We work backwards.

First, we will need to interview the person(s) who have the most knowledge about the leak. Then we view the affected area from the inside of the building to see the end result. This will tell us how and where to start looking on the exterior of the building. Then we will go up on the roof and find the area closest to the point of entry on the inside and start looking at key areas that are known to be problematic. Usually, this is when we find the source of the leak and can tell you what you need to do to correct it.

This will depend on the situation, but typically there are subsequent measures that can be taken to chase the leak down. Some leaks are very hard to trace and require the use of snake cameras, infrared cameras, roof dis-assembly, attic entry, and/or the right weather conditions during the leak investigation.

Some leaks are caused by heavy wind and are not easy to trace when there is no wind. Others can enter a roof at one point and travel within the roof system to an exit point several metres away.

So basically, the longer it takes to find the leak, the more intense and extreme the investigation will become. This is why all of our Roof Observers have to have leak chasing experience before they come to work at IPRC. We don't expect you to pay to have someone learn on your roof.

This will depend on whose responsibility the leak ends up being. We are typically hired by the owners and we do our report for the owners, so the owner will pay our fees.

If the leak is deemed to be the fault of the roofing contractor due to poor application, and your roof is still under warranty, then the roofing contractor should cover all costs associated with the leak, including our fees.

If it is simply due to age of the roof, or natural damage (wind damage, tree limbs falling, etc), then you or your insurance would cover our fees.