April 03 2008, Superior Roofing aka Keith Burnette Enterprises and I contracted to install a roof (approx 15,000 sq ft) and roof-over (approx 20,000 sq ft)on 2 sections of a commercial building that I own. After much discussion with Mr. Burnette; hearing his explanation of his product, and discussing with him the length of time roof would last(worry-free), I was told 12-15 years(which included replacing the existing drains). The roof life/longevity was a major factor in my discussions with all contractors. I paid him 30% up front and he installed the roof. I then paid the contract in full at completion. $35,880 and $44,600.00, for the two sections.
3-4 years into the roof's life, my tenants started calling me that the roof was leaking. Mr Burnette did go over a few times and stated that other issues were causing the leaking. I took Mr Burnette at his word, but the tenants kept calling me with leaking issues. I would immediately contact Mr. Burnette, who continually told me that he couldn't get up on the roof to repair it until it was completely dry. During these stall tactics; the weight of the water, plus the fact that the water was leaking under the roofing into the insulation (additional weight), combined with the fact that the drains were set too high caused the structure to start to sag. *The building was originally constructed in 1955; therefore, any normal settling would have already taken place. The roof had no sag when Mr. Burnette started the job. If the installed roof was correct with positive drainage, it would not have pooled water, causing structural sag due to wet insulation and water weight. Once Mr Burnette saw that the roof wasn't working correctly, he came back and told me that the drains weren't working properly to remove the water. He then told me that I needed to pay an additional $2000.00 for 2 additional drains. Considering what I had paid him based on his job quote for a fully functioning roof, I wanted him to make the roof work correctly, as we had contracted.
Approximately 1 year ago, I started texting Mr Burnette that the roof was still leaking. He went over and stated he repaired the roof (approx. 1/29/2015). The tenant stated that it was still leaking after his visit. Beginning April 2015, the water started leaking into my (completely renovated) office space, AGAIN. I contacted him immediately and a long onslaught of, "I'm out of town, but I will get over there" and "I can't get it repaired until it's completely dry" ensued. Over this time frame, the number of leaks have progressed to 40 or 50! Starting approx. 12/28/2015, Mr Burnette began pushing back. We looked at the roof. I continuously asked him to tell me what to do. Finally, after much prodding, he stated he wasn't really sure, but could add drains for $4500.00 (this price would not include repairing all of the leaks). At that time, I sought additional opinions, realizing I needed outside help. After core samples were taken, 3 different GAF Master Certified Installers all told me the same thing - the roofing product that was placed on the front and mid-section of the roof (modified Bitumen Cap Sheet)was not correct for a 100% FLAT roof. The back portion of the roof (15,000 sq ft) has a slope and is working, to date. Photos were made of core samples showing that neither Asphalt primer, nor any other adhesive was used on the 36" of product exclusive of the 4"seam (Pictures can be readily supplied). Since the product wasn't adhered correctly, it is forming air/gas and causing the seams to open, thus creating numerous leaks. At this point, there is really no cost-effective repair option. The roof in the 100% FLAT front and mid-section (approx 20,000 sq ft) will need to be roofed-over with a correct product (TPO) at an additional cost of $40,000 - $50,000+ dollars!
Mr Burnette has offered many lies and excuses as to why his work is perfect and it isn't his fault. They are all just that... lies and excuses.
. My sole objective, at this juncture, is to save ANY other consumer from a monetary loss of this magnitude. read more
