Frequently Asked Questions
Building envelopes can be complicated. We do our best to simplify everything for you.
Scott Barbour - CEO, Rain Defense
If you have a question not listed here, feel free to send us a note or call us anytime.
Rain Defense is based in Hayward, CA, and serves the entire Greater Bay Area. We provide leak repair, waterproofing, and construction services to clients in San Francisco, Napa, Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, Fremont, and surrounding communities.
No, we treat the whole building envelope. While we are experts in roofing, we also specialize in waterproofing decks, balconies, siding, windows, doors, and podiums. As a licensed General Contractor, we can repair dry rot and structural damage associated with leaks, providing a turnkey solution.
We specialize in Multi-Family properties, including HOAs, apartment complexes, and property management firms. We also serve commercial building owners and residential homeowners who need specialized waterproofing or leak repair solutions.
Yes, Rain Defense offers 24/7 emergency leak repair services throughout the Bay Area. Our "Rain Warriors" are equipped to respond quickly to stop active water intrusion and protect your property from further damage.
We solve 97% of leaks on the first visit. Our team repairs over 1,500 leaks annually, utilizing proprietary techniques and high-quality materials to ensure the repair lasts.
We use a systematic investigation process that looks beyond just the roof surface. By testing visual indicators and tracing water pathways through siding, stucco, and windows, we identify the root cause. We also provide a detailed report with photos and itemized descriptions of the work performed so you know exactly what was fixed.
SB 721 applies to apartment buildings with 3+ units, requiring inspections every 6 years. SB 326 applies to condominiums and HOAs with 3+ units, requiring inspections every 9 years. Both laws mandate the inspection of "Elevated Exterior Elements" (EEEs) like balconies, decks, and walkways to ensure structural safety.
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Yes, we provide end-to-end EEE compliance services. We have qualified professionals to perform the inspections required by California state law. If repairs are needed, our crews can perform the necessary waterproofing and structural reconstruction to get your building compliant.
We are certified in the use of Bosun’s Chairs (rope descent systems). This allows our technicians to safely access and inspect high walls and balconies without the high cost and disruption of erecting scaffolding, saving you time and money.
This is our approach to ensuring long-term durability by integrating the waterproofing membrane with the building's structure. Whether it’s for a walking deck, podium, or roof deck, we design the system to handle movement, drainage, and traffic, rather than just applying a coating that might fail prematurely.
Yes, because we are a licensed General Contractor, we handle dry rot repair in-house. We don't just patch the leak; we remove the damaged wood, repair the structure, and restore the finish (stucco, siding, paint) so you don't have to hire a separate carpenter.
We install premium coatings for walking decks, parking structures, and roof decks. We partner with top-tier manufacturers to offer systems that are durable, slip-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing, suitable for high-traffic areas in apartment complexes and HOAs.
Yes, most roof replacements (re-roofing) and comprehensive repairs in California must comply with Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations. This typically requires using "Cool Roof" materials with high solar reflectivity and potentially adding insulation to improve energy efficiency. Rain Defense specializes in Title 24 compliant roofing systems, ensuring your building meets all state requirements while reducing your long-term cooling costs. You can visit our Title 24 Guide to determine your specific project requirements for compliance.