[Kahuna32162]

Originally Posted by big guy

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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!!!

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