Real Roof Repair Stories: Solutions, Challenges, and Important Lessons



Story 1: António Silva — From the drip to the perfect solution

António Silva faces the challenge of repairing a leaking roof.

I never imagined that a leaking roof could turn ordinary rain into a real test for the nerves. But as they say, Disgrace never comes alone. At first it started dripping just a little bit, and then it got so serious that we had to spread buckets all over the house. That's when I thought: “It's time to act, let's find a company to fix this.” And that's where the adventures began.

Search: from hope to disappointment

Like most people, we started with the internet. We searched for something like “cheap roof repair” and got a huge amount of results. Honestly, we were lost: there were promotions here, discounts there, and everyone promised “the best conditions”. We decided to start calling.

Price or quality?

The first company immediately attracted us because of its low price. Everything seemed simple: a call, budget, contract. But when we asked about guarantees, the answer was somewhat vague, like: “These cases are rare, but if they happen, we'll fix it.” That made us a little suspicious.

In the second company, the salesperson seemed like a professional speaker! They spoke so well that we almost believed they were the best on the market. But then we found reviews on the internet and started to have questions. One person said that repairing the roof took three months instead of two weeks, and another that, after their intervention, the leaks worsened. We decided to keep looking.

First attempt: a lesson in trust

We ended up choosing some “masters” recommended by an acquaintance. It was not an official company, but rather a group of individuals. We thought it would be cheaper and faster. They came, inspected the roof and gave us a price that pleased us. But of course, nothing official — not a contract, not a detailed budget. We paid an advance of 35% plus 100% of the materials.

The work started well: one day they removed the old cover and placed a temporary tarp. We thought: “How efficient!” But after three days, they disappeared. They didn't answer calls, and their contacts stopped working. We were left with the roof bare and only a thin canvas to protect from rain.

That's when we realized that this “savings” was very expensive for us.

How we find trustworthy professionals

After this disaster, we decided to take the matter seriously. We realized that saving time and money was not feasible. Here's what we did:

• Recommendations from acquaintances: A neighbor recommended a company that had repaired her roof the previous year. We decided to start there.
• Thorough verification: We ask for a license, portfolio, and contacts from former clients. Everything was provided without problems.
• Clear budget: They presented us with a detailed list of works and materials. No “surprises” of additional costs.

When the team started working, we followed each stage. It was even interesting to see how the professionals did the job. They completed everything in two weeks, as promised. And most importantly, rain ceased to be a problem.

What we learned

This experience has taught us a lot, and I hope our story will be useful to those who are planning a repair. Here are some tips:

• Don't get carried away by low prices. Most of the time, it's a trap.
• Consult the company reputation. Reviews, real examples of work, and recommendations are essential.
• Require a clear contract with a guarantee. Without that, don't even start the work.

Story 2: João Santos — An old roof, big problems

João Santos learns the importance of checking the condition of the roof before hiring services.

When João Santos bought an old house nearby, he was thrilled: finally his own house, even though it needed some renovations. One of the first tasks he planned was to wash the roof. It seemed simple, but the look was important, especially with accumulated moss and dirt.

Error at the beginning

João didn't check the condition of the roof before calling a team to clean it. At first glance, it seemed solid, despite the house's more than 50 years. The workers arrived and began walking across the roof with a high-pressure machine. During the service, workers ended up damaging the roof, leaving huge holes.

“It was horrible. One of them got stuck, the other tried to get it out, and I was downstairs, not sure if I should laugh or cry. In the end, there were several holes left, and it was November. Fortunately, it barely rained in those days.”

Seeking help

Now, instead of a simple wash, João needed an urgent repair. He started looking for roof repair companies and remembers:

• Very high prices: “Some professionals gave such high prices that it looked like they were building a new roof.”
• Lack of response: “A company came, saw the roof, wrote everything down and promised to send a quote the next day. It's been two weeks and nothing.”
• Delays in calculations: “I finally found a reasonable team, but it took them almost two weeks just to make the budget. And it was already colder at home than on the street.”

Hasty decision

In the end, João opted for a private individual who agreed to start within a month. Other professionals simply weren't available. “The prices were acceptable, but we didn't make a contract, so there are no guarantees. For now, the roof is fine, but I don't know for how long.”

Lesson for the future

“Now I realize that I should have spent more time researching and verifying first. But unfortunately, there was no time at the time to analyze everything calmly. Not all companies work in an agile way, and this can be critical in the fall. If I had checked the roof before washing or found a good team in time, I could have prevented all of this.”

Story 3: Maria Fernandes — Successfully repairing the roof alone

Maria Fernandes shows that it is possible to carry out DIY roof repairs with proper preparation.

Maria Fernandes, the owner of a small country house, faced the problem of a leaking roof after a severe storm. With no construction experience, he decided to take on the challenge of repairing the roof on his own.

Preparing for repair

The first thing Maria did was to carefully inspect the roof, using a ladder and binoculars. She found several damaged tiles and a small hole, probably caused by a fallen branch. Writing down all the problems, Maria went to a building materials store, where a consultant helped her choose the necessary materials: new tiles, a waterproof blanket, screws and sealant.

In addition to the materials, Maria bought protective gloves, spectacles and reinforced boots to ensure your safety when working at heights. Determined to do everything correctly, she consulted Tutorials on the internet and technical manuals to prepare properly.

The repair process

Maria began by carefully removing the damaged tiles, also checking the wooden structure of the roof. She found small areas of rot that she treated with specific products before continuing. Then, he installed a new waterproof blanket to reinforce the protection against infiltration and placed the new tiles, sealing the fittings with a suitable sealant.

Although she had never done a job like this before, Maria followed each step with patience and care. The project took a few weekends, but she was able to finish everything herself.

Results and lessons

Upon completion of the work, the roof stopped leaking. Maria was extremely satisfied with the result and with the savings she achieved, since she didn't have to hire a company. In addition, the project brought him a great sense of realization and reliance in their own capacities.

However, Maria points out that this type of repair requires careful preparation, with respect to safety regulations and willingness to handle physical challenges. “It's not for everyone,” she says. “But with dedication, it's possible.”

Overall conclusion: important lessons for everyone

These stories show that no matter what approach you choose — hiring professionals or doing it yourself — it's essential Plan carefully. Here are some tips to avoid problems when dealing with roof repairs:

• Research well before hiring. Consult reviews, ask for recommendations, and check companies' licenses.
• Don't rush. Even in emergency situations, choose carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses and poorly done services.
• Consider doing it yourself. For minor repairs, a DIY approach can be a cost-effective solution, as long as you take appropriate precautions.

If you are looking for reliable professionals to repair your roof, Casa Nova is here to help. We work with transparency, quality and on time, ensuring that you can return to enjoying your home without worries.