Blog

Can a Built-Up Roof System “Self-Heal” from Bullet Damage? 

We recently heard a claim from a commercial property owner who insisted that built-up roofing systems (BURs) are “self-healing” when damaged by bullets. Yes—bullets. It’s one of those eyebrow-raising statements that makes the rounds just often enough that it’s worth clearing up. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve been inspecting, repairing, and replacing commercial roofing systems for over 40 years. So, let’s dive into this one with empathy, honesty, and a little bit of humor—because while it’s a quirky topic, bullet damage to roofs is something we see more than you might think. 

The Truth About Built-Up Roofing and “Self-Healing”

The myth goes like this: “Built-up roofs, because they’re made with hot tar, will soften in the sun and sort of melt or move back into place—so if a bullet puts a hole in it, it’ll just fix itself.” 

Let’s be clear: that’s not how any roof works. Not even built-up roofs. 

Yes, when the weather heats up, the asphalt in a BUR can become more pliable. You might see minor softening or movement in the top layers. But if there’s a hole in your roof—especially one from a puncture or impact—it’s a hole. And holes don’t seal themselves back up. Heat won’t magically bring the roof back together like it’s made of some sci-fi memory foam. 

That idea is, frankly, a fib with a tail. It sounds great, but it doesn’t hold up—especially when you’re the one paying for water damage inside your building. 

So, What Should You Do If Bullet Damage is a Concern?

Believe it or not, bullet-related roof damage is a real issue we run into on a semi-regular basis—especially in urban or industrial areas. We’ve found spent casings, actual bullets, and all kinds of evidence of rooftop impacts during our inspections. 

And no, the best solution isn’t picking a “self-healing” roof system. The best approach is proactive roof maintenance. 

If your building is in a location where rooftop impacts—whether from stray bullets, falling debris, or wildlife—are a concern, here’s what we recommend: 

1. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections: Aim for at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. This schedule helps catch issues caused by seasonal temperature swings, weather, and yes, random roof damage like bullet holes. Inspections are the #1 way to spot small problems before they become expensive ones. 

2. Patch Damage Promptly: If something has pierced your commercial roof—even a single puncture—it needs to be addressed quickly. Even a small hole can let water in, leading to leaks, insulation damage, and interior water intrusion. We often see damage that starts small but causes tens of thousands of dollars in repairs because it was ignored. 

3. Use a Preventative Roof Maintenance Program: Our Max Life Roof Care™ program is designed for exactly this type of proactive maintenance. It includes routine inspections, cleaning, and repair work that keeps your roof in peak condition year-round—helping you avoid emergency costs and extend your roof’s lifespan. Whether it’s debris, weather damage, or bullets from the neighborhood, we’ve got you covered. 

Real-Life Bullet Damage on Commercial Roofs? You Bet.

This might sound unusual, but it’s not uncommon. In fact, we’ve got photos in our archives of rooftop bullet holes, along with a windowsill full of spent casings our team has collected over the years during roof inspections. 

It’s not just bullets, either. We’ve seen claw marks where large birds dragged prey across a membrane roof and found bones from small animals left behind after a hawk or eagle stopped for lunch. Our team has even found what looked like claw gouges from a wild hog, though we’re still not sure how it got up there. 

You truly never know what you’ll find on a commercial roof. 

And that’s part of the point: roofs are out of sight and out of mind—until something goes wrong. 

Why Bullet Damage (and Everything Else) Needs Human Eyes

No roofing system on the market today—BUR, TPO, EPDM, metal, or otherwise—has the ability to self-heal like living tissue. Damage is damage. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from a stray bullet, sharp debris, hail, or a nesting animal. 

That’s why the most valuable investment you can make isn’t just the roof itself—it’s the routine care and inspection that ensures that roof keeps doing its job year after year. 

When you have someone checking your roof regularly—looking for punctures, weak spots, pooling water, and debris—you’re protecting your entire building. You’re also likely to catch the bullet hole (or claw mark, or dismembered squirrel situation) before it causes major damage. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve seen just about everything over the last four decades. We know that roof damage doesn’t always come from storms—it can come from stray bullets or urban wildlife just as easily. 

If that’s something you’re worried about, we’re here to help. We’ll never sell you on myths or
magic solutions. Just solid advice, smart maintenance plans, and expert repairs when you need them. 

Want to protect your roof from the unexpected? Let’s talk.

Brandon Pasco

Account Executive

Brandon Pasco is a seasoned professional in the roofing industry, having started his career in 2019 in commercial roofing distribution across Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia. After relocating back to his home state of Michigan to start a family, Brandon joined the Weather Shield Roofing Systems team, where he continues to focus on helping clients extend the life of their roofs while minimizing costs.