If it fails: the first hour
What the site contact should do before the technician arrives.
- Move product, equipment and files out from under the leak
- Place containment buckets or tarps and mark the wet area
- Photograph the ceiling damage and the extent of the water before cleanup starts
- Shut off power to any fixtures or outlets near the leak if water is dripping on them
- Call the roofing contractor and give the exact location within the building
What fails
What a service call includes
- Interior leak tracing to locate the source point on the roof, not just the ceiling stain location
- Visual and, where needed, moisture-meter inspection of the membrane, seams and flashings in the affected area
- Cleaning and drying the substrate before any patch or weld is applied
- Membrane-matched repair, heat weld for TPO/PVC, seam adhesive or liquid flashing for EPDM, hot asphalt or cold patch for built-up roofing
- Re-securing or replacing failed pipe boots, curb flashing and termination bars
- Clearing debris from the affected drain and confirming water flows off the roof
- Photo documentation of the leak source and the completed repair
- A written report noting any additional deficiencies found, such as ponding or edge metal in poor condition
Preventive checklist
The items a maintenance program should carry for this system. Build a combined checklist across systems with the checklist builder.
Spring
- Walk the full roof surface and check for winter storm or ice damage
- Clear debris from drains, scuppers and gutters before spring rain season
- Inspect flashing and sealant at all penetrations
Fall
- Remove leaves and debris before they compact into drains over winter
- Check pitch pans and re-fill with sealant if cracked
- Inspect edge metal and coping for loose fasteners before winter wind
Quarterly
- Visual walk of the membrane for blisters, punctures and seam lift
- Check ponding areas after a rain event within 48 hours
Annual
- Full roof inspection with a written condition report and photos
- Core sample or infrared moisture scan on roofs over 10 years old
- Review warranty status and confirm any repairs were done by an approved contractor
What it costs
| item | typical range | what moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency leak repair, single point | $400 to $1,500 | Varies with roof access, membrane type and whether interior damage mitigation is needed |
| Seam or flashing repair | $300 to $2,000 | Length of seam and whether scaffolding or lift access is required |
| Drain replacement | $800 to $3,000 | Depends on whether the drain bowl and deck penetration need to be reworked |
| Section membrane replacement | $8 to $18 per square foot | Higher end for PVC and multi-ply systems versus single-ply EPDM |
| Full roof inspection with report | $300 to $900 | Roof size and whether infrared moisture scanning is included |
National ranges. Local labor, access, after-hours timing and materials move them. Multi-site programs usually price below one-off calls.
When this is an emergency
Active water intrusion into occupied space, electrical equipment, or product inventory during a storm.
How to choose a provider
- Ask whether the technician is certified to work on the specific membrane type installed on the roof, EPDM, TPO and PVC require different training and materials
- Confirm the contractor will not void an existing manufacturer warranty by performing the repair
- Ask for photo documentation as standard practice, not an add-on
- Check whether the provider offers a maintenance program with scheduled inspections, not just reactive repair calls
- Ask how quickly they can respond to an active leak and whether emergency service is available after hours
- Confirm they carry liability insurance and workers compensation coverage for roof work
Questions
How long does a typical roof leak repair take?
A single point repair, such as a flashing or seam fix, is usually completed in a few hours once the leak source is located. Locating the source can take longer than the repair itself.
Can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?
In most cases yes, if the membrane is structurally sound and the damage is localized. A roof past 75 percent of its expected service life with widespread issues is a better candidate for replacement.
Does roof repair void the manufacturer warranty?
It can, if the repair is not performed by a contractor certified for that membrane system or if incompatible materials are used. Ask the contractor to confirm warranty compliance before work starts.
What causes most flat roof leaks?
Flashing and penetration points, not the open membrane field. Pipe boots, curbs and drains account for the large majority of leak calls.
How often should a commercial roof be inspected?
At minimum twice a year, spring and fall, with an additional walk after any major storm or hail event.