Tile Roof Repair Specialists in Palm Beach County - Clay & Concrete Tile Experts Since 1974

Roof leaks are difficult to find because water rarely appears where it enters—water travels horizontally through underlayment, follows roof rafters and decking joints, and emerges as ceiling stains 10-20 feet from actual penetration point. Florida's layered roof systems (tiles or shingles over underlayment over decking) create multiple paths for water travel making visual identification nearly impossible. Additional challenges include: Leaks that only occur during specific conditions (wind-driven rain from particular directions, heavy sustained rainfall but not light rain), multiple small breaches creating combined leak effect, failed underlayment beneath intact surface roofing materials, and prior amateur repairs creating confusion about original leak source. This is why thermal imaging technology is critical—it shows temperature differentials from moisture in building materials revealing leak paths and sources invisible to naked eye. Without thermal imaging, contractors guess based on visible clues—resulting in 40-60% failure rate on first repair attempt because they patched wrong location.

While DIY leak detection seems straightforward—go on roof above leak, find something wrong, patch it—reality is far more complex. Homeowners typically achieve 20-30% success rate with DIY leak repairs because they patch visible problems (cracked caulk, lifted shingle, gap in flashing) that aren't actually causing leak—the real source is 10-20 feet away from ceiling stain. Professional leak detection costs $300-$800 but prevents wasting $500-$2,000 on wrong DIY repairs plus potential roof damage from improper repair attempts. Safety is another concern—roof access during or after rain (when investigating active leaks) is dangerous, especially on steep or wet surfaces. For minor obvious issues (visible cracked boot, obviously missing shingle), DIY may work. For anything else—intermittent leaks, unclear sources, leaks after previous repairs—professional diagnosis with thermal imaging saves money and ensures effective solution. Even if you identify likely source yourself, having professional verify with thermal imaging before investing in repairs ($300-$500 diagnostic) prevents expensive mistakes.

Timeline depends on leak complexity and weather: Emergency response: 30-90 minutes for tarping and temporary protection during active leaks. Diagnostic inspection: 2-4 hours for thermal imaging, moisture testing, roof surface investigation identifying leak source. Simple repairs: Same day or next day for obvious single-source leaks (penetration boots, minor flashings)—typically 2-6 hours work. Complex repairs: 1-3 days for valley replacements, extensive flashings, or multiple leak sources requiring sequential repair and testing. Weather-dependent repairs: Some work requires dry conditions—we provide temporary protection and schedule permanent repairs when weather permits. Leak verification: Ideally we want to test repairs during next rain event confirming leak elimination—this may extend overall timeline but ensures effective solution. For urgent situations, we prioritize stopping active water intrusion immediately, then complete permanent repairs as quickly as conditions and material availability allow. We schedule repairs around your needs—weekends, after business hours if necessary.

Our "find it and fix it" guarantee means if leak continues after our repairs, we return investigating why—at no additional diagnostic charge. Possible scenarios: Secondary leak source: Original repair was correct but separate leak exists—we continue investigation addressing additional sources until leak is eliminated. Incomplete repair: Leak source was correctly identified but repair scope was insufficient—we expand repair at fair additional cost (not full price since investigation already complete). New leak development: Completely different leak source developed after original repair—we diagnose and quote separately but typically offer discount since we're already familiar with your roof. Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers repair failure from improper installation—we fix at no charge. What we don't cover: New damage from subsequent storms unrelated to original leak, owner-caused damage, or normal wear requiring maintenance beyond original repair scope. However, our track record is strong—95%+ of leak repairs are successful on first attempt because we use diagnostic technology rather than guessing. For the 5% requiring follow-up, we take ownership and continue until resolved.

Yes, we provide true 24/7 emergency leak response throughout Palm Beach County—including during active storms when safe to respond. Our emergency service includes: Immediate phone answering (no answering service delays), rapid dispatch (30-90 minutes typical for urgent situations), professional tarping systems providing immediate protection from water intrusion, emergency temporary repairs when safe to access roof, interior damage mitigation guidance (buckets, plastic sheeting, emergency water extraction recommendations), and scheduling permanent repairs once weather permits safe work. During active severe weather (tropical storms, hurricanes), we respond when conditions allow—typically within 2-4 hours of storm passing. For safety, we don't access roofs during lightning storms or sustained winds over 30-40 mph, but we'll arrive, assess from ground/attic, and provide temporary interior protection until conditions improve for roof access. Our emergency service is real—owner Mike McGilvary personally manages dispatch ensuring you get experienced professional, not random on-call worker. Call (561) 856-5060 anytime 24/7/365.

Insurance coverage for leak detection and repair depends on damage cause: Typically covered: Sudden unexpected damage (falling trees, debris impact, hurricane/windstorm damage causing leaks), covered storm damage requiring leak investigation, water damage resulting from covered events, and emergency tarping/temporary protection during storms. Typically not covered: Leak detection fees themselves (considered diagnostic, not damage repair), gradual deterioration or age-related failures, maintenance neglect or deferred repairs, pre-existing conditions documented in prior inspections, and leaks from normal wear and tear. However, we provide comprehensive documentation supporting insurance claims: Thermal images proving moisture extent, moisture meter readings documenting saturation levels, photographic evidence of damage and causation, professional assessment reports explaining leak source and required repairs, and detailed scope of work with itemized pricing. Many insurance adjusters are unfamiliar with thermal imaging—we explain our findings in ways adjusters understand and accept. For storm damage claims, our documentation often makes difference between claim approval and denial. We work directly with insurance adjusters when helpful, providing expert opinion and evidence supporting your claim while maintaining independence (we represent you, not insurance company).