Substandard Roofing

[Kennybear]

Just a word to the wise. We had a home built in 1998/99. The roof leaked and required 3 or 4 trips out by him and/or his crew to stop the leak. It was a major leak and the ceiling of our finished garage had to be repaired. It looks like it has 6 layers of shingles in one of the valley's. Now I find it also leaks under the fascia for about 25' on the back of the house. I bought an 8' ladder so I could inspect it safely. THE FIRST ROW OF SHINGLES IS NOT PROPERLY LAID. Water is able to leak between the shingles/tarpaper and under the roofing and into the overhang, then dripping out the nails used to secure the soffit. In a hard rain it probably also comes out the soffit itself. Don't know yet.

The roofing contractor was/is Steve DuBois of Al Dubois Roofing.



The contractor was Don Penna of Panda Construction.

[tsetse71]

I just checked...and Al Dubois roofing did my roof...for my new home...we are moving in next month. No problems yet...but thanks for the heads up! I'll have my husband take our ladder up next time we go up and really check things out before we close.

[Kevlar]

Good luck, I hope your roof holds up when the storms season starts.

[Kennybear]

Building a new home? My advice: Get a home inspection by a qualified home inspector (preferably one that has been a general contractor), before you close !! Don't rely on the building inspectors from the county.

The 'starter row' for our home was not put down correctly. The back of the house is 50' wide. About 25-30 feet, or more, has a large potential for leaks and damage. The starter row should come all the way down to the drip edge. Ours does not. In fact for the above mentioned distance some of the starter row doesn't even come down to the hidden edge of the drip edge. The edge under the shingles. In one spot I could see the roofing underneath the shigles and the entire width of the drip edge. That may account for all the Miller High Life and Budweiser bottles that were strewn all around our property and the lot next door.

[tsetse71]

"Miller High Life and Budweiser bottles" - Yikes! We haven't found any beer on site...but they sure do like to make a mess with their soda, gatorade, and water bottles.

We are heading up to check on the house now...I relayed the information to my husband. He assured me that he had already checked the roofing...but will check again for the things you've mentioned. My nephew is a licensed home inspector in the area...so I may have him come by before we close. Thanks again for the advice.

[tsetse71]

Kennybear...Hi...I just wanted to let you know...my husband checked the roof at our new house...it looked fine...everything is as it should be...maybe he had a different crew out at my house. I wish I could say the same about the guys that installed my cabinets . But thanks for the heads up.

[Kennybear]

I just had another roofer out to inspect my roof and to begin repairs. I don't even want Al Dubois Roofing ON MY PROPERTY. The father (Al Dubois), gave the roofing business to his son Steve. They no longer even talk to one another. That should be an indication of the son's 'business acumen.' He also 'blew up' at his #1 roofer and trouble shooter who quit and hasn't talked to Steve in over a year. He is also going througha nasty divorce (Unconfirmed). Methinks there might be an underlaying factor.

The other, more experienced roofer, verified that the 'starter row' of shingles is not properly done and it caused seepage and then dryrot under the drip edge, soffit and fascia.

I can e-mail anyone pictures of the improerly done starter row so you know what to look for.

How do I rate Panda Construction?
How do I rate Al Dubois Roofing?

Very poor !!!!!

[Bulldog]

#5 1 Minute Ago
Bulldog
Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 72


I know this topic is pretty old, but if you come across this looking for someone to do a roof try these guys...they have been great!

RUSSELL ROOFING INC

GARY RUSSELL
7729 E PINE LAKE LN
FLORAL CITY FL, 34436
(352) 344-4968