Commercial Roof Leak: What to Do First

You've discovered water coming through your commercial roof. What you do in the next few hours can mean the difference between a minor repair and major damage.

Immediate Steps (First 30 Minutes)

1. Protect Your Assets

• Move equipment and inventory away from the leak
• Cover anything that can't be moved with plastic
• Unplug electrical equipment in the affected area

2. Contain the Water

• Place buckets or trash cans under active drips
• Use towels or absorbent materials around the perimeter
• If water is pooling, use a wet/dry vacuum

3. Document Everything

• Take photos and video of the leak and damage
• Note the date, time, and weather conditions
• Record what was damaged

Within the First Hour

4. Check Your Roof (If Safe)

• Look for obvious damage source
• Check drains for clogs
• Note any recent work on the roof

5. Contact Your Roofing Contractor

A reputable contractor will:

• Respond within 24 hours
• Provide temporary mitigation if needed
• Assess the source and extent

6. Notify Your Insurance

If damage is significant:

• Report the claim
• Keep all documentation
• Don't dispose of damaged items yet

What NOT to Do

Don't:

• Go on a wet roof during a storm
• Try to make permanent repairs yourself
• Ignore a small leak (they don't stay small)
• Wait until the next business day if damage is spreading

Preventing Future Emergencies

Most "sudden" leaks actually developed over time. Prevention includes:

• Bi-annual professional inspections
• Regular drain maintenance
• Prompt repair of minor issues
• Documentation of roof condition

NovaRoof Emergency Response

We provide emergency repair services for commercial buildings. Call us when you discover a leak and we'll help minimize the damage.