Roof Leak Detection & Moisture Surveys in Wausau, WI
Two questions decide most commercial roofing decisions: where is the water getting in, and how much of the roof is wet? Water travels under a membrane and along the deck before it drips, so the stain inside is rarely below the hole outside. And wet insulation is invisible from the surface. It makes the roof heavier, robs it of insulating value, rusts steel decks and rots wood ones, and freezes and expands all winter. A moisture survey maps it. We combine a careful visual inspection of the likely entry points with moisture meters, core cuts that show exactly what is under the membrane, and infrared scans where conditions allow, because wet insulation holds heat differently than dry insulation after a sunny day. The result is a marked-up roof plan that tells you what to repair, what to replace and whether a coating or recover is even possible.
What's included
- Leak tracing from the interior drip to the roof entry point
- Water testing of suspect details when needed
- Moisture meter readings across the roof
- Core cuts, patched the same day
- Infrared scans in suitable weather
- Marked-up roof plan of wet areas
- Photo report with findings
- Recommendations: repair, coat, recover or replace
- Pre-purchase and budget surveys
Sound like your roof?
Not sure what is wrong or what it should cost? If any of these sound familiar, tell us about the roof. We'll tell you what it probably is, then confirm it on the roof and give you a written price before any work starts.
- A leak nobody has been able to find
- Planning a coating or a recover
- A roof that feels soft or spongy underfoot
- Rising heating bills under the roof
- Buying or refinancing a building
Leaking right now? Protect the inside first
Move inventory, files and electronics away from the drip, shut off power to any light fixture or panel that is getting wet, and put down buckets or plastic. Keep people out from under a ceiling that is sagging with water above it. Don't send staff onto the roof during a storm, in the dark, or when it is icy or snow-covered. Low-slope roofs have skylights, open edges and slick membranes. Then request service: an active leak can usually be dried in temporarily until a permanent repair is possible.
From the first call to a dry roof
Tell Us About the Roof
The building, the roof type if you know it, and what is happening: an active leak, a stain, ponding water, storm damage, or a roof that is just getting old. Active leaks go to the front of the line.
Roof Assessment
We walk the roof, trace the problem, check the drains and flashings, and take core samples or moisture readings where the insulation might be wet.
Written Options and Price
You get a written scope and price. When more than one approach makes sense, repair, coating and replacement are laid out side by side with what each one buys you.
Work Done and Documented
The work is done to the manufacturer's specification, and you get a photo report and any warranty paperwork for your files.
You may also need
Commercial Roof Repair
Leak tracing and repair on every common low-slope system, including EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, built-up and metal, with photos of what failed and a written price before work starts.
Learn moreInspections & Maintenance
Spring and fall roof inspections, drain clean-outs, small repairs and written photo reports for property managers, building owners and facility teams, plus checks after heavy snow and storms.
Learn moreRoof Recover & Overlay
A new single-ply membrane installed over the existing roof, with new cover board or insulation, when the old roof is a single, dry layer and the code allows, skipping most of the cost of tear-off.
Learn moreLeak Detection & Moisture Surveys — FAQs
A survey that maps where the insulation under the membrane is wet, using moisture meters, core cuts and sometimes infrared imaging. It tells you how much of the roof can be saved.
A core cut is a small sample taken through the roof, and it is patched the same day with compatible materials. It is the only way to see exactly how many layers there are and what condition they are in.
Infrared roof scans are done after a clear, sunny day, in the evening, when wet insulation releases stored heat more slowly than dry insulation. Weather and roof type decide whether a scan is useful.