Stop the damage you can reach safely
- Move people, equipment and stock away from the wet area. If water is near electrical fixtures or outlets, turn them off at the breaker if it is safe to do so.
- Place buckets, plastic sheeting or absorbent material under the drip, and collect any water pooling on the floor.
- Do not go onto the roof yourself, especially in rain, wind or ice. Let a qualified crew handle that work.
Document before you clean up
Photos and notes are what insurers, tenants and your own records rely on later. Before you clean anything up:
- Photograph each leak point, the ceiling and walls around it, and any damaged inventory or equipment. Take wide shots and close-ups.
- Note the date, the time, and the weather when the leak started.
- Write down which tenants or areas were affected and when you first noticed the problem.
- Keep damaged materials until your adjuster or roofer has seen them, if you can.
Report it to the right people
- Tenants. Tell affected tenants what you know and when you expect a response. One clear message prevents a flood of separate calls.
- Your insurance carrier. Commercial policies often require prompt notice of a loss. Check your policy for the reporting deadline and any wind or hail deductible.
- Your roofing contractor. Call a contractor who can respond quickly and will put the findings in writing.
What a good emergency response looks like
When you call a commercial roofer about an active leak, expect the following:
- Same-day triage. Someone should ask where the water is entering, whether the building is occupied, and whether there has been recent storm activity.
- Temporary protection. Tarping, drain clearing and flashing patches to stop the water while a permanent repair is scoped.
- Documented findings. Photos and a written note of the failure point, the membrane or metal condition, and any drainage problem behind it.
- A written repair plan. The options in writing: a targeted repair, a restoration, or a replacement, with the cost of each and a recommendation.
We answer calls 24/7 and aim to respond the same day to active leaks. Call (404) 260-3168 to report a leak.
Common causes of commercial roof leaks
- Failed flashing at penetrations, curbs, parapets and roof edges
- Ponded water that wears through the membrane over time
- Separated seams on TPO, PVC or EPDM roofs
- Hail or wind damage to the membrane, coating or metal panels
- Clogged drains and scuppers that push water past the flashing
Many of these failures start small. A repair made early usually costs less than the interior damage a slow leak causes.
Working with insurance
If the leak follows a storm, we can document the roof damage for your insurance claim and give your adjuster the same photos and findings we give you. We do not represent you with your insurer. A public adjuster or attorney does that role.
After the repair
Ask for the completed photo record and written scope. Then schedule a commercial roof maintenance inspection so the next problem is found on a planned visit instead of in a tenant's ceiling.