We Find It, We Fix It, We Prove It!

The services provided by Rain Leak Pros fall into 4 main categories: Inspection, Repair, Reports, and Expert Testimony.

Inspection

Observation - The Inspection process begins with a thorough look at the situation. First, we note the extent and location of water damage. Even where there is not a noticeable drip, moisture will cause discoloration, paint blistering, black mold spots, drywall ‘bloom’, swelling and splitting wood, musty odors, etc. Next, we examine the structure to see where and how water might be getting in. Is there visible damage or deterioration on the exterior? Were materials properly applied, and joints lapped in the right direction? Are there barriers that keep water from easily running off?

For drainage problems, what is the overall slope of the property? What type of soil is present, especially adjacent to foundation walls or piers? Are there areas that trap water against the structure or allow surface water to flow into the crawlspace? Do downspouts or topography concentrate too much water in specific spots? These are just some of the factors that must be considered to pinpoint the cause and produce an effective solution.

Testing – Here we recreate the leak, and the process uses a very low-tech approach: a hose with running water. The trick is to apply it to the correct precise locations, for the proper length of time, and often there is more than one entry. Each one must be pinpointed. Sometimes the entry points are many feet from the visible evidence, because water will travel under the top layer of roofing or along rafters before making itself known. Starting with the lowest possibility and moving uphill, each test point must be verified as not leaking before moving on to the next, and this is done by precision monitoring of moisture levels and other indicators at the damage sites.

With drainage issues, each one is unique and it is usually not practical to recreate the problem with a hose, so we rely to an even greater degree on detailed inspection and analysis, and on our experience from solving hundreds of these types of problems.

Proofing – This is another round of testing that takes place after any repairs. It generally goes much quicker because it’s not necessary to eliminate the non-leaking areas. Any spots that were leaking before are tested again, and if no moisture gets in, that specific leak can be considered fixed.

Repair

Rain Leak Pros is a general contractor and fully capable of determining what corrections are needed, once the leak sources have been precisely identified. Often a quick and simple patch is all that’s needed and we will do it on the spot. We use industrial-grade materials that are stronger, more flexible and much longer lasting. If more than a simple patch is needed we will make a recommendation, either an estimate for us to do the repairs, or a referral to a trade specialty such as a roofer, chimney mason etc. In addition to correcting the source of the leak there is often interior damage that requires drywall, painting or other work. We can often help with that as well.

Reports

Rain Leak Pros can furnish a variety of reports for different purposes, such as insurance claims, real estate transactions, construction defect lawsuits, or to guide a contractor in repairs. Reports typically include photos and verbal descriptions of the interior damage and the exterior sources, and orientation photos or diagrams of the site. If appropriate, we will also include our evaluation of contributing causes, mitigating circumstances and any other pertinent information.

Expert Testimony

Water damage is an element in many contractor disputes and construction defect lawsuits. It is often useful to have verification of exactly how the water is getting in, and unbiased testimony regarding the situation that caused it. We have experience in various areas of construction and engineering, and of course are experts on the specific subjects of rain leaks and drainage problems. We are available as expert witnesses, at industry-standard rates.