It's the weekend and it's raining buckets. Your favorite tenant (the loudmouth engineer) calls to report that the roof is leaking right over his brand new home entertainment system. When you call your roofing contractor, his answering machine laughs at you. What do you do? Listed below are a few things you can do to mitigate damage, but one rule should always be obeyed … NEVER attempt repairs during thunderstorms, high winds or other potentially hazardous circumstances.

Protect the interior: Place containers to collect water, and use plastic sheeting to protect building contents.

1. If water has ponded on the roof, check drains, scuppers, etc. and clear if necessary. Be careful, draining water can create suction forces sufficient to trap limbs or pull tools into the drain. If ponding is not due to obstruction, it may be necessary to sweep, squeegee or pump the water away.

2. Locate the source/cause of the leak. Depending upon the type of system and deck, the problem can be directly above (or within a few feet of) the point where the water enters the interior or at some distance away. Look for such things as punctures, tears, open seams, unbonded flashings, unsealed panels or openings in mechanical equipment or other conditions that could allow water to violate the system. You may have to expand your search beyond what might seem logical. For example, water that passes through a defect in a loose-laid system placed on a concrete deck might travel for a considerable distance before it encounters a crack in the deck through which it can pass.


 3. Once the source is located, some sort of repair can usually be made to stop the leakage until proper repairs can be arranged. These usually entail liberal application of some sort of goo (like roof cement) or enough caulk to choke an opera singer and that's okay, as long as you remember that it's temporary. You should also be aware that some of these materials may be incompatible with the membrane. As an example, asphaltic roof cement will destroy rubber roofing. In order to protect system integrity as well as any warranties, it's vital that proper, professional repairs be made as soon as possible.


In addition to prequalification statements, it is a good idea to check with local licensing authorities and long-term suppliers (vendors) the contractor may use. Problems uncovered from these sources may indicate the need to get additional protection (such as payment and performance bonds) before signing a contract. In some cases, it may just be better to engage another contractor, even if their bid was higher. The cost and inconveniences associated with invalidated contracts, liens placed on the property by unpaid suppliers or subcontractors or other legal entanglements can be enormous.