Roofing Companies
 

Has anyone ever used Eustis Roofing, McHale Roofing or Claremont Roofing Companies? If so can you give me some feedback on any of them? Our insurance agent recommended these companies. Also is The ARC allowing Metal Roofs to be put on instead of shingled. I know that it has to be submitted to the ARC for approval but I didn't want to try to submit it if it would just get rejected. They have metal now that looks a lot like shingles I believe they are called architectural but not positive. Since insurance companies are saying that roofs need to be replaced if they are 20 years old and if we went with a Metal Roof they are guaranteed for a lot longer than 20 years. We want a one and done Roof. Yes I understand that Florida is supposedly the lightening capital of the world but you can prevent lightening strikes on a metal roof also. If anyone could help it would be great.

Regardless of the warranty, I wouldn't buy a metal roof and expect it to last any longer than 20 years. I don't think the insurance companies care what type of roof you have. When it is more than 15 or 20 years old, they will either raise your premiums or cancel your insurance altogether. Also, no roof warranty is going to be worth very much after 20 years. It only covers the material and it is usually based on a prorated reimbursement.

I just had McHale roofing do a complete removal and install because of defective underlayment from Tamko. Nathan from McHale was excellent to work with, no issues, crew was superb, excellent cleanup. They use CertainTeed roofing products 👍👍👍
I would not hesitate to hire them again!

:) You might want to do your own research and not rely on the misinformation posted here. :shrug:
As far as the ARC goes - start with a phone call. :ho:

It's not really the warranty it's shingle's disintegrate or break down after so many years in the hot sun and I don't think metal will.

I didn't know if the ARC would even talk with someone about this. But Thank you was planning on calling today to ask. Have never dealt with them and am only a part timer so I don't really know anything about how all this works. But I really am looking for recommendations on the roofing companies also.

I agree, but have you asked your homeowners insurance company if they will treat a metal roof differently from a regular shingle roof when they adjust your premium based on the age of the roof? The age of the roof is a big factor when buying homeowners insurance.

:icon_wink: I don't know if they will and you won't if you don't try. It's just were I would start. They are there to help and are very good at their job. Any roofing Company worth anything should know also and would get ARC approval for you before starting a job and the building permit too.

VCDD Community Standards

Community Standards
Phone: 352-751-3912 :ho:

How long did you have to wait to get your roof installed

No but I will ask them that question though. Thank you had not thought about that

Before retiring and moving to the V's, taught at a central Florida university. Never used them but heard nothing but good about Eustis roofing... seemed to be THE choice of area residents who are native Floridians, however, it is ALL in the techniques used. What nail strips are used and how MANY nails for foot... there are many less expensive strips "they" all will tell you are "just fine". Also, HOW the valleys are done, many short cuts. EDUCATE yourself first by finding out exactly what the BEST techniques are... don't count on any company selling you a roof to educate you ! ASK a RETIRED life long roofer, they know ALL the tricks and short cuts you'll pay for LATER !

If the 3 mentioned Eustis has been around a long time and has a good reputation.

I used Clermont Roofing and was very pleased. They give a 10 year warranty on the work.

Eustis Roofing, have used them on two different projects. Both jobs done on time and clean up has been very good. Had call back on one job and they were very responsive to our call. No problems since. I believe crews are employees not sub contractors. Would use them again.

Another vote for McHale roofing. Only company with experience to do our tile roof. Great crew and clean-up.

Eustis just did our roof. Terrific job. We are very impressed with them

McHale is the best. Have used them for repairs on my tile roof several times. Very fair pricing and prompt response.

We had three companies round to quote for our new roof and decided upon Eustis. Having it done in January so can't comment on quality of work.

We had considered aluminum, and ARC said it was okay as long as we went with the "shingle-look" as opposed to the sheets.

While it is true that most people's experience is that those providing home insurance locally need the roof to be under 20 years old, that is probably because almost everyone has a shingle roof. Talk to someone with an aluminum roof and the story may well be different. Likewise the banks, if you want to sell your home and the buyer needs a mortgage.

"I don't think"
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How did you know that your roof was one of those with the defective product? Did the original roofers have to replace, did you have to file with your insurance to pay, did Villages Warranty have to pay or did you? How long was the process from determination to completion?

They are busy, my wait time was about 4 weeks.
Many in Osceola Hills are having the defective underlayment removed.

We used Sack Roofing last week, did an outstanding job.

How did you know that your roof was one of those with the defective product? Did the original roofers have to replace, did you have to file with your insurance to pay, did Villages Warranty have to pay or did you? How long was the process from determination to completion?

There is an alternative to replacing your roof. I have a nine-year-old home with the original roof. There were a lot of granules coming off the roof, going into our pool. I had the roof sealed by Anchor Coatings, A local company out of Leesburg. The owner told me if I sealed my roof the granules would not come off and I would never have to replace the shingles. I was skeptical. The owner invited me to view his office in Leesburg. This building was built in 1975 and still has the original three tab shingle, which has been sealed over the years. Now, after seeing his roof and the results of having my roof sealed, I am a firm believer in roof sealing. Please let me know if you would like more details.

