All these new roofs

[acornhome]

Just read the ad from the Villages Insurance that says that their rates are going up substantially because of all of these new roof claims. One street in our neighborhood has 1/2 of the homes with signs that say “approved”. Usually you get dropped from the company if you file a claim. Is this happening? Or am I just going to have to pay for everyone’s claim?

[Kahuna32162]

IMHO, your first mistake is using the Villages Insurance. American Integrity is trying to deny all roof claims right now and that has driven many of us to Public Claims Adjusters to step in on our behalf. All roofs north of 466 will need to be replaced in the next 2 to 4 years, they will all be over 20 years old. If the roof is nor replaced, the homeowner will not be able to renew or get new insurance.

The wind storm n February seems to have left quite a bit of damage as inspectors are finding. Thus, everybody is filing claims to have their roofs replaced for just their deductible.

[davem4616]

it's always wise to shop insurance policies around every couple of years

we switched to Triple A a couple of years ago and saved a bundle on combined home/auto

[Kahuna32162]

After American Integrity raised our premiums 3 years in a row, I thought enough was enough, and shopped around and went with Progressive/ASI, first year's savings over $300. Just renewed with a modest increase of $39.

[missyomama]

I am going through this same routine. My rate with American Integrity went up 45%. Also they are not writing new policies in our area. ASI progressive is also not writing new policies in our zip codes. I don't understand how you can get an entire new roof for just the deductible. Should there not be some kind of prorating for the age of the roof?

[Arctic Fox]

Just read the ad from the Villages Insurance that says that their rates are going up substantially because of all of these new roof claims. One street in our neighborhood has 1/2 of the homes with signs that say “approved”. Usually you get dropped from the company if you file a claim. Is this happening? Or am I just going to have to pay for everyone’s claim?

You have summed up what insurance is - a group of people putting money into a pot to cover the costs of one or more of you claiming for a loss. Whether this is done through a third party (an insurance company) or informally amongst yourselves, anyone who does not make a claim ends up paying for those who do.

I wouldn't feel too sorry for the insurance companies. They make out like bandits when times are good, and squeal like stuck pigs (and raise premiums) when times are not. There is a way that they can reduce their risk (reinsurance, whereby they lay off a percentage of their claims with other insurance companies) if they think they are too exposed in a certain area, but that means handing over some of the premium income which they don't like to do.

The fact that a number of roofs in your area are being replaced at the same time is no great surprise either. If the roofs are basically the same in terms of age and construction, since they have all been exposed to the same strong winds they are likely to be affected similarly.

As others here have said, the best thing is to get quotes each year from reliable companies each year and get the best deal for the coverage that you want.

[n8xwb]

If you have 3 Tab shingles, the roof is replaced because of a code change requiring a higher wind rating.

[CWGUY]

Just read the ad from the Villages Insurance that says that their rates are going up substantially because of all of these new roof claims. One street in our neighborhood has 1/2 of the homes with signs that say “approved”. Usually you get dropped from the company if you file a claim. Is this happening? Or am I just going to have to pay for everyone’s claim?

:) https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/insurance-claims-roofs-306192/#post1762640

[rjm1cc]

What am I missing. Replacing a 20 year old roof sounds like normal maintenance and not an insurance claim?

[Villagerjjm]

There were some problems with some of the roofs that had been installed by companies that were hired to do the roofs on new construction. Same with some of the structures that have siding. Also some that have stucco. In the section between 466 and 466a, there were a number of roofs that had to be replaced due to faulty shingles. You could be in a house with shingles that have to be replaced after 15 years, and right next door is my place where the shingles are good for 25 years. Really is a "crap shoot".
And then there was a F3 tornado that went through on February 2nd, 2006...…. You would not believe the damage that did!!!

[woderfulwendy1]

Just read the ad from the Villages Insurance that says that their rates are going up substantially because of all of these new roof claims. One street in our neighborhood has 1/2 of the homes with signs that say “approved”. Usually you get dropped from the company if you file a claim. Is this happening? Or am I just going to have to pay for everyone’s claim?
We all will be paying.

