Roofing

Started by AlexM1 • 6 replies • 1538 views

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AlexM1 (Oklahoma)
Posts: 287

Posted:

Does anyone have any idea as to whether or not there is an "overall" office for roofing in each state? My concern is that we are planning to do some roofing at our condo complex and are concerned as to a warranty period...One roofer that we would like to use has a 5-year warranty...It just does not seem as though it is enough.. why not 10 years?

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Alex,

There will likely be no gov't agency for roofing in your state, but it's fair to ask for a ten year labor warranty. If you're on your board with power to assist in the bidding process, help set the parameters for the bid to include a ten-year warranty on the roofer's labor. The shingle manufacturer will offer warranties on the physical shingle - a warranty that is standard with the product an not negotiable. If you're not installing traditional shingles, then the warranty of five years may or may not be appropriate or reasonable.

Soliciting bids is predicated on the board setting a few reasonable conditions on the job. A 10-year warranty is a highly reasonable request given the shingles, even the cheap ones, can last 15 to 20 years. My master association re-shingled its clubhouse roof in late December 2012 and I received a longer warranty on the roofer's work than they customarily offer, and it was no problem at all...not even a haggle point.

Just remember that a warranty is against installation failure and not storm damage or normal wear and tear. Plus this warranties are only as good as the company that installs your roof.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Alex

The roofing business is loaded with "shaky" companies and people. My first requirements would be:

1. Established history.

2. Bonded and insured.

3. References from similar type installations.

4. Warranty period.

Hope this helps.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By AlexM1 on 08/07/2013 6:22 AM

One roofer that we would like to use has a 5-year warranty

Why do you want to use them?

If price is the only reason, I'd suggest to keep looking.

John pointed out some good criteria to look at. If the company isn't an established company then a 5 year warranty or a 50 year warranty isn't going to mean anything when the company goes out of business.

You should also make sure that you are comparing apples to apples.

Are the removing the old roof or laying new shingles on top?
Are they replacing any of the plywood?
Are they installing an ice barrier?
What weight tar paper are they using?
What type of shingle are they using (strip, dimensional or premium Asphalt Roofing Shingles)?

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

You'd really ponder the question of installing shingles on top of existing shingles? If that question's on the list, there's nothing left to discuss in terms of what quality job an HOA board is seeking.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Warranty with roofing companies are worthless. They have high injury rates and often go bankrupt as soon as a serious claim is made. Then change names, start over, repeat. Just make sure you choose someone who knows what they are doing, not someone who offers a worthless warranty.

Same goes for the roofing tile. Warranty is worthless. If 5 roofing tiles fail, the company will provide you with 5 roofing tiles, its up to you to install them. 5 roofing tiles cost what? $4? Paying someone to do it is $$$.

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