XYZ Is Cheaper And Doing The Same Thing As You

Originally Posted by Grumpy's Roofing

Ervin,

Thank you for this copy. I would like to point out quite a few differences between their proposal and ours. I think our roof is a much better system.

If you look at line #3 of their proposal you will see they are only installing 3' of ice shield at your gutter lines. We plan to install 6' of ice shield at your over hang. The reason we plan to install 6', instead of 3', is primarily because of the pitch of your roof. 3', when extended from your gutterline, won't cover very much past your exterior wall, thus it is primarily useless.

Also I would like to point out that they are installing ice shield ONLY at your gutter lines and valleys, while we are installing ice shield at all the problem areas. I feel this is very important, by installing ice shield in the problem areas, it's like cheap insurance and allows me to sleep easy knowing your roof will never leak.

If you look at line #4 you will see that this roofer plans to install ShingleMate. This is one of the synthetic products I explained to you that I am not comfortable installing due to it's instability. Also it is listed as a 29 Lb. felt and this is untrue. It is actually rated as a 15 Lb. equivalent, and actually weighs less than 8 Lbs per square. This is the direct link to the GAF product data, check the bottom of page 2 http://www.gaf.com/Content/Documents/20101.pdf

Line #6 speaks of a "boston style" hip and ridge. What this means is the roofer buys some 3-tab style shingles which are close in color, but not exact, and they cut them up and use those shingles to cover your hip and ridge. If you were to ask this roofer to install Timbertex, the exact color matching hip and ridge accessory for the Timberline shingle, I can almost guarantee he would raise his price. I personally think it looks tacky when I see the roof one color and the hips another color. It does definetly stand out.

Line #7 speaks of installing a ridge vent which can be ok, assuming this roofer is to remove your existing ventilation. Otherwise you will have major ventilation problems in the future. All ventilation manufacturers are VERY specific about that fact. At this site http://www.airvent.com/homeowner/res...shooting.shtml There are two questions on the page which specifically pertain to your roof. One question discusses gable vents and another discusses attic fans. In both cases the manufacturer is specific in stating NOT to mix ventilation types. The gable vents must be covered and the fans must be removed.

Line #9 talks about a "surface mounted" chimney flashing. This is not the proper way to install chimney flashings. Chimney flashings must be stepped with the mortar joint. Surface mounted flashings are more dependant on caulks and sealants to keep water out. While we do caulk our stepped flashing, the joint is much more water tight because it is tucked into the mortar joint. When the caulk finally wears away we have a secondary layer of protection being that tucking into the joint. Also, we are first installing the ice shield around the chimney before installing any metal, they are not.

Line #11 discusses the skylights to be installed, but does not list a manufacturer or model type. Also you requested one vented skylight and this roofer also does not list weather the skylight will fixed or
operational/vented. Infact they are NOT buying the skylights while I am supplying all labor, materials and permits at no additional cost. My price included purchasing those 2 skylights.

Operational skylights do cost more, so if you have changed your mind and would like one fixed, I can save you some money there. Also their proposal does not make any mention of any interior work, such as drywall and painting.

The labor warranty is only 7 years. Our warranty is 10 years, and we are local. The 10-year GAF warranty listed is a gimmick, in my opinion, by the manufacturer. The sure start warranty DOES NOT cover leaks! The sure start warranty does cover the cost of labor if the shingles were to fail. Shingle failure is something I have seen only once in my almost 9 years roofing. As I said, I feel it is a gimmick, but if you were to choose a certainteed shingle, I can offer you a very similar warranty since we are certified by that manufacturer.

Their proposal makes no mention of how they intend to protect your property before the tear off. I have seen far too many roofing companies simply start tearing off the roof without protection. As I had told you when we met, if your property isn't tarped there will be alot of left over debris in all your bushes. We will make sure everything is as clean when we leave as it is when we start!

I am certified by Certainteed, a major manufacturer of roofing shingles. I am also certified also certified by Air Vent a manufacturer of only attic ventilation systems. We are members of the National Roofing
Contractor's Association and we specialize in exterior work, not general home remodeling. Though we do roofing and siding, we do more roofing than anything else.

I am eager to be your roofer and willing to do what ever is within my power to earn your business.

Originally Posted by Debookkeeper

Grumpy -
Excellent letter. It is clear and concise. I am not sure if you sent it yet - but I just wanted to show ya a typo I underlined. Also, I don't care for your closing line. I would put something along the lines of


I hope this information has clarified your concerns between the two proposals. We at Grumpy Co. pride ourselves in our professional and curteous workmanship, our attention to detail, and our excellent history of customer satisfaction. We look forward to the opportunity to be your roofing company.

Originally Posted by Hammatime

Just wanted to show you a typo too.

Originally Posted by Hammatime

It's Lifebouy! Yuck!! I'll shut up now.

Originally Posted by Grumpy

I am certified by Certainteed, a major manufacturer of roofing shingles. I am also certified also certified by Air Vent;

Originally Posted by slickshift

...or it's possible he was just trying to get you to come down in price
But usually those don't give up the other proposals so easily

Originally Posted by Gordo

... Now what you need to do is let them come to you so you do not look desperate. When they call back your intial price is firm.

Originally Posted by mdshunk

Why do you say this? Sounds like an ego thing. If I needed work, I don't care if they thought I was desperate or not. I'd scrap for every spec of work if I had to.