[1948JDG]

Has anyone thought about the possibility of installing a metal roof? It has to have a longer life than conventional shingles. Just a thought.

[Annie66]

Here's what I learned from my insurance agent about roof claims. I was told there is a difference between a claim that is "agreed to be valid" by your insurance agent (i.e., true storm damage) as compared to one that the insurer simply "acquiesces to the claim" (i.e., not true storm damage, but simply normal wear and tear on the roofs) because they do not want to fight a fraudulent case in court. Fighting in court costs the insurer ~$50K on average versus paying a $10K-$20K claim.

In the case of the latter, if the insurer inspected the roof, and did not find sufficient damage to qualify as storm damage as opposed to normal wear, your file is labelled as having submitted a fraudulent claim. This information is shared with other insurance companies which could result in much higher premiums for the homeowner or their inability to obtain insurance with a storm damage rider. Either way, you and your neighbors will pay higher premiums.

A friend of ours just purchased a home in TVs. The Villages Insurance was reluctant to provide a storm damage rider because the roof was >10 years old. They wound up paying over $1900 for full coverage with USAA.

Some insurers have already revised their policies to prorate storm damage, with a steep reduction in storm damage coverage once the roof is older than 10 years. The others will no doubt follow their lead.

Most insurers in Sumter County have or soon will raise their rates significantly if you have an older roof.

[Skunky1]

Beware of the door-to-door roofing sales people. They shouldn’t be going door to door anyway there’s no soliciting in the villages. I saw one company on my neighbors roof across the street bending up the shingles trying to create more than 20% damage. Insurance company was called and possible fraud charges are pending.

[Marathon Man]

IMHO, your first mistake is using the Villages Insurance. American Integrity is trying to deny all roof claims right now and that has driven many of us to Public Claims Adjusters to step in on our behalf. All roofs north of 466 will need to be replaced in the next 2 to 4 years, they will all be over 20 years old. If the roof is nor replaced, the homeowner will not be able to renew or get new insurance.

The wind storm n February seems to have left quite a bit of damage as inspectors are finding. Thus, everybody is filing claims to have their roofs replaced for just their deductible.

We use Villages Insurance and have Progressive for home and auto.

[retiredguy123]

Here's what I learned from my insurance agent about roof claims. I was told there is a difference between a claim that is "agreed to be valid" by your insurance agent (i.e., true storm damage) as compared to one that the insurer simply "acquiesces to the claim" (i.e., not true storm damage, but simply normal wear and tear on the roofs) because they do not want to fight a fraudulent case in court. Fighting in court costs the insurer ~$50K on average versus paying a $10K-$20K claim.

In the case of the latter, if the insurer inspected the roof, and did not find sufficient damage to qualify as storm damage as opposed to normal wear, your file is labelled as having submitted a fraudulent claim. This information is shared with other insurance companies which could result in much higher premiums for the homeowner or their inability to obtain insurance with a storm damage rider. Either way, you and your neighbors will pay higher premiums.

A friend of ours just purchased a home in TVs. The Villages Insurance was reluctant to provide a storm damage rider because the roof was >10 years old. They wound up paying over $1900 for full coverage with USAA.

Some insurers have already revised their policies to prorate storm damage, with a steep reduction in storm damage coverage once the roof is older than 10 years. The others will no doubt follow their lead.

Most insurers in Sumter County have or soon will raise their rates significantly if you have an older roof.
I don't think that what your insurance agent told you is correct. It would not make sense for an insurance company to pay $10-$20K for a fraudulent claim. That would just encourage more fraudulent claims. Insurance companies have more money and better lawyers than any roofing company. An insurance agent is basically a salesperson, who doesn't approve claims anyway. I think your agent is misinformed about how claims are approved.

[Holpat39]

You do not get dropped from your insurance. The Villages Insurance is a representative of various insurance companies. If your rate goes up you can ask them to shop around for a cheaper rate for you. After my roof was put on my cost went down 100.00 from my insurance company. Many insurance companies will not insure a home with a roof over 20 years old or the rate may be higher. If you truly had damage then you only pay your deductible. My rate will probably go up but never to the cost of a new roof that I would have to put on if not damaged and only age related.

