Commercial Roof Leak Detection in New Orleans That Finds the Real Source
- The exact source of your leak pinpointed before damage spreads
- A detailed report of every issue with recommended actions
- A team on standby for emergency roof leaks
- Residential License # 890459
- Commercial License # 3667
Our commercial roof leak detection in New Orleans follows the water from the stain in your ceiling back to the point where it gets into the roof. TurnKey Roofing Contractor works on flat and low-slope roofs over offices, stores, restaurants and warehouses, where water can travel a long way under the membrane before it shows up inside.
Call (504) 608-3921 or request a free leak detection estimate. We answer emergency calls around the clock, and during a storm we can cover the opening to keep water out until the permanent repair is made.
On a commercial roof, the source is the hard part to find. A patch on the spot right above the stain often misses the real opening, so the leak returns with the next heavy rain while the damage spreads into insulation, ceiling tiles and inventory.
Why Commercial Roof Leaks Are Hard to Find
Water that gets through a flat roof spreads sideways through the insulation and along the deck. It drips wherever the deck has a low spot, a fastener or a joint, which may be well away from the opening. These are the usual entry points.
- Open or lifted membrane seams
- Flashing at parapet walls, roof edges and equipment curbs
- Pipe boots, vents and pitch pans around penetrations
- Drains and scuppers where water collects
- Punctures from foot traffic, dropped tools or storm debris
- Blisters and cracks in an aging membrane
Flashing failures call for a different kind of repair, covered on our commercial roof flashing repair page.
Signs of a Hidden Commercial Roof Leak
Water can soak into insulation and decking for months before it shows, and these signs point to a leak that's already working its way through the building.
- Stained or sagging ceiling tiles, even without an active drip
- Peeling paint or damp drywall near the top of exterior walls
- A musty odor in upper-floor rooms or storage areas
- Rust on the underside of a metal deck where it's visible from inside
- Soft or spongy spots in the roof surface
- Cooling bills creeping up, which can point to wet insulation
Wet insulation loses much of its value, and a deck that stays damp can rust or rot, so a hidden leak costs more the longer it runs.
Leak Detection Methods for Commercial Roofs
The right method depends on the roof system, the weather and how long the leak has been active.
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Hands-On Roof Inspection
A roofer checks the seams, flashing, drains and penetrations above the leak and across the section of roof that drains toward it, feeling for soft or wet spots in the surface.
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Infrared Scanning
Wet insulation holds heat differently from dry insulation, so an infrared camera picks out wet areas under a membrane that looks normal to the eye. The scan is non-invasive and doesn't interrupt work inside the building. Our post on drone and thermal roof inspections explains how it works.
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Drone and Electronic Testing
Drones capture overhead images of large or hard-to-reach roofs without scaffolding or ladders. On suitable membranes, electronic testing runs a current across the wet roof surface and shows where it passes through a breach.
Commercial Roof Leak Detection by Roof Type
Each commercial roof system has typical weak spots, and those shape where the search starts.
| Roof system | Common leak points | |
|---|---|---|
| [[/roofing-types/single-ply/ | TPO and PVC]] | Welded seams, inside and outside corners, curb flashing and punctures |
| [[/roofing-types/rubber-roofing/ | EPDM rubber]] | Seams that pull apart and membrane shrinking away from walls and edges |
| [[/roofing-types/built-up-roofing/ | Built-up roofing]] | Blisters, cracks, split laps and worn surfacing |
| [[/roofing-types/metal-roofing/ | Metal roofing]] | Loose fasteners, worn washers, open panel laps and rust |
| [[/roofing-types/flat-roofing/ | Flat roofing]] of any type | Ponding areas, clogged drains and failing flashing |
Knowing the system narrows the search and shortens the time your building spends dealing with an active leak. Older roofs that have been patched many times add another layer to the search, since earlier repairs can hide the real opening or start leaking again themselves.
Our Leak Detection and Commercial Roof Leak Repair Process
Each leak call moves through three steps, from finding the source to the finished repair.
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Find the Source
We trace the water from the interior to the roof using the methods that fit your roof system, and confirm the entry point before anything gets sealed.
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Explain and Estimate
You get a clear account of every issue we found, along with a free estimate for the commercial roof leak repair. Repairs begin after you sign off on the estimate.
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Repair and Clean Up
The crew repairs the opening with materials compatible with your roof and cleans up the work area. Larger problems go through our commercial roof repair service.
What to Do When Your Commercial Roof Starts Leaking
These steps limit the damage while you wait for a roofer.
- Move people and property. Clear staff, customers, equipment and inventory away from the drip and set out containers to catch the water.
- Protect electrical equipment. If water is near lights, outlets or electronics, shut off power to that area.
