The last week of June 2016, I sent a request for bids on a new roof on my home. Ohio Roofing Solutions was one of the companies that responded and came out to provide an estimate (2nd week of July 2016). They suggested going through my insurance due to damage, assisted me with initiating an insurance claim and asked me to sign an agreement should the insurance cover the cost, I'd be locked into going with them. The insurance claim went through and I had a signed agreement by mid-September 2016. I was told that installation would be within a 4-6 week period, and that a production manager would be in touch with me within a week to discuss installation timeframe. Neither happened. After 8 weeks (mid-November 2016), I began to get frustrated by the lack of communication, actually no communication as they wouldn't respond to my messages (email or phone). Finally, when I was ready to bail, the owner reached out to me to smooth things over. He met with me (late November 2016) as told me the delay was due to 2 things: 1) takes a long time to get metal roof ordered and delivered, and 2) they were waiting for a permit. I later found out the permit excuse was a lie as they never applied for a roofing permit as the City of Lancaster (Ohio) sent a notice of violation to me (and them) in January indicating they had, in fact, not filed for a permit. At that meeting, the owner also told me that they do the installation immediately based on dates that I'd provide them (it didn't happen on any of those dates and it was over a month later that installation began). The first 3rd party crew showed up on December 13, 2016, but walked off the job an hour after arrival as the roof was too steep and challenging for them. The next 3rd party crew arrived on December 20, 2016, and it was clear they were not experienced installing metal roofs particularly on an old, historic home (with wood siding). They were watching videos on how to install certain things on the roof (I know this because I asked them). Anyway, problems with the installation continued until I had to finally end (when they failed after a reasonable amount of time to remedy).
Two experienced metal roofing contractors came out to assess as well as the City of Lancaster Code Enforcement Department. Here's a summary of the inspection from the City: "We noticed several installation and craftsmanship issues. Many are visible from the ground. It is worth noting that the project is incomplete. Some of the issues could be resolved with completion. Most, however, will require removal, new product, or both. The issues consist of but are not limited to: snow guards installed upside down and almost all are cracked due to extensive force or cold weather installation, nailed flashing from metal to wood siding and caulked, screw holes in metal with no screw or sealant, missing screws in rake trim, valley and side wall trim, many of the trims were blowing around in the wind, missing valley and ridge closures, (they should have been installed prior to metal and or trim installation), varying overhang lengths at the eves ranging from 0 inches to 3 feet, ideal length is 3/4" - 1/5" depending on drip edge type, pitch and gutter type, note: this should be determined before the metal is installed and only in extreme situations should the metal be cut after installation, from the uneven, misaligned edges, it appears most metal was cut after installed on the roof, valley and eve cuts are jagged and uneven, splices in panels that were too short, warping and denting in panels, especially the ridge cap and sidewall trims, the ridge caps were not made to the roof pitch and as a result do not fit correctly, no flashing between the upper metal and the flat roof, no counter flashing around chimneys (both are leaking), limited to no venting on the main house (and existing venting was removed without new ventilation remedy), no roofing permit for Lancaster City, excessive scratches on the panel and trim finish when this should be minimal."
As of March 1, 2017 - I am now told I must start over with a new roof based on all the issues and also repair the damage done to my home. I paid $6,500 up front and requested a refund, Ohio Roofing Solutions failed to provide a timely remedy or a refund. I am now pursuing legal action. My recommendation to anyone seeking a roofing contractor, do not use Ohio Roofing Solutions! read more