[danglanzsr]

Beware of the door-to-door roofing sales people. They shouldn’t be going door to door anyway there’s no soliciting in the villages. I saw one company on my neighbors roof across the street bending up the shingles trying to create more than 20% damage. Insurance company was called and possible fraud charges are pending.

It should not be possible to bend up the shingles. The bottom edge of shingles have a coating that cements the shingle to the one below. If the shingle can be bent up it is already damaged.

[FredJacobs]

You may have noticed that the signs in front of the homes getting a new roof are from the same company. They sent teams of door-to-door salesmen to the area and solicited new business by telling homeowners that the insurance company will pay for everything except the deductible. Wow! A new roof for $500? Sign me up! Most of these signs have been up for 10 days and have not been approved by the insurance company

[Mikee1]

Has anyone thought about the possibility of installing a metal roof? It has to have a longer life than conventional shingles. Just a thought.

Good Luck on getting ARC approval on that ...

[bdelor]

Just read the ad from the Villages Insurance that says that their rates are going up substantially because of all of these new roof claims. One street in our neighborhood has 1/2 of the homes with signs that say “approved”. Usually you get dropped from the company if you file a claim. Is this happening? Or am I just going to have to pay for everyone’s claim?

I believe we are being punished
by home owner's insurance companies because of the 18-20 year old roofs being replaced at their expense. I blame the insurance company inspectors for approving "storm damage" on 20 year old roofs. That is a wear and tear situation and you would expect to replace a roof of that age. My neighbors are paying for their roofs because they are 18 years old. We, collectively, are going to end up paying for the "free" roofs!

[ts12755]

Roofers are just educating homeowners on the wind damage Clause of their homeowners insurance. My roof is 21 years old, roofer inspected and found no wind damage. So no claim.

[Bolsadd]

They dropped us after one claim.

[Joe C.]

The other day, a woman was going door to door saying she was from Apex roofing and soliciting for new roofing. My roof isn't even three years old, and most all of the roofs on my street have been done in the past two to three years. My wife told her that there is no soliciting in The Villages. The woman must have been blind or just stupid.:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[janechristie]

There are some metal roofs located in the cottages of Lake Sumter

[Dlbonivich]

Actually the last I heard from my insurance provider was no insurance company in Florida will issue a policy on a roof older than 15 years. He is an agent that insures high risk property and he has no product that will do this. If you want to sell your home in The Villages or anywhere else in Florida if the roof is more than 15 years old you will have to replace the roof or reduce the price. I will say with a new roof his rate was way better than $1900 dollars. Not sure what size home was insured but my home is an Iris and my insurance was under $1000 excluding flood.

[WindyCityzen]

Go online or to the library to read Consumer Reports ratings of home insurance (or any insurance - or product for that matter). I used their recommendations.

[bpascani]

Do you, by chance, live in Woodbury?

[tophcfa]

Has anyone thought about the possibility of installing a metal roof? It has to have a longer life than conventional shingles. Just a thought.

Metal roofs are a great idea, but they open up a can of worms as far as deed compliance. There was a thread discussing this earlier this year.

[lkagele]

If you have 3 Tab shingles, the roof is replaced because of a code change requiring a higher wind rating.

Not exactly correct. Your roof will not be replaced simply because the code has changed. There has to be damage to the roof first. Policies typically have 'code upgrade' coverage. If there is damage and it necessitates replacement, insurance will pay for that plus any additional cost it takes to repair in order to meet the new code requirements. Just not meeting the new code does not trigger insurance coverage.

[sallybowron]

"The fact that a number of roofs in your area are being replaced at the same time is no great surprise either. If the roofs are basically the same in terms of age and construction, since they have all been exposed to the same strong winds they are likely to be affected similarly."
We first moved here eleven years ago, at that time the roofs were all needing to be replaced. They did it for free, but aparently they use a very cheap version of tiles. I really think this is awful since they knew it was happening, or was going to happen to so many people.

