Key numbers
77 verified hail storms with stones of 1.75 inches or larger reached Travis County, which includes Austin, from 1984 to 2025 in the storm records we keep; the largest measured 5 inches (softball size) on May 20, 2011 (NOAA NCEI).
| Hail storms by decade, 1984 to 2025 | 1980s: 8, 1990s: 16, 2000s: 24, 2010s: 13, 2020s: 16 Source: NOAA NCEI |
|---|---|
| Largest hail | 5 in. (softball), May 20, 2011 Source: NOAA NCEI |
| Costliest hail storm | $160 million insured losses (2006 dollars), April 20, 2006 Source: Insurance Journal |
A storm counts when NOAA lists a report in Travis County. Each hail size is the storm's largest report in the seven Austin-area counties, which may have fallen in a neighboring county, and insured losses cover every area the storm hit.
Commercial roofing in Austin means choosing the right system for a low-slope or steep-slope building (TPO, PVC, EPDM, modified bitumen, a restoration coating, metal or shingles) and planning the permit before the work, because commercial re-roof rules vary more between Austin-area cities than residential rules do. We repair, replace and maintain roofs on multifamily buildings, churches, retail centers, warehouses, storage facilities, industrial buildings and hospitals.
Low-slope systems compared
| System | What it is | Good fit |
|---|---|---|
| TPO | White single-ply membrane, heat-welded seams | Retail, warehouses and offices that want a reflective roof at moderate cost |
| PVC | Single-ply membrane, heat-welded seams, strong chemical resistance | Restaurants and buildings with grease or chemical exhaust on the roof |
| EPDM | Rubber membrane, taped or adhered seams | Simple roofs and buildings with few penetrations |
| Modified bitumen | Multi-ply asphalt-based membrane | Roofs with foot traffic and lots of equipment |
| Coatings | Fluid-applied restoration over a sound existing roof | Extending a dry, attached roof instead of tearing it off |
| Metal and shingles | Standing seam, panels or architectural shingles | Steep-slope commercial, churches and multifamily |
Permits differ by city
- City of Austin. Austin’s list of commercial work exempt from permits does not include roof replacement, so plan on a permit. Emergency removal of water-damaged material is exempt, but the repairs require a permit. Austin adopted the 2024 International Building Code effective July 10, 2025.
- Round Rock. A commercial re-roof permit is required only when replacing a flat roof, or on a pitched roof when replacing decking. Plans must show the overflow drains, downspouts and emergency scuppers.
- Georgetown. Every commercial re-roof needs a permit under the 2021 IBC, Chapter 15, and plan review can take up to thirty business days.
- Dripping Springs. Permits cover city limits and the Ledgestone and Belterra commercial areas, among others.
Planning around your building
A commercial roof is scheduled around the people under it. Before you compare bids, make sure each one says how materials are staged and lifted to the roof, which hours the loud tear-off work happens, how entrances and parking are protected, and how open sections are kept watertight overnight on an occupied building. We document the existing roof with photos and a written scope, so owners and boards can compare options side by side. After hail, see storm damage repair; the Texas rules on deductibles and contractors apply to commercial claims too. Our 5 steps after a storm guide covers the first days. Our commercial and HOA roofing hub collects general guides on inspections, maintenance and planning for building owners and boards.
Next steps
Considering metal for a steep-slope building? Read Austin metal roofing. Need just a leak fixed? See Austin roof repair. We are veteran-owned, family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor, and have 650+ Google reviews. Call our Austin office at (512) 610-5897 or request a free Austin roof inspection; we reply the same business day.
Sources: City of Austin, Work Exempt from Building Permits; City of Austin, Building Technical Codes; City of Round Rock, Other Building Permits; City of Georgetown, Re-Roofing Permits; City of Dripping Springs, Residential Builder Information Packet.