- Note when it leaks. Write down where the water appears and whether it shows up during steady rain, wind-driven rain or only after storms. That record helps trace the source.
- Stay off the roof. Wet membranes are slippery, and storm conditions make roof access dangerous.
- Call for help. Phone (504) 608-3921 so a roofer can cover the opening and plan the permanent repair.
Preventing the Next Commercial Roof Leak
Regular checks catch worn seams and clogged drains while they're still cheap to fix. These habits lower the odds of the next leak.
- Schedule a roof check every spring and fall, plus after hurricanes and hailstorms
- Keep drains, scuppers and gutters free of leaves and storm debris
- Route rooftop service traffic along walkways near the equipment
- Reseal tired flashing and seams at the first sign of wear
- Deal with ponding areas before standing water breaks down the membrane
A commercial roof inspection catches early wear before it leaks. Our commercial roof maintenance plans put those visits on a schedule.
Why Building Owners Call TurnKey Roofing Contractor
Our New Orleans team is licensed for commercial roofing under Commercial License # 3667. Our commercial roofing services run from leak detection to full replacement.
- Free estimates for leak repairs
- Emergency leak calls answered around the clock
- Temporary covers to stop water during a storm
- Office staff available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Leak detection across New Orleans and our service area
Commercial Roof Leak Detection FAQs
Estimates are free
- Residential License # 890459
- Commercial License # 3667
How do you find a leak that I can't see?
We combine a hands-on roof inspection with tools such as infrared cameras, which show wet insulation under the membrane. That lets us pinpoint the entry point instead of guessing from the ceiling stain.
Will leak detection interrupt my business?
Infrared scanning is non-invasive and doesn't disrupt daily operations inside the building. Most of the work happens on the roof.
Why does my roof keep leaking after it's been patched?
On a flat roof, water often enters some distance from where it drips inside. A patch placed over the stain can miss the real opening, so tracing the source comes first.
What can you do if my roof is leaking during a storm?
Call us any time, day or night. We can put a temporary cover over the opening to stop the water, and the permanent repair follows when weather allows safe work on the roof.
How do I schedule commercial leak detection?
Reach us at (504) 608-3921 or through the form on the contact page. Estimates are free, and our office answers calls weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
See More of Our Commercial Roof Services
What Our Clients Say
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Roof repair
TurnKey Roofing Contractor saved the day with their roof repair service. A leaking roof was causing havoc in our home, but their team responded swiftly and fixed the issue with precision. I’m impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail.
Kate Robertson
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Hail damage repair
After a severe hailstorm, I contacted their team and they came to our rescue with their Hail damage roof repair service. Their prompt response and thorough repairs restored our roof’s integrity. I’m thankful for their expertise and dedication. I highly recommend them.
Timothy Moyes
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Commercial re-roofing
We entrusted TurnKey Roofing Contractor with the re-roofing of our commercial property, and they delivered exceptional results. Their team’s efficiency made the entire process seamless. I highly recommend their services.
James Tran
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Roof leak detection
TurnKey Roofing Contractor’s roof leak detection service was a game-changer for us. Their advanced techniques helped pinpoint the source of the leak quickly, saving us time and money on potential repairs. I’m grateful for their expertise. We are very satisfied and will recommend them to anyone.
Angela Hamilton
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New roof installation
Their team installed a new roof for our home. From the initial consultation to the final touches, they displayed professionalism and expertise. They accommodated our specific needs and ensured minimal disruption to our operations. The quality of their workmanship speaks for itself, and we’re extremely satisfied with the results. I highly recommend Turnkey Roofing Contractor to any business owner in need of roofing services!
Beverly McGhee
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Roof maintenance
I hired them for roof maintenance service and it has been invaluable for our property. Their proactive approach to maintenance has helped us avoid costly repairs and prolong the lifespan of our roof. I’m impressed by their professionalism and reliability. I will use them again for my next project and try more of their services. Thank you.
Gregory Tucker
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Commercial roof inspection
I recently hired this company for a roof inspection on my commercial property. Their thoroughness and expertise in identifying potential issues were commendable. I feel confident knowing that my roof is in good hands. I will use them again in the future.
Richard Pratt
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Siding installation
This company’s siding installation service transformed the look of our residential property. I am glad I found them! Their attention to detail and professionalism made the entire process seamless. We’re thrilled with the results.
Lydia Young
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Roof insulation
We recently used their roof insulation installation services, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Their knowledgeable team provided excellent recommendations, and the insulation has significantly improved the energy efficiency of our home.
Joanne Adams
Get Commercial Roof Leak Detection in New Orleans
Call (504) 608-3921 or send us your leak details online, and we'll find the source and explain the fix.