Commercial roof leak: first steps for building managers
Protect people and inventory under the leak first, and keep water away from lights, panels and equipment. Do not send staff onto the roof in a storm or without fall protection. Many flat-roof leaks come from clogged drains, failed seams or flashing at rooftop units. Call 833-877-1717 to request an independent commercial roofer.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Inside: protect people and property
- Keep people out from under wet, sagging ceiling tiles; saturated tiles can fall.
- Turn off power to light fixtures and equipment in the wet area at the panel, if it is safe to reach.
- Move inventory, files and equipment, or cover them with plastic.
- Catch water in buckets or bins. Remove saturated ceiling tiles once the area is safe, so water drains into a container instead of spreading.
- Mark leak locations on a floor plan. The roofer will use it to find the source above.
On the roof: only when safe
Roof access should be limited to trained people using fall protection, and never during storms, high wind, lightning or ice. When conditions are safe:
- Drains and scuppers: leaves, debris and gravel can block them. Ponding water adds heavy load to a low-slope roof and finds every weak seam.
- Rooftop units: leaks often start at curbs, flashings and access panels on HVAC units, or from units dripping condensate.
- Penetrations: pipes, vents and conduit through the roof.
- Seams and edges: membrane seams and perimeter metal, especially after wind.
Signs of a bigger problem
- Deep ponding, or a roof deck that looks like it is sagging.
- Many leaks at once after a storm.
- Blistering, splitting or wrinkled membrane over large areas.
- Wet insulation under the membrane, which a roofer can find with moisture surveys or infrared scans.
A sagging deck or heavy ponding is a structural concern. Keep people out of the space below and get a professional assessment right away.
Temporary repairs
A commercial roofer can often make a temporary seal, patch a seam or tarp an area until a permanent repair. Ask whether the roof is under a manufacturer or installer warranty before anyone else works on it; unauthorized repairs can void some warranties.
Documentation
- Photograph the interior damage, the leak locations and anything on the roof you can safely see.
- Note the weather and the time the leak started.
- Notify the landlord, owner or insurer as your lease or policy requires.
- Keep invoices for emergency work.
Getting a commercial roofer
When you call 833-877-1717, give the roof type if you know it (TPO, EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen, built-up, metal), the building size, the number of leak locations, whether there is a warranty and how to access the roof. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent commercial roofer; the roofer confirms timing and price with you.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
Why does my flat roof leak?
Common causes are clogged drains and ponding water, failed seams, damaged flashing at rooftop units and penetrations, punctures from foot traffic or debris, and aging membrane.
Can a commercial roof be repaired in the rain?
Permanent repairs usually wait for dry conditions. Some temporary measures may be possible if it is safe. Interior protection comes first.
Who is responsible for roof leaks in a leased building?
Many leases assign the roof to the landlord, but terms vary. Notify the landlord in writing and check your lease.
Will a repair void my roof warranty?
Some manufacturer and installer warranties require authorized contractors. Check the warranty or contact the installer before work, except for emergency measures to prevent damage.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.