Roofers - a rant, but not a very good one

Red Lily wrote:We generally use sisalation/sarking directly under tin roofs here, then batts.

Thom Paine wrote:

2cent wrote:Jeepers, what an independent lot roofers are.  We called two, left messages, and waited better than a week for them to call back.  Called again - one being the son of an old acquaintance, so called him as well, and still the roofer kid didn't call back.  Neither of them.

Maybe I better go back to the beginning?  We're not desperate for a new roof, but wind caused a few shingles to disappear, and it is high time we updated.  We decided to go w/a metal roof this time, and that's what the 2 roofers we called specialize in.  

Okay, so we gave up on them, and Mr. 2 went to Meeks for recommendations, where he ran into a roofer who was in the #1 slot on their list. After talking a bit, and the guy pointing out what shingles they use, (@ $105/sq.), (yes, he talked my husband into going w/shingles), they parted ways, and we waited over a week, again, for that guy to call back.  
They finally show up, were kind enough to sweep off the roof while up there, and we wait for the wife to call, then email the estimate.  Over $11,000!  For a 22 sq. ft. roof!  Not only did they charge for 24 sq. ft., they charged $150/sq.  Plus, they added all kinds of crap we didn't need.  I suppose they figured they were dealing w/a couple of hicks still sopping wet behind the ears.  
Sent that guy on his way.

Then a good friend suggested my husband call this other guy we've all known for ages.  He came over the very next day, (yesterday), w/his kid who does the actual roofing, and are going to come back asap w/color samples for us to choose a color.

Splendid!  These guys are covered up with work, so are going way out of their way to get a roof on our house.  Yeah, you can bet there's a bonus already waiting on them.  Oh, and the bid?  Somewhere around $5 - $6,000.  (Haven't gotten a specific bid yet.)  IAC, MUCH closer to what it ought to be.  

I realize that these roofers are busier than one-armed paper hangers, but what's with businessmen who can't even be bothered w/calling prospective customers back?  Must be nice to be so independent and secure.  No doubt it buys you all the rude you can be.  

Ahhh.  Thank you.  We're much better n-o-w.  lol

Exercise caution with that $6000. estimate.  
One should consider tossing the lowest bid faster than tossing the highest.  

What appears to be a $27.00 per square price is extremely low; maybe dangerously low.  

As a guideline only,   price the different types and qualities of roof panels on the internet; it will give you some awareness of qualities and material costs...  the material And install costs, for a quality metal roof, is higher for a reason.  Different means and methods, equipment, and expertise.

Calypso Jones wrote:That is an awesome price.  My son just spent something like 20,000 replacing a roof.

jirqoadai wrote:

Red Lily wrote:We generally use sisalation/sarking directly under tin roofs here, then batts.

try an attic fan. that way they dont need to flap their wings as much.

Crusader wrote:

jirqoadai wrote:

Red Lily wrote:We generally use sisalation/sarking directly under tin roofs here, then batts.

try an attic fan. that way they dont need to flap their wings as much.

But guano will add to the R value.

jirqoadai wrote:

Crusader wrote:

jirqoadai wrote:

Red Lily wrote:We generally use sisalation/sarking directly under tin roofs here, then batts.

try an attic fan. that way they dont need to flap their wings as much.

But guano will add to the R value.

the bats in Purceville VA that roost inside houses, not barns or sheds, fly outside during the day to deficate. im assuming thats a national thing. ive seen several individuals in older houses ( reads 1880s ) that are occupied by people and the areas they dont frequent are inhabitted by bats.

Casey Jones wrote:

jirqoadai wrote:

Crusader wrote:

jirqoadai wrote:

Red Lily wrote:We generally use sisalation/sarking directly under tin roofs here, then batts.

try an attic fan. that way they dont need to flap their wings as much.

But guano will add to the R value.

the bats in Purceville VA that roost inside houses, not barns or sheds, fly outside during the day to deficate. im assuming thats a national thing. ive seen several individuals in older houses ( reads 1880s ) that are occupied by people and the areas they dont frequent are inhabitted by bats.

I never heard of bats voluntarily flying in sunlight, during the daytime.

The sun's heat would dry the leather of their wings.  Insects, their staple, don't fly in sunlight - they find green cover to hang out in.  Bats can't see in light, and there's too much noise for them to sound their way around.

One of the worst things you can do to bats, I'm told, is rout them out of their nesting place - in daylight.  Many will die.

No, they don't go outside to defecate.  Anyone who's had a barn or garage or basement taken over by a bat colony, can tell you that.