C Johnston Roofing & Waterproofing

C. Johnston Roofing & Waterproofing is a fourth-generation family business — Charlie, his sons, and longtime crew members like Santiago handle jobs personally rather than subcontracting. This means the person who gives you the estimate is often the same person on the roof the next morning. It's an old-school approach that reviewers describe in appreciably old-school terms: handwritten estimates on pre-printed yellow forms, shoe covers when entering apartments, and meticulous debris cleanup that leaves no trace.

The work itself draws strong reviews for emergency responsiveness. Charles has answered calls and dispatched crews within 45 minutes for storm-related leaks, and full roof replacements are completed in under a week with 10-year warranties. The team's familiarity with NYC's building stock — from SoHo co-ops with rooftop decks to brownstones with aging flat roofs — gives them practical knowledge that newer companies haven't accumulated.

However, the reviews aren't uniformly positive. One customer reports persistent leaks after a full roof replacement, noting that while Charles honors his warranty for return visits, the underlying issues remain unsolved. Another describes being quoted $6,500 for a small roof and being hung up on when he didn't commit immediately. These suggest a company that excels at execution but may occasionally rush the diagnostic phase or oversize the recommended scope. For roof emergencies and straightforward replacements, C. Johnston's family commitment and warranty are genuine assets.