What are the best tips for hiring a leaking roof repair service?
Short answer. Give the roofer as much evidence as you can, such as when it leaks, dated photos of the stain and easy attic access, and ask to see photos of the source before you approve any work. Choose a licensed, insured local roofer who explains the fix plainly, replaces failed parts instead of caulking over them, puts the repair warranty in writing, and comes back if it leaks again.
Before they arrive
- Write down when it leaks: every rain, only heavy rain, only with wind from one direction, or for days afterward.
- Photograph the stain each time it grows, with dates.
- Clear a path to the attic hatch and the area under the leak.
- If a storm caused it, take wide photos outside before anything is touched.
During the visit
- Ask to see photos of the source, both on the roof and in the attic.
- Ask what else they noticed: other cracked boots, loose flashing, worn shingles. A good roofer tells you what is coming next.
- Ask whether the fix replaces the failed part or seals over it.
Choosing the service
- Proof of liability and workers compensation insurance.
- A local address and reviews you can read.
- A written scope, price and repair warranty.
- No demand for full payment before the work.
- No offer to waive or absorb a deductible, which is illegal in Georgia.
After the repair
Check the attic during the next heavy rain, before you repaint the ceiling. Keep the invoice and photos for insurance and for a future sale. If it leaks again, call the same company first, since most repair warranties require it.
More in how to choose a roofing contractor and what to expect at an inspection.