[big guy]

Has anyone thought about the possibility of installing a metal roof? It has to have a longer life than conventional shingles. Just a thought.

Not allowed by The Villages nor is a tile roof.

[big guy]

There are some metal roofs located in the cottages of Lake Sumter

They were built as places for Lifestyle visitors to stay. Musicians, and visiting dignitaries stayed in them too. The Villages won't approve a metal roof or a tile roof.

[jonathanb]

Question. When you changed did that include a sink hole rider? I would love to save $300/year

[Janice1877]

I need some advice. My home is 15 years old. I called a roofer that has been highly recommended on this site as being honest. He told me he couldn't inspect my roof or my insurance company (US Coastal, Cabrillo thru The Villages Insurance) would say he damaged the roof and wouldnt cover any damage. He then told me if I called Cabrillo to inspect it they would deny and then cancel my insurance since it's 15 years old. He also said if i tried to change insurance companies they would not cover until I replaced my roof. With hurricane season approaching I would like to know that my roof is in good shape. Many houses on my street had damage from the storm and have had their roof replaced. I don't want to claim something if it's not true, but i also would like to have it replaced or fixed if it was damaged in the storm. If it wasn't damaged by storm but needs to be replaced due to age I am more than willing to do so. But how do I find out? Does anybody have any ideas what I should do?

[Curtisbwp]

Are you from NY? My house was built in 2006. I have had three leaks. With one i had to replace part of my interior bedroom wall tdue to waste. Another leake caused so much water damage that i had to replace a supporting beam. It was the "insurance company adjuster" that inspected my roof and told me that they have to replace my entire roof. WHERE IS THE SCAM?

[RonI46]

IMHO, your first mistake is using the Villages Insurance. American Integrity is trying to deny all roof claims right now and that has driven many of us to Public Claims Adjusters to step in on our behalf. All roofs north of 466 will need to be replaced in the next 2 to 4 years, they will all be over 20 years old. If the roof is nor replaced, the homeowner will not be able to renew or get new insurance.

The wind storm n February seems to have left quite a bit of damage as inspectors are finding. Thus, everybody is filing claims to have their roofs replaced for just their deductible.

We went through The Villages insurance but must have been hooked up with a better company tan you. The Villages Insurance is a Broker for several companies.
We were hooked up with Florida Family Insurance. No problem getting our “wind damaged” roof replaced.

[wamley]

It's not an insurance claim if your roof has lasted it intended life cycle. If it hasn' treached that level the USUALLY there is a prorated replacement dollars, IF the roof needs replacement because of some type of damge from outside sources, wind or hail as an example.

[zigzag]

Construction in mid 2015 through at least 2016 and perhaps into 2017 may have a valley underlayment issue of faulty product manufactured by TAMKO of Joplin, MO. This results in the breakdown of the asphalt underlayment with resultant leakage of asphalt on the shingles and in many cases down the gutter drains and onto the driveway, with heavy staining. The underlayment is a secondary protection from ice and water that is in the building code. You can find out who did your roof via Villages Warranty and then ask the roofer to verify that your roof did/did not use TAMKO underlayment. If they did, your claim is against TAMKO, not your home owners insurance or Villages. Roofers are swamped with requests so anticipate delays but be persistent. Some roofers are trying to get $150 inspection fee, even if they installed your roof. That is obviously unethical and you would then work with Villages Warranty to contact your original roofer for a no fee inspection. Your roofer typically will provide a copy of the original purchase order for the roof that will prove TAMKO or not, potentially useful if you plan resale in the future. Villages or your roofer will also give you TAMKO contact information for a claim kit should you have their product.

[OhioBuckeye]

Yes, the Ins. companies are going to get us one way or another. They must own Quaker State Refinery too because their motto is, “Pay me now or pay me latter”. Ins. companies must all be owned by lawyers.

[Dust Bunny]

If your a Veteran try USAA

[bdescalzi]

There is a standing seam metal roof on a home in Chatham Village. I know there was a problem because of that installation but I have no knowledge of how it was finally approved.

