Ladder Up: January Edition

December’s hail stats were surprising! While data from previous years suggested that we would have one to two days, if any at all, there were actually eight days when it hailed and seven total states were impacted. Texas saw the most combined hail days and experienced a widespread hailstorm on Christmas Eve, impacting Houston, Austin and as far southwest as Karnes City. Virginia experienced hail on the final day of 2024 — it had not hailed since late September. Delaware also experienced hail for the first time on December 31.

In total, for 2024, there were 3,692 reported hail events according to the NOAA’s Storm Events Database. Texas was by far the state impacted most, reporting 529 hailstorms, a 167% increase from 2023. Dallas County was the most at-risk county in Texas for hail damage in 2024.

The most impactful hailstorm in the U.S. occurred in Denver, Colorado on May 30. According to Colorado Public Radio, the storm caused nearly $2 billion in damage, battering cars, homes and businesses. The hailstones that fell in Denver were up to 2.5 inches, which is about the size of a tennis ball. Hailstones of this size can cause significant damage to your commercial properties.

If you live in a hail-prone state, protect your commercial roof and mitigate damage by conducting routine inspections to identify dents, cracks or water intrusion, especially before and after hail season. Upgrade your roof to impact-resistant materials, apply protective coatings and reinforce gutters and downspouts to withstand heavy rain and hail runoff. During inspections, look for interior water stains, clear debris from drains and document any damage for insurance claims. Review your insurance policy to ensure it covers hail damage and proactively trim trees near your building to minimize risks during storms. Should you find hail damage during your walkthrough, contact Stellar immediately so that we can assist you with a roofing solution.

Winter weather can be tough on your commercial property and your roof often bears the brunt of the damage. Heavy snow, ice buildup and freezing temperatures can lead to issues such as leaks, cracks or sagging areas. These problems not only jeopardize the integrity of your building but can also disrupt operations and impact your bottom line. Identifying and addressing winter damage early is critical to mitigating damage.

The first step when you notice signs of winter roof damage is to conduct a thorough inspection. Look for common issues like water stains, sagging ceiling tiles or visible damage to roof membranes. For safety and accuracy, it’s wise to enlist a professional roofing company to assess the full extent of the damage. Remember, minor issues can quickly escalate if left unchecked.

Next, check your insurance policy and document the damage thoroughly. Insurance can be a valuable ally in addressing roof issues caused by storms or winter conditions. Proper documentation, including photos and inspection reports, strengthens your claim and helps you navigate the process efficiently. For many property owners, a roof replacement is a fixed-cost opportunity when covered by your insurance.

Finally, partner with a trusted industry leader in commercial roof replacements. Stellar specializes in commercial roof replacements after an insurance loss and has the expertise to guide you through every step of the process — from inspection and insurance claims to complete roof replacement. Protecting your commercial property is our top priority and we’re here to help.

If you suspect your commercial roof has sustained winter damage, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Contact Stellar today to schedule a professional inspection. Let us show you why we’re the industry leader in commercial roof replacements resulting from an insurance loss. Reach out now and ensure your building is protected for the seasons ahead!

Did you know that we have our own YouTube channel? Our channel StellarVision houses some of our most recent projects!

One of our favorite projects from the past year was in LaGrange, Georgia. Due to logistical challenges, our team needed to use a crane to replace the roof at the highest point of the building. Check out this project and more on our channel!

Some of our team shared their New Year’s resolutions below! Did you make any? If you did, share them with us in the comments for this newsletter!