Describe the symptom plainly
Tell the roofer what you have seen rather than diagnosing it for them. 'Water appears beside the chimney in wind-driven rain' is more helpful than insisting the flashing has failed.
Mention previous repairs in the same area, even if they were done years ago.
Ask for the repair area
The quote should identify the roof slope, chimney, valley or other feature being worked on. For local repairs, it should be possible to describe the affected area without pages of specification.
If several defects are being handled, separate them so you can see what is included.
Photograph the area before work starts if you can do so from a safe position. It gives you something concrete to compare with the finished repair.
Access and making good
Check whether scaffold, tower or other access is included. Ask who removes waste and whether disturbed tiles or slates will be reinstated.
Internal decoration is usually separate from roof work unless specifically stated.
If the suggested repairs differ
Two roofers may see the same symptom and propose different work. Ask each one what evidence led them there. A clear explanation and photographs often make the difference easier to understand.
Do not choose purely by the number of items in the quote. More lines can mean more work, or simply more detailed writing.
Need somebody to look at the roof?
If you want to ask local contractors about the repair, describe the symptom and include anything you have noticed about the weather or the part of the roof involved.
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