fabric embedded within layers of coating, offered near bulletproof protection against future severe weather and potential wind damage. Its flexibility and strength make it ideal for climates with fluctuating temperatures and frequent hail events.

Time-Effective Installationcont

Once everything was finalized, we acted quickly and completed the installation in just 7.5 calendar days. Throughout the process, our team ensured that Scantron’s operations were not impacted, coordinating scheduling to avoid disrupting equipment access, parking areas, and daily workflows.

During the application, we followed our standard best practices, including:

• Thorough cleaning to promote coating adhesion
• Monitoring of temperature and humidity levels to ensure proper curing
• Applying precise layering techniques using base coats (such as rust inhibitors on metal areas)
• On-site mil-thickness testing throughout the process

Scantron’s partnership with Armour Roof Co. delivered lasting protection, measurable savings, and zero operational disruption.

Leak-Free and Protected

The new fabric-reinforced roofing system eliminated all active leaks and protected critical assets, such as paper inventory and electronic equipment. Our solutions also addressed hidden vulnerabilities that could have led to future damage, especially during severe weather events.

Cost-Effective

By choosing restoration over a full roof replacement, Scantron cut project costs by nearly 38%, without sacrificing performance or having to file a hail damage claim. With rising roofing material and labor costs, avoiding a full-on meant significant budget relief.

Long Term Value

The new system comes with an 18-year warranty, offering long-term peace of mind. It’s also energy-efficient, UV-resistant, and easily renewable—ideal for large commercial buildings that aim to reduce future roof damage and costs.

Minimal Disruption

The entire project took only 7.5 calendar days, with zero interruptions to Scantron’s operations. Our experienced roofing contractors ensured business continuity while strengthening the building’s resilience.

Commercial roof hail damage isn’t always apparent, but if left unchecked, it can lead to extensive property damage, expensive repairs or replacements, unexpected downtime, and long-term structural issues. 

Scantron’s experience shows that acting quickly by selecting the right partner can make all the difference.

Our approach at Armour Roof Co. offers a durable, cost-effective alternative to full roof replacement, delivering performance, peace of mind, and significant savings. 

If you’ve recently experienced a hail event, schedule a free inspection with us today and identify the problem before it becomes an inevitable, expensive roof replacement project.

We knew that once the hailstorm had hit we would have to quickly look into replacing our roof since the leaks were only getting worse. Armour was quick to meet with us and send us a proposal. We loved the interaction before the sale and knew we could trust them to repair our roof.

Service was top notch and we have not had a leak since the job was done!