What do you do, exactly?
We pinpoint the causes of water intrusion, which includes leaky roofs, leaky decks and windows, groundwater, drainage problems, or any other situation where unwanted moisture is getting into or under a building. Then, we will either fix the problem or recommend a course of action to take care of it.

But what does Rain Leak Pros do that’s different?
There are two main differences between our methods and most other contractors. First, in the case of a leak, we do water testing to reproduce the leak. Only when the source is pinpointed will we say with certainty how to fix it. Also, we can do the same test after repairs are done, to prove that it’s fixed. The second main difference is that we analyze the situation from all construction aspects, not just from the perspective of a single building trade. And there is a third difference: Because we do almost exclusively water intrusion problems, we do a lot of them and we’ve become very, very good at it.

Do you test for groundwater problems too?
Groundwater issues can sometimes be quite complex, but we have the experience needed to get to the bottom of it, so to speak. Usually water testing with a hose is not going to duplicate the condition, so these investigations rely more on detective work and sometimes a dose of intuition. There are actually two very different problems in this category. One is underground water coming up where you don't want it, for instance under your house. The other situation is drainage, where surface water is causing some unwanted condition such as erosion or soil expansion. Within these two patterns, each situation is unique and requires a tailor-made solution.

What about mold and mildew?
We handle the cause of the mold problem, which is moisture where it shouldn’t be. Large mold remediation projects are best done by those specialists, but the mold will return sooner or later unless the moisture intrusion is stopped as well.

Do you give free estimates?
Yes, our estimates are free. However, we do not do an estimate until we have investigated to determine the exact problem and its potential solutions, and we charge for that investigation.

What do you charge for your service?
Our standard rate for drainage investigations, consultations etc. is a flat fee of $225, up to one hour. Leak testing is done on hourly rate of $175 per hour. Minor repairs are also usually done at the hourly rate (plus materials), while for larger repairs an estimate is provided in advance, but these options are discussed with the customer before any repairs are begun.

Does the inspection include a report?
We prefer to discuss the situation with the client, on-site if possible. We do include written notes on the invoice regarding what we found and what we recommend. However, if an official written report is needed for insurance claims, legal action or real estate negotiations, we can provide that. It does mean additional work for us back at the office, so there is an additional charge, in proportion to the detail needed, number of photographs, etc.

Do you do the repairs yourself?
Yes, we do most of the repairs. As a general contractor we can do it all, but if we believe all or part of the repair would be better handled by a specialty trade, we will refer it or sub it out.

My company manages many apartments and commercial buildings. What is your professional rate?
Sorry, but everyone, large or small, pays the same rate and everyone gets our best quality of service. However, we may be able to work with your maintenance staff in ways that will save money for your firm and your clients.

How long does it usually take to find a leak like mine?
It's impossible to say in advance. Some take just a few minutes, and others take an hour or two. In a few extreme cases it might take most of a day. All we can say for sure is that we will do our best to find it as quickly as possible.

I already know what the problem is. I just need someone to fix it.
Our highest value is our skill in determining the exact leak sources, or the underlying causes of your drainage problem. If you don’t need that, you may be better off just calling a handyman or the appropriate trade specialty. In our experience though, these problems often turn out to be not from the obvious suspect, but from some other cause a few inches or a few feet away. If you tell the handyman to fix the wrong thing, you will still have the problem.

I had my roof replaced last year but it still leaks. Can you help me sue the roofer?
We can certainly determine exactly why you still have the leak, and give our qualified opinion about any previous repairs. For a reasonable fee, we can also provide a written report with photos and other evidence, and as a last resort, serve as expert witnesses. What you may find, however, is that the leak wasn’t a faulty roof in the first place. A roofer once referred us to a Bel Air mansion built in an experimental architectural style. We found and fixed 26 separate leaks, and only one of those had anything to do with the new roof he’d put on.

Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We guarantee our workmanship and also pass on to the customer the manufacturer's warranty for the materials used. But please be aware that if we patch a roof or deck to extend its life, we can't guarantee the whole thing as if it were new construction. The guarantee only covers our own work.

Do you have references in my neighborhood?
As a matter of policy, we do not give out the names of our customers. Even when customers have volunteered to be references for us, they just don’t realize how much activity that could produce from the many inquiries we get each week, and it would quickly wear out our welcome. However, we do appreciate the written testimonials we get and will often put excerpts from them on the website.