As a property manager, the last thing you want to discover is that the roof on one of your buildings is leaking. Frustrated by the thought of another task to add to your (already lengthy) to-do list, you may be tempted to avoid a headache by slapping some duct tape over the problem area and calling it a day.
However, as the main point of contact between the tenants and the landlord, it’s your responsibility to make sure a leaking roof is handled in an appropriate and timely fashion in order to prevent further damages, keep your residents safe, and ensure the ongoing use of the property.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the process—from finding a roof leak to communicating with your roofing company about repairs, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any leaks that appear on your properties.
Handling Roof Leaks as a Property Manager
What Causes Roof Leaks?
The unfortunate reality is that most roofs are prone to leakage over time. While leaks can be caused by any number of things—improperly installed skylights, loose flashing, blocked gutters, weak seals, cracked or missing shingles—one of the most common causes is poor maintenance.
Roofs require routine inspections and upkeep in order to maintain their structural integrity. Undetected problems can snowball, turning what could have been a simple repair into an expensive and time-intensive fix. As a property manager, it’s important to keep a close eye on all the buildings in your portfolio and understand the conditions of their roofs, organizing repairs the second they become necessary.
How to Find a Roof Leak
Finding a roof leak may not be as obvious as tracking down a stream of running water pouring in from the ceiling. They can sometimes be easy to miss, especially when they’re occurring in areas that are difficult to access, such as in a resident’s apartment or the building’s attic. Some common signs to look out for include:
- A steep rise in utility bills
- Standing water pooled on the roof
- The sudden appearance of mold or condensation
- Sagging or stained ceilings
- Overly rusted gutters
- Lingering musty or damp odors
- Peeling interior paint
- Water dripping from an unknown source
Remind your tenants to report anything unusual as soon as they come across it, so that warning signs don’t go undetected for too long. It may help to have the emergency contact information for the property company posted in common areas, encouraging people to call when something is amiss.
What to Do When a Roof Leaks
Although a leak in the roof may sound alarming, it isn’t the end of the world. It’s important to remain calm and act promptly in order to keep the situation under control.
Contain the water
Once a leak has been identified, property managers should move fast—it’s important to immediately try to contain the water to prevent further damage. Clean up any standing water on the floor and place buckets (if necessary) under the source of the leak to try and catch any more water that might be coming in. Use fans to keep the area dry in order to prevent mold or mildew growth. If the weather allows it, open the windows to increase ventilation.
Secure the Area
Now that you know where the leak is coming from, it’s time to close off the affected area. (Use signage or caution tape to indicate that people should stay away for the time being.) Promptly move any furniture, electronics, or valuables away from the water. It may be necessary to tarp the roof, especially if inclement weather is on the way and may worsen the situation. It’s possible that tenants will need to be temporarily relocated if the leak is affecting their unit.
Contact Your Roofing Company
After getting in touch with your insurance company, the next call you should be making is to your roofing company. They’ll be able to identify the problem, recommend solutions, provide pricing quotes, and get the repair completed in a timely manner with minimal disruptions to the building and its tenants. If the leak is serious, then a reputable roofing company should be able (and willing) to conduct an emergency repair.
Inform Residents
As the property manager, it’s important to be communicative with your tenants throughout this whole process. Keep them well-informed about what is happening, the nature of the repairs, and when and where they can expect disruptions. There may be contractor cars blocking parking spaces, noise during work hours, and workers going in and out of the building—just make sure to let tenants know in advance. Transparency is key to ensuring that the repair process goes smoothly for all parties involved.
Preventing Future Leaks
The easiest way to stop a roof from leaking is to prevent it from ever occurring in the first place. As previously mentioned, continued upkeep is key! Your roofing company can conduct inspections and perform yearly maintenance in order to prolong the lifespan of your roof and detect problems early on.
If you’re a property manager looking to get a leaky roof repaired (or are simply interested in finding a roofing company you can trust) contact the trusted team at Standard Roofing & Restoration for a free estimate today. Equipped with years of experience and a dedication to quality, we’ll make sure your properties stay protected against whatever the Wisconsin weather throws at them.