Gauteng’s severe thunderstorms and hailstorms don’t just interrupt business—they actively damage your most valuable assets. For property owners and facility managers, the hours immediately following a major storm are critical. Delaying an inspection or repair can turn a manageable R10,000 waterproofing fix into a R100,000 internal structural disaster.

Here is your immediate, actionable 7-point post-storm checklist from PMT Construction and Engineers to secure your commercial building.

1. Prioritise Safety and Initial Triage

Before approaching any damage, ensure the building is safe.

• Look for Downed Lines: Check for any electrical wires that may have fallen onto the roof or ground. Do not approach. Call the relevant municipality or utility provider immediately.
• Identify Major Leaks: In the building’s interior, note the location of any significant leaks. Place buckets or move sensitive equipment away from the affected areas. Document the location immediately with time-stamped photos.

Inspect the Roof Surface for Subtle Hail Damage

This is the most critical step, especially after a hailstorm. Hail doesn’t always leave obvious holes, but the damage is cumulative.

• Target Flat & Low-Slope Roofs: On typical commercial flat roofs (often covered with torch-on bitumen or polyurethane membranes), look for pitting or granule loss. Hail impact compromises the protective layer, exposing the underlying membrane to UV and moisture, accelerating deterioration and creating a leak entry point.
• Check Metal Surfaces: Inspect metal roofs, skylights, and HVAC shrouds for denting. Even minor dents can indicate weakened seams and eventual failure points.

Assess Gutter and Downpipe Integrity

Your building’s stormwater management system is its main defense against heavy rain.

• Check for Blockages: Are gutters overflowing long after the rain has stopped? They might be clogged with leaves, hail debris, or sediment. Blocked gutters force water to back up onto the roof or spill down the exterior walls, compromising flashings and external paintwork.
• Verify Connections: Ensure all downpipes are still securely fastened to the wall and that their base connections (where they meet the ground drain) are intact and free of debris.

Examine Flashings and Penetrations

These are the most common areas where waterproofing fails during high-volume, wind-driven rain.

• Inspect Parapet Walls: Check the metal or flexible flashings where the roof meets a vertical wall (like a parapet). Look for tears, wrinkles, or areas where the sealant has pulled away.
• Look Around Vents and HVAC Units: Every object that punctures the roof membrane (plumbing vent pipes, air conditioners, chimneys) is a potential leak point. Ensure the sealant around the bases is intact and hasn’t cracked due to heat expansion or hail impact.

Identify Signs of Internal Wall Water Ingress

Leaks don’t always appear directly above the source.

• Look for Staining: Check interior walls and ceilings for yellow or brown water stains. Staining near the top of a wall, where the slab meets the ceiling, often indicates a roof leak. Stains lower down can indicate a parapet wall leak or faulty window seal.
• Feel for Dampness: Touch the paint/drywall. A soft, bubbling, or consistently damp patch indicates active water ingress, a perfect environment for mould and mildew.

Check Paved Areas and External Drainage

The grou nd surrounding your building also plays a key role in water management.

• Inspect External Drains: Are external drains and soakaways free of debris? If water is pooling around the building’s foundation, it can lead to damp ingress through the lower walls, causing internal damage and foundation issues.
• Look for Cracks: Severe storms and rapid changes in moisture content can put stress on foundations. Look for new or widening cracks in external paved areas and the foundation skirting.

Call PMT Construction and Engineers Immediately for a Professional Assessment

Your initial walk-around is important, but only a professional assessment can guarantee the integrity of your building’s waterproofing and plumbing systems.

• We Offer Rapid Response: PMT provides a fast-track storm damage assessment service specifically for Gauteng businesses. Speed is critical. Hail cracks that are left exposed can absorb water, freeze, and expand, turning a minor issue into a structural repair in less than 24 hours.
• Detailed Documentation: We provide the documented evidence—complete with photos and a scope of work—that is often required to support a successful insurance claim.

Don’t wait for the next rainfall to confirm your suspicions. Protect your investment.

Ready to Secure Your Building?

Contact PMT Construction and Engineers today to schedule your comprehensive post-storm plumbing and waterproofing assessment.