[retiredguy123]

I need some advice. My home is 15 years old. I called a roofer that has been highly recommended on this site as being honest. He told me he couldn't inspect my roof or my insurance company (US Coastal, Cabrillo thru The Villages Insurance) would say he damaged the roof and wouldnt cover any damage. He then told me if I called Cabrillo to inspect it they would deny and then cancel my insurance since it's 15 years old. He also said if i tried to change insurance companies they would not cover until I replaced my roof. With hurricane season approaching I would like to know that my roof is in good shape. Many houses on my street had damage from the storm and have had their roof replaced. I don't want to claim something if it's not true, but i also would like to have it replaced or fixed if it was damaged in the storm. If it wasn't damaged by storm but needs to be replaced due to age I am more than willing to do so. But how do I find out? Does anybody have any ideas what I should do?
I would call the insurance company and ask them to determine if you have a valid claim for weather damage. They will send out an adjuster and either pay a claim or not. Then, you can get your roof replaced. But, I would not use the roofer you talked to because I think he gave you bad advice. The insurance company already knows how old your roof is, and they are not going to cancel your policy just for calling them. And, the roofer could have inspected the roof without walking on it by using a ladder, binoculars, and a camera. Also, you should get a reduction in your insurance rate when you get a new roof.

[Alana33]

I'm curious!
I grew up in the US Virgin Islands.
It's a tropical climate similar to FL.
No one has shingles roofs.
Majority are wood roofs which are covered with a paint membrane roof coating. Unless destroyed by a hurricane, these roofs last forever.
The home I own there has a roof that survived both Cat 5 Hurricanes, Irma and Maria in September 2017.
That roof is 57 years old, in excellent condition, never had any leaks.
I pressure wash it every couple of years to keep it clean and reseal and recoat it every 5 - 6 years.
So what's the deal with the shingle roofs being so popular in this climate?

[retiredguy123]

I'm curious!
I grew up in the US Virgin Islands.
It's a tropical climate similar to FL.
No one has shingles roofs.
Majority are wood roofs which are covered with a paint membrane roof coating. Unless destroyed by a hurricane, these roofs last forever.
The home I own there has a roof that survived both Cat 5 Hurricanes, Irma and Maria in September 2017.
That roof is 57 years old, in excellent condition, never had any leaks.
I pressure wash it every couple of years to keep it clean and reseal and recoat it every 5 - 6 years.
So what's the deal with the shingle roofs being so popular in this climate?
A membrane roof is fine, but it is ugly. They use shingles because of the appearance.

[Sherry8bal]

I totally agree with you. For someone to pay for home insurance and then NOT use it when they have a claim is ludicrous. Why even bother to pay for insurance?

[valuemkt]

FREE LUNCH THEOREM: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Folks that expect to get a brand new roof after 16 or 18 years on a 20 or 25 year roof are the same that eat 3/4 of their meal at a restaurant and then complain that the food was lousy and refse to pay for it .. They get away with it, but the restaurant (in this case insurance company) "eats" the cost. I'm sure the insurance company reserves a certain amount of money for un ordinary claims, but when they come in mass from a group of hucksters trolling a neighborhood, you can expect hefty increases or cancellations if they in fact agree to replace them. Both of the above are unethical, it;s just the size of the claim that's different.

[JGVillages]

FREE LUNCH THEOREM: There is no such thing as a free lunch. Folks that expect to get a brand new roof after 16 or 18 years on a 20 or 25 year roof are the same that eat 3/4 of their meal at a restaurant and then complain that the food was lousy and refse to pay for it .. They get away with it, but the restaurant (in this case insurance company) "eats" the cost. I'm sure the insurance company reserves a certain amount of money for un ordinary claims, but when they come in mass from a group of hucksters trolling a neighborhood, you can expect hefty increases or cancellations if they in fact agree to replace them. Both of the above are unethical, it;s just the size of the claim that's different.

