Start inside
- Where: center of the room, along an outside wall, around a skylight, along a viga?
- When: every rain, only big storms, only with wind from one direction, or when the swamp cooler runs?
- How fast: immediately when it rains, or hours later?
Leaks that appear only when the cooler runs point to the cooler, not the roof. Leaks only with wind-driven rain often mean parapet caps or stucco.
Look from the ground or a safe ladder
- Canales: clogged, rusty, stains below?
- Parapet caps and corners: cracks?
- Any visible bare foam, gravel gaps or debris piles?
Leave the roof walking to us
Flat roofs are slippery when wet or dusty, and soft spots can give way. We'll walk it, trace the path and confirm the source. See flat roof leak repair.
Common questions
Can a leak be far from the stain?
Yes. Several feet, sometimes across a room, especially along vigas or joists.
Should I poke a hole in a bulging ceiling?
If water is pooled in a bulging ceiling, a small hole at the low point into a bucket can prevent a bigger collapse. Keep people clear.