commercial roofing services Seattle WA

Best repair options for commercial roofs after Seattle windstorms

Seattle windstorms punish commercial roofs. Gusts funnel off Elliott Bay, rain comes sideways, and drains clog with fir needles and plastic wrap. Property managers across King County see leaks near skylights by morning and wet insulation by week’s end. This article explains the best repair options for flat and low-slope systems in Seattle, WA, and how Atlas Roofing Services approaches commercial storm damage roof repair Seattle WA with speed and clarity.

Why Seattle windstorms cause unique roof failures

Local storms mix high wind and sustained rain. Wind uplift peels at perimeters and corners, where TPO and PVC sheets see the highest pressure. Heavy rainfall then reveals every weak seam and loose flashing. Ponding water forms around low spots and near rooftop HVAC units, which adds weight and drives moisture into small punctures. Debris clogs scuppers and downspouts, so water backs up along parapet walls. In this environment, minor membrane blisters quickly turn into interior leaks.

First steps after a storm: stabilize and document

The priority is to stop water intrusion and keep tenants operating. A foreman deploys emergency roof tarping and temporary flashing wraps. Photos and drone footage document wind uplift, blow-offs, and puncture damage around walkway pads and service paths. Moisture mapping helps decide where to open up the assembly. This record supports insurance claims and guides the repair scope.

What technicians look for during a Seattle-ready inspection

Atlas Roofing Services conducts a focused inspection with storm patterns in mind. Crews probe seams and check evidence of membrane flutter. They test drains, scuppers, and downspouts and verify that slope-to-drain is functioning. They inspect parapet walls and roof flashing, especially at terminations and corners. They evaluate TPO seams, PVC laps, and EPDM edge securement. They examine ISO board insulation for saturation and check rooftop HVAC curbs, commercial skylights, smoke vents, and solar panel mounts for failed seals. If moisture appears around I-beams or ceiling tiles, the team tracks the source to compromised flashing or wind-borne debris punctures. If ponding water collects near HVAC units, they assess for structural deflection or clogged scuppers.

Best repair options by roof type and damage pattern

Storm repair choices depend on membrane type, age, and how far water spread beneath the surface. Below are field-tested options that hold up in the Pacific Northwest.

Heat-welded membrane repairs for TPO and PVC

TPO and PVC respond well to controlled heat welding. Crews clean and dry the area, then heat-weld patches with proper overlap and probe every edge. Perimeter uplift often needs more than a patch. In those cases, they install a new perimeter detail with wider cover strip, fresh mechanical fasteners into the substrate, and reinforced corner patches. On older PVC near grease vents, high-end systems like Duro-Last or Sika Sarnafil can deliver stronger chemical resistance for restaurants and food processing sites.

EPDM repairs with primed seams and flashing

EPDM repairs focus on primer, tape seams, and liquid flashing around complex penetrations. If wind uplift loosened edge metal, technicians replace cleats and re-attach with the correct pattern. Ponding areas on EPDM may need added tapered insulation to restore drainage, followed by new membrane overlay in the affected zone.

Drainage corrections and scupper rehabilitation

Many leaks begin with poor drainage. Crews clear debris, replace broken strainers, and reset scuppers and downspouts. Where water ponds, they add tapered ISO board insulation to promote flow. In severe cases, they install new overflow scuppers that meet Seattle code and King County standards. Proper drainage reduces structural load and extends membrane life.

Wet insulation removal and overlay strategy

Saturated ISO board insulation must come out. Spot replacement works for small wet areas. For large sections, crews remove wet materials, re-deck as needed, and install a code-compliant overlay with a compatible vapor retarder. A full or partial roof overlay can be cost-effective for systems near the end of life. It also resets warranty options with manufacturers like GAF, Carlisle SynTec, and Firestone Building Products.

Flashing and penetration upgrades

Wind and rain expose weak points at rooftop HVAC units, commercial skylights, smoke vents, roof hatches, and solar mounts. Technicians reseal curbs, install new target patches, and add reinforcement at high-traffic paths with walkway pads. Parapet flashing receives special attention because it takes direct wind. A strong repair includes new base flashing, counterflashing, and term bar with sealant that meets manufacturer specs.

Identifying hidden storm damage on your flat roof

Wind-lifted membranes around edges and corners point to mechanical fastening issues or aged laps. Internal water leaks that show near beams or ceiling tiles often trace back to flashing cutbacks or punctures from storm-blown branches. Drainage failures reveal themselves as ponding water near parapet walls or near rooftop HVAC units. That usually signals clogged scuppers or slight deck deflection after long rain cycles. Addressing these findings early prevents saturated insulation and mold inside the assembly.

Seattle locations and response coverage

Atlas Roofing Services provides rapid dispatch for warehouses and logistics sites in the 98134 and 98108 industrial corridors. Crews work daily near the Port of Seattle, T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, and the SoDo and Georgetown areas. Property managers in South Lake Union and Interbay call for leak response during storm weeks. Mixed-use buildings in Ballard and Queen Anne benefit from scheduled inspections ahead of the fall storm season. Teams also support Downtown high-rises near the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, with access plans that suit busy roofs with multiple trades. Service extends across King County and into Bellevue, Tukwila, SeaTac, Renton, Kent, Shoreline, and up to Everett.