If one knows nothing about roofs but you’re concerned because of age and possible damage so you contact a roofer to check it out. He believes you have storm damage so you contact your insurance company to have their inspector check it out, submit a report, then the insurance company’s ( in this case Progressive) Adjuster approves the claim for replacement why is this unethical? Seems a logical process to me and if the insurance provider agrees I’d be crazy not to use the insurance my premiums have paid for what seems forever.

[Byte1]

I purchased a home in The Villages that was 18 yo and my insurance co. refused to insure it until I replaced the roof. So, my broker found me another company that insured me for a little over a year before they went bankrupt or something and had to drop me. I replaced my roof (at my expense) and my broker found me an insurance company that charges half of what I was paying before and half the deductible. That said, almost every home in my neighborhood has had their roofs replaced in the last year or so AND most of them did it by only paying their insurance deductible. I am happy for them, BUT I sure hope it does not mean that I have to help absorb some of the cost to the insurance companies with a raise in my premiums.

[VinoGolf]

I purchased a home in The Villages that was 18 yo and my insurance co. refused to insure it until I replaced the roof. So, my broker found me another company that insured me for a little over a year before they went bankrupt or something and had to drop me. I replaced my roof (at my expense) and my broker found me an insurance company that charges half of what I was paying before and half the deductible. That said, almost every home in my neighborhood has had their roofs replaced in the last year or so AND most of them did it by only paying their insurance deductible. I am happy for them, BUT I sure hope it does not mean that I have to help absorb some of the cost to the insurance companies with a raise in my premiums.

See Post 47. I can almost assure you (and we) will see an increase in our premiums.

[DeafDeaf]

When I switched to another carrier last March in order to save over $1,000 for a combined home and automobile coverages, the carrier sent the inspector over to my home, using the drone, took several photos of my roof to prove that none on my roof was damaged. At least I saved $1000 a year.

[Alana33]

A membrane roof is fine, but it is ugly. They use shingles because of the appearance.

That's funny.
I don't think they're ugly at all!
Clean lines and you can get the top coat for the roof in many colors.
I would've had to replace my roof on my STT home 3X's by now if it was done with shingles.
What's that cost ya to do up here?
What type of maintenance issues are there with shingles?

[retiredguy123]

That's funny.
I don't think they're ugly at all!
Clean lines and you can get the top coat for the roof in many colors.
I would've had to replace my roof on my STT home 3X's by now if it was done with shingles.
What's that cost ya to do up here?
What type of maintenance issues are there with shingles?
I wasn't trying to be funny. The advantages of a membrane roof is that they are cheaper and they can be installed on a relatively flat roof. Typically, shingles need to have a slope of at least 3/12 or steeper. The roofs in the Virgin Islands are probably too flat to use shingles. But, I think shingles are used here because they have a more attractive appearance. They used to make a plain flat shingle, but most shingles today are called architectural shingles because they have a three dimensional appearance to them. They will last about 15 to 25 years with almost no maintenance. But, they have a longer life span in the North than in Florida.

[Mleeja]

Not allowed by The Villages nor is a tile roof.

Not correct. I have seen at least two medal roofs within The Villages. Both south of 466.

[milling73]

Actually there are metal and tile roofs on many homes near Spanish Springs — Village of Rio Grande, Del Mar, Ponderosa, etc. It depends on the Village area.

[Misky1951]

I need some advice. My home is 15 years old. I called a roofer that has been highly recommended on this site as being honest. He told me he couldn't inspect my roof or my insurance company (US Coastal, Cabrillo thru The Villages Insurance) would say he damaged the roof and wouldnt cover any damage. He then told me if I called Cabrillo to inspect it they would deny and then cancel my insurance since it's 15 years old. He also said if i tried to change insurance companies they would not cover until I replaced my roof. With hurricane season approaching I would like to know that my roof is in good shape. Many houses on my street had damage from the storm and have had their roof replaced. I don't want to claim something if it's not true, but i also would like to have it replaced or fixed if it was damaged in the storm. If it wasn't damaged by storm but needs to be replaced due to age I am more than willing to do so. But how do I find out? Does anybody have any ideas what I should do?

