“You should immediately address anything you don’t understand,” says Vernal Lee, owner of Gateway Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. in San Francisco. “A good roofing company should answer every question and communicate openly with their customers. You have a right to know what you’re getting.”
Mr. Lee says the best way to find a quality roofer is through personal referrals. Ask your friends, family and coworkers if they’ve had roofing work done in the past. If they have, find out what company they used and ask if they were satisfied.
Mr. Lee says homeowners can tell a lot about a roofer by how detailed their proposal is. “You want someone who’s very detailed oriented. It’s a good sign if the proposal comes with a plan, schedule or timeline that explains exactly what work needs to be done and what areas need special attention.”
When it comes to maintenance tips, Mr. Lee says to first ensure you’ve received a quality installation. “If the roof was installed properly, most of the time it doesn’t need any maintenance. If it’s in place and waterproof, it’s okay.” A few times a year, you should clear gutters, downspouts and any odd areas where leaves and plant matter can collect and cause water to pool and damage your roof.