Materials and certifications that stand up to Puget Sound storms

Commercial storm damage roof repair Seattle WA depends on selecting the right membrane and detail parts. Atlas Roofing Services installs and repairs GAF EverGuard TPO, Firestone, Carlisle SynTec EPDM, and systems from Johns Manville. For sites with grease exposure or harsh chemicals, the team specifies Duro-Last or Sika Sarnafil PVC. This lineup offers solid welds, strong lap integrity, and reliable edge details for high-wind events across the Puget Sound region.

Process that fits busy commercial sites

Crews plan work to reduce downtime for retailers and industrial tenants. For Downtown roofs with limited access, materials move during off-peak hours. For SoDo distribution centers, staging keeps dock lanes clear. Noise-sensitive sites near South Lake Union receive scheduling that avoids customer traffic. Each plan aims to keep the building dry while stores, labs, and warehouses stay open.

Advanced membrane repair and reinforcement

The repair sequence starts with a moisture survey and core samples to confirm saturation. Technicians remove wet ISO board insulation and replace damaged cover board. They heat-weld seams on TPO and PVC, then probe and patch any voids. For EPDM, they use primer and seam tape with correct cure times. Parapet flashing receives new base sheets, termination bars, and counterflashing, aligned with current Seattle code requirements. Where wind uplift caused perimeter stress, they add extra fastening density along edges and corners per manufacturer wind uplifts charts. If slope is weak, they add tapered packages to move water to drains and scuppers. Final QA includes drain flow tests and a photo log for insurance and warranty files.

Real-world examples across Seattle

A SoDo warehouse near 1st Ave S saw blow-offs along a 200-foot west parapet after a January gust front. Crews welded new TPO cover strips, installed heavier perimeter fastening, and added reinforced corner patches. Work finished in two days with no shutdown of dock operations. A Ballard mixed-use building had repeated leaks around skylights during a Pineapple Express rain event. The team rebuilt curb flashings, added new walkway pads for service routes, and cleared scuppers that sat under bird netting. Leakage stopped, and ponding time dropped from 48 hours to under 24 hours after rain.

How insurance claims and documentation work

Storm losses move faster with proper evidence. The estimator compiles drone imagery, infrared scans if needed, and a damage map that marks membrane tears, puncture zones, and areas with saturated insulation. The office issues a line-item scope with manufacturer part numbers, building code references, and photos of each leak source. This packet helps the adjuster connect storm events to observed damage. It also supports reimbursement for emergency roof tarping and temporary roof drains.

FAQ and trust signals

How fast is emergency response? Storm calls in Seattle are prioritized. Typical arrival for tarping falls in the 4 to 12 hour range, depending on road closures and site access. Do they help with insurance? Yes. Clients receive a photo log, test results, and a repair scope suitable for commercial carriers. Are they certified? The team holds manufacturer certifications with GAF and Firestone and follows installation standards that keep warranties valid. Are they licensed and bonded? Atlas Roofing Services is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington and works to King County commercial building codes. Do they service industrial roofs? Yes, including large footprints near the Port of Seattle, Interbay yards, and SoDo warehouses with complex drainage systems.

Who benefits from a proactive program

Property managers who oversee multi-tenant buildings see fewer emergencies with a storm-readiness plan. Semiannual inspections catch loose edge metal, cracked sealant at skylights, and early blistering near parapets. A short maintenance visit before November storms can reduce leak calls during the December wind cycle. For restaurant properties, PVC checks around grease vents save major repairs later.

Next steps for building owners and facility teams

Request a Commercial Roof Drone Inspection to document current conditions and build a repair plan. The team can schedule same-week service for sites in 98134, 98108, 98101, and 98121, with fast turnarounds in Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and Georgetown. This approach keeps tenants open, protects inventory, and prepares your file for any insurance follow-up after the next storm front.

Why Atlas Roofing Services

Atlas Roofing Services focuses on commercial storm damage roof repair Seattle WA with 24/7 emergency response and clear communication. The company is a manufacturer certified installer for GAF, Carlisle, and Firestone, and works with premium systems like Duro-Last and Sika Sarnafil where exposure demands it. Crews understand the logistics of Downtown towers and the needs of Industrial District warehouses. They bring licensed, bonded, and insured crews, NRCA membership, and public liability coverage. That mix delivers fast stabilization, clean documentation, and repairs that stand up to Pacific Northwest storms.

Quick decision checklist

• Is there ponding near HVAC units or parapet walls after 24-48 hours?
• Are TPO or PVC seams loose at corners or edges?
• Do scuppers and downspouts clear debris under heavy rain?
• Are skylight and smoke vent curbs freshly sealed?
• Do you have photo documentation for insurance and warranty files?

If any item raises concern, reach out to schedule inspection and repair. A small fix now prevents saturated insulation, damaged interiors, and service disruptions across the next storm cycle.

commercial storm damage roof repair Seattle WA