With the defective Tamko underlayment, the time period for breakdown is roughly 3-6 years. You’ll notice tar like substance appearing in your roof valleys. Southern side with more direct sun breaks down quicker. Contact home warranty, they will give you information about Tamko and Tamko will give you procedure to file a claim with Tamko. The entire process was about 8 weeks. You will jump through many hoops, but Tamko is standing behind their warranty. Good luck!

Metal roofing is very load in the house when it rains and it rains a lot in Florida

Ditto. McHale actually came in under our insurance estimate, which didn't save me any money since I just paid the deductible. My roof was 21 years old. Nice job except that I find nails in my driveway and in my gutters months after the job was finished. Get them to do a magnetic sweep of the roof, all gutters, yard and DRIVEWAY/WALKWAYS before they get paid. Putting a mechanics lean on your house until they get paid is common practice in Florida.

Beware of Orlando roofers that want you to sign an AGREEMENT first so they can "fight for you" with your insurance adjuster. The fine print says, 'if you don't use us in the end, you still owe us 20% of the entire job value for our time and effort'. They really don't give you a firm quote either. BEWARE AND STAY AWAY!

Use local roofers.

Skip

Most of these companies hire the crews - they are marketing companies.
Hope the following information helps.
If the roofing company you choose understands these things - you're likely in good shape!
If they say they use IKO shingles - they would be off my list.
Owens Corning, Certainteed or GAF would all be good.

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. Current Insurance… some contractors pay the first month, and keep using a defunct insurance policy as evidence. Not real common – but when it happens – can be a BIG RISK. (example I know about: Lenox Fine China got fine $6 million – years ago in this situation – when somebody fell of their roof – and the contractor used this insurance scam.)
e. 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.
f. Metal Flashing… make sure they do not “re-use” the old stuff. You want it custom fit with new metal.
g. 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.
h. 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.
i. Wind Mitigation Certification… get it; it can lower your homeowner’s insurance by over a $100 per year.
j. Clean Up… including the gutters. Ideally, have them use a magnet sweeper for the lawn and shrubs to make sure none dropped.
k. Debris Capture… ideally directly from the roof into the container. When they drop and gather in wheel barrels, often nails get lose and can cause safety issues later.
l. 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.
m. Hip Roof?... they typically have only a small area of ridge. Therefore, highly recommend a few solar powered vents to assure “exhaust” ventilation.

roof
 

How large the house & the cost?

Agree! McHale is one of the best companies we worked with in our time in The Villages.
Even did a small repair for free on the old roof before we needed a new one.

McHale Roofing was excellent. We would recommend them without any hesitation. Our roof was completed in a day and a half and everything was cleaned up completely. They are wonderful people to work with.

so your roof was replaced under warrantee?

Thank you for the useful information, I really appreciate it.

Our roof is almost 20 years old 2002 was when our house was built. This year our insurance raised and haven't received the bill for next years as I am sure it will raise even more than last year. I am trying to find recommendations for a roofing company and options available. We currently live in Illinois and have a Metal Roof that is approximately 13 years old and other than fading no problems and this is with us installing ourselves. But its a fairly easy roof unlike our house in the villages with so many different angles etc.

FYI. I was considering a metal roof, but when I called T&D and asked if the solar system on our roof, that heats our pool, could be removed and re-installed on a metal roof, they told me they would not install solar on a metal roof.

We have a Metal Roof on our house here in Illinois and yes you can hear the rain but not horribly. The insulation really helps with the noise. I actually will go sit on our porch sometimes since it is covered also just to listen to the rain and the metal roof.

This will not be paid for by insurance. Our roof has age on it and needs replaced, according to insurance company. No leaks or anything so we will be paying the bill ourselves.

We do not have a pool and won't be getting one so we won't need solar on the roof.

As a retired contractor that has installed over 1,500 roofs, I would like to offer the following:
1.) The average life of a shingle roof in the USA is 14 years. After 20 years in the Florida sun, shingle failure is imminent. Insurance companies know this and also know it is far cheaper for them to pay for replacement now rather than pay for replacement and all of the costs associated with a significant water intrusion event
2.) The lifetime manufacturers warranty is to give you warm fuzzies. The manufacturer's warranty only covers manufacturing defects. They do not cover installation issues, which accounts for almost all premature failures. In the past ten years, I only know of one roof that was replaced by the manufacturer's warranty unless a class action lawsuit was involved.
3.) The metal roof will probably last longer but it could sustain considerable damaged in a major hail event. The paint may still be intact, but your roof could be full of dimples. Of course, hail damage to a metal roof is excluded by the metal manufacturer. In other words, do not buy a metal roof because it will last longer, buy it because you like it better than a shingle roof.
4.) I personally have owned a house with both types of roofing materials. Each roofing systems has its merits and also some downsides. I strongly belief their simply is not a perfect roofing material that will last fifty years.

Metal roof
 

I think there are metal roofs installed after tornado in area around Mallory. Don't know if that will count on getting approval