Ladder Up: June Edition

May had a few major hail outbreaks in the lower 48. Two particular outbreaks affected multiple states and lasted several days. One of those outbreaks saw hail up to 4 ½ inches! While it only hailed one more day than in April, the coverage of the storms was much wider. Five additional states were impacted by hail and many states experienced multi-city impacts.

Texas saw the most hail by far. Almost all of the major Texas cities were impacted sometime during the month. We saw strong outbreaks in the panhandle as well as close to the New Mexico border. Toward the end of the month, the Austin area experienced baseball-sized hail. This size of hail can severely damage your building’s roof if it has not been properly maintained or is deteriorating due to age.

The tropics have been very quiet so far this year! We have only had two named storms so far and neither of them have impacted the United States. Tropical Storm Andrea was a short-lived storm that stayed over water off the East Coast of the U.S. Tropical Storm Barry did make landfall in Tampico, Mexico, but as a tropical depression on June 29. It would eventually dissipate inland the following day, June 30.

Be sure to stay vigilant throughout hurricane season, as storms can develop quickly when you least expect them. Does your property have everything that it needs to make it through hurricane season? Use our checklist to make sure you are prepared.

Hurricane season brings more than just heavy rain — it brings high winds, flying debris and roof damage that can interrupt business operations and leave property owners scrambling to file insurance claims. Even a brief storm can cause significant damage to older or compromised roofing systems, especially on large commercial buildings. Flat roofs in particular are vulnerable to membrane uplift, flashing failures and water intrusion when storms strike.

The reality is most property owners don’t realize they have roof damage until it’s too late. That’s why it’s critical to have your roof evaluated after any major storm even if you don’t see visible signs of damage from the ground. Our team specializes in full roof replacements through insurance and we know exactly what to look for when it comes to hail, wind and hurricane-related losses. If your roof qualifies for a claim, we’ll walk you through every step of the process — from inspection and documentation to replacement and final sign-off.

Don’t wait until leaks appear or tenants start calling. Getting ahead of potential issues can save you time, money and stress during an already hectic storm season. If your building has been through a recent storm or is located in a high-risk zone, now is the time to schedule an expert assessment. We make the roof replacement process seamless, especially when insurance is involved. Visit our hurricane center to learn more about our services.

If you’ve ever noticed that nearly all commercial buildings have flat roofs, that’s no coincidence. Flat roofing systems are the most practical and cost-efficient option for buildings with large surface areas. Their simpler structural design means faster installation and lower upfront costs compared to pitched roofs. And when you’re covering 10,000 or more square feet, those savings matter.

Flat roofs also provide functional advantages beyond cost. They offer easy access for maintenance crews and their broad, even surfaces are ideal for housing HVAC systems, satellite equipment and even solar panels. In colder climates, they can accommodate snow load distribution; in warmer climates, they’re perfect candidates for reflective coatings that improve energy efficiency. Ultimately, their adaptability and performance make them the standard for commercial roofing, especially when installed properly.

Cotton Roofing is an expert at installing flat roofs on any type of commercial property. We annually install hundreds of thousands of TPO, EPDM or PVC roofs. These roof types can last up to 20 years and are very weather resistant, specifically against hail. If you do not currently have a flat roof on your building but have been thinking about a replacement, call Cotton Roofing so we can help talk you through your options and determine the best re-roof solution: 877-511-2962.

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We hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend! We are so grateful for the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom.

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