This feature article appeared in the La Canada Flintridge Outlook on April 5, 2007.

Written by: Christina Hamlett

Nothing is more peaceful than the gentle patter of rain falling on a rooftop. Such aural serenity, of course, takes on an entirely different meaning when Mother Nature invites herself inside and those placid drops suddenly become menacing drips that threaten to saturate your walls, your carpets, and your family cat. To steal a line from the “Ghostbusters” theme song, “Who you gonna call?”

For many, the answer is Rain Leak Pros, a Pasadena-based repair service whose motto says it all: “We Find It. We Fix It. We Prove It.” Rain Leak Pros was founded by Dan and Doug Owen, enterprising brothers whose combined years of expertise make short work of dysfunctional drains, gushing gutters and malevolent mold that, if left unchecked, can wreak havoc on one’s habitat.

According to Dan, “Most of the leaks we deal with could have been prevented by better workmanship. Unfortunately in Southern California, too many contractors rely on the arid climate to hide their weaknesses in moving water off of - and away from - homes.” Adds Doug, “The majority of leaks we’re called in to fix include some element of human error, and if we include failed previous repairs of otherwise ‘natural’ leaks, it's a very large percentage.”

Since an ounce of prevention is generally less costly than a pound of cure, the Owen brothers include pre-inspection and consultation among their services to clients having new homes built. Remarks Dan, “A lot of people don’t know this but legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright was infamous for creating leaky homes. One might think that we're well past this stage in today’s home building history, but my belief is that every new home has minor problems that will cause early leaking. And 1 out of every 10 homes has a major water intrusion problem built into it. Architects are all about home design but are not often required to ‘think like water’.” He cites the example of a custom home that was built for Sandra Bullock. “It leaked extensively and was torn down in 2006 without anyone having ever lived in it!” He goes on to explain that he and his brother review plans, make recommendations and supervise key aspects of construction.

Doug points out that leaks are much more likely to occur from a remodel than from building a new home. “The repair itself is also seldom as challenging to us as finding the source to begin with. Sometimes leaks will show up inside that are several yards away from the actual outside entry point. That can require some real detective work on our part.” On other occasions, Dan describes how they have had to use a climbing harness to safely reach a tall wall, a steep roof, or even a defect hanging over a cliff. “Doug rigs the ropes and I do the work.”

Dealing with mold issues also factors into their business. As Doug explains, “Mold always indicates moisture, and no matter how it's treated, the mold will return unless the source of the moisture is found and eliminated. We leave the actual mold diagnosis and treatment to the specialists, but we are the specialists in handling the moisture.”

Dan’s background as a general contractor specializing in water problems has allowed him to collect a useful bag of tricks over the years. “We use a variety of meters to measure the moisture in the ground, walls and air before and after solutions have been implemented. Being this thorough can help homeowners and realtors sell a home and have confidence that it won't end up as a lawsuit.”

So what’s it like to be in business with a sibling? Praises Doug, “Dan has great people skills, including the ability to communicate with anyone and with more patience than I have. He also has experience with virtually every building trade, so I know he'll be able to help with anything (or anyone) I run into.” According to Dan, “Let me just say that destroying appliances can eventually pay off. Doug's in charge of scientific experiments, making our custom tools, reading all the technical manuals, and - on very, very rare occasions - correcting my otherwise logical train of thought! All kidding aside; Doug and I complement each other.”

It’s a mutual admiration, they confess, that began in childhood. Says Dan, “Doug would take anything apart that our parents would let him. My talents were better applied to heckling him when something didn't quite go back together again.” Doug relates that his penchant for experimentation prompted him to build a pair of wood and cardboard wings at age 11 and jump off the roof. “No, I didn’t fly but they did ease the landing!” he recalls. “As a teen I built a 1-passenger speedboat, a cat's whisker radio receiver and a number of other projects.”

Doug has no shortage of thanks for the endorsement of Rain Leak Pros’ happy customers. “They tell us our service is valuable and needed, but it's such an uncommon specialty that I think most property owners don't even know to look for it.” Dan agrees with his brother’s assessment. “We are the alternative to ‘psychic leak finding’. Many of our customers have been unable to solve their water problem(s) for years, even decades. Once we come on the scene, they’re often pleasantly amazed when we reproduce their leak and can - after repairs - tell them with complete confidence that their dilemma is finally over.”