I also have US Coastal (through TV). They were called by the roofer who checked my roof. They agreed that my roof needed to be replaced. But, my policy had a clause that US Coastal could select the roofer. I checked the roofer they selected and they got a high rating from the BBB. So, I would call US Coastal directly.

[stan the man]

problem with metal...vents,skylight, sealed with rubber.

[valuemkt]

If one knows nothing about roofs but you’re concerned because of age and possible damage so you contact a roofer to check it out. He believes you have storm damage so you contact your insurance company to have their inspector check it out, submit a report, then the insurance company’s ( in this case Progressive) Adjuster approves the claim for replacement why is this unethical? Seems a logical process to me and if the insurance provider agrees I’d be crazy not to use the insurance my premiums have paid for what seems forever.

Thats a far cry from engaging with a high commissioned door to door roofing company knocking on your door and trying to scam an insurance company

[Bay Kid]

Darn my roof is from '04. I better call the insurance company.

[xcaligirl]

I did hear that some people got their insurance cancelled because the roof people suggested a FREE new roof due to "storm damage". That should come with common sense that nothing is for FREE! Our house is 17 years old and we got a new roof in 2018. (no insurance used).

[Kahuna32162]

Not allowed by The Villages nor is a tile roof.

Then why do all the Rec Centers and most of the mail stations have metal roofs? A woman at the end of our street in Chatham had a metal roof installed and, of course, a troll turned her in. ARC tabled the discussion because of new Florida laws that encourage replacing with metal roofs.

[Alana33]

I wasn't trying to be funny. The advantages of a membrane roof is that they are cheaper and they can be installed on a relatively flat roof. Typically, shingles need to have a slope of at least 3/12 or steeper. The roofs in the Virgin Islands are probably too flat to use shingles. But, I think shingles are used here because they have a more attractive appearance. They used to make a plain flat shingle, but most shingles today are called architectural shingles because they have a three dimensional appearance to them. They will last about 15 to 25 years with almost no maintenance. But, they have a longer life span in the North than in Florida.
Thanks for your response.
Rooftops on VI are not all flat, most aren't as we depend on them for water collection for cisterns. Tile, metal, wood and paint membrane are what's used.
Not a shingled roof to be seen on any USVI home.
I imagine they'd peel off on high winds and hurricanes.
Many roofs do in that event.

[bob47]

Just read the ad from the Villages Insurance that says that their rates are going up substantially because of all of these new roof claims. One street in our neighborhood has 1/2 of the homes with signs that say “approved”. Usually you get dropped from the company if you file a claim. Is this happening? Or am I just going to have to pay for everyone’s claim?

You, like me, are just going to pay for everyone's claim. Just got my renewal notice for homeowner's insurance. Cost increase to $1559 from $1080. And I bought my own roof, on my dime, two years ago.

Do you think our neighbors are at least going to take us out for a nice dinner?

[ProfessorDave]

Just read the ad from the Villages Insurance that says that their rates are going up substantially because of all of these new roof claims. One street in our neighborhood has 1/2 of the homes with signs that say “approved”. Usually you get dropped from the company if you file a claim. Is this happening? Or am I just going to have to pay for everyone’s claim?


