Where leaks start around here
- Parapet walls — cracked stucco or caps let water behind the roofing.
- The wall-to-roof corner on flat roofs, where coatings crack as the house moves.
- Canales — clogged with cottonwood leaves, loose, or with failed seals.
- Penetrations — vents, swamp cooler and HVAC stands, skylights, pipes.
- Flashing at chimneys, walls and valleys on pitched roofs.
- Ponding — standing water that wears through the coating.
How we track it down
- Look at the stain and where it is in the house
- Check the roof above and uphill from it
- Inspect parapets, canales, flashings and penetrations nearby
- Fix the source and anything else that's close to failing
Right after a leak
Move valuables, catch the drip, and if the ceiling sags with water, keep people out from under it. Call (505) 448-8495. If it's still raining, we may be able to put a temporary cover on and come back for the permanent fix.
Roofing questions
Why does my roof only leak in heavy storms?
Often water backs up at a clogged canale or overtops a flashing only when there's a lot of it.
Can a swamp cooler cause roof leaks?
Yes — the stand and the cooler itself can leak onto or through the roof.
Should I replace the drywall first?
Fix the roof first, and let the area dry before repairing the ceiling.