Roofing – Facts You Should Know – For Your Best and Safest Choice
1) Told “ROOFER” Did A Great Job! … beware; anybody saying “they just finished and did a great job” doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Most workmanship defects do not show up until at least a year – typically years 3-5.
2) Roofer Recommended – Use My Name… these people are likely getting a $200 kick back from the roofer if you do that.
3) Quick Facts About Roofs
a. BBB (Better Business Bureau) … roofing is one of the biggest complaint areas
b. Warranty… why are manufacturer warranties so long? Because they know 9 out of 10 roofs are void the day they’re installed; scary, 99% of roofers don’t even know that.
c. Roof Performance… what is most important is underneath the shingle – what you don’t see. So – most roofers cut corners there to make money – because you wouldn’t know.
d. Insurance Claims… get three bids? Frankly, that is often ridiculous. Insurance is hoping that you’ll get three bids – choose the cheapest – and they’re off easy. Reality is – if you allow the roofer to negotiate on your behalf – they get whatever price they can justify to insurance – even if the quote to you was significantly lower. Lesson – sign up the BEST ROOFER – not the cheapest!
e. Contractors… almost every contractor in The Villages is a marketing company. The crews doing the work are subcontractors. So – even if they show you certifications, insurance, etc., it is basically crap – because the liability (and quality) is based on the crew. Since these marketing contractors (industry calls them “storm chasers” – that follow the wind and hail – they are off to the next storm – and don’t stand behind their warranties anyway. Their salespeople are NICE - make you FEEL GREAT – and make well over hundred thousand with this sales approach.
4) Some Things I Look/Ask For – Roofs I’ve Helped With:
a. Quality Shingle… avoid IKO, TAMKO, ATLAS (they are not great at honoring their warranties); acceptable is Owens Corning (but it is thin – not as attractive – less dimension); Best are CertainTeed (heavy) and GAF (great technology).
b. Starter Strip… insist it is a “pro grade” – not a common 3 -tab flipped over. And – make sure it is at BOTH the eave and rake edges. The eave and rake get the most wind uplift; the pro grade starter strip provides superior wind resistance.
c. Underlayment. Use synthetics; do not use the common paper (i.e. 15 or 30 lbs. felt)
d. Leak Barrier… some call it “ice and water shield. Make sure it is at ALL vulnerable areas including the valley and around all penetrations. These are “self-healing membranes” and when the house does a slight shift (all homes do), the roof will stay watertight.
e. Metal Flashing… make sure they do not “re-use” the old stuff. You want it custom fit with new metal.
f. Ridge Shingle… do not allow cheap 3 – tab which is common – you want a Pro Grade ridge shingle. When you don’t, you diminish your roof to a 20-year warranty essentially.
g. Fastening… two issues: 1) if they don’t check the air pressure, nails can be too deep (causes tears) or not deep enough (creates holes). MORE importantly, are they keeping the nails INSIDE THE NAIL ZONE. If not, more vulnerable to wind blow off.
h. Wind Mitigation Certification… get it; it can lower your homeowner’s insurance by over a $100 per year.
i. Ridge Vent… make sure it is on “all ridges” that are over heated spaces and also make sure it extends to at most 18 inches from each edge. Lots of contractor’s cheat – save money by not extending the vent to the full length. The risk is not enough ventilation, which results in these common issues:
i. Voided Warranty… not enough “exhaust” at the ridge to meet code.
ii. Health Risks… by not creating air flow, warm/moist are is trapped in the attic. The recipe for mold is warm moist air in a dark environment with organic material.
iii. High Energy Costs… 2% moisture in attic ventilation reduces the effectiveness by 1/3
iv. Roof Durability… if the deck (under the shingles) gets too hot, the shingles “fry” out – in Florida, typically lasts about 13 – 18 years max.
j. Hip Roof?... they typically have only a small area of ridge. Therefore, highly recommend solar powered vents to assure “exhaust” ventilation.
Hope this helps. If you want to deal director with a qualified crew – I might be able to help. My deal with them: if they do a roof for a “friend” they give me a $5.00 Starbucks gift certificate. (They wanted to give me more – I will not take it! We compromised on Starbucks.)

[elsashea]

There were some problems with some of the roofs that had been installed by companies that were hired to do the roofs on new construction. Same with some of the structures that have siding. Also some that have stucco. In the section between 466 and 466a, there were a number of roofs that had to be replaced due to faulty shingles. You could be in a house with shingles that have to be replaced after 15 years, and right next door is my place where the shingles are good for 25 years. Really is a "crap shoot".
And then there was a F3 tornado that went through on February 2nd, 2006...…. You would not believe the damage that did!!!
Are these the rooves we have been hearing about that are free? I have been told that some rooves on houses built 15 years ago have to be replaced and are free

[mulligan]

There is no such thing as "no soliciting in The Villages" . Public streets and the public (including salespeople) have access.

[karostay]

Why should we be held financially responsible for defective shingles ?
You don't pay any extra cost because millions of air bags were defective