Roofing Подрядчик Dispute Letters

C-39 Roofing License and Why You Should Care

California's C-39 Roofing Подрядчик classification is one of the most common specialty licenses. Understanding what C-39 подрядчикs must do—and what they often fail to do—gives you powerful leverage in disputes.

What C-39 Подрядчикs Are Authorized to Do

Install, ремонт, and maintain roofing systems (shingles, tile, metal, TPO, etc.)
Install underlayment, flashing, vents, and waterproofing
Roof tear-offs and re-roofs
Roof coatings and sealants
Skylights and roof penetrations
Gutters and downspouts (as incidental to roofing)

License Requirements:

4 года journeyman-level roofing experience
Pass technical and law/business exams
Workers' компенсация страхование (required; strictly enforced by CSLB)
$15,000 подрядчик bond

Workers' Comp: The C-39 Enforcement Priority

The CSLB aggressively enforces workers' comp requirements for C-39 подрядчикs because roofing is inherently dangerous. If your подрядчик:

Did not have active workers' comp страхование during the job
Hired "independent подрядчикs" to avoid workers' comp (illegal работник misclassification)
Let workers' comp lapse mid-job

...you have strong leverage. Подрядчикs operating without workers' comp face license suspension, fines, and cannot sue to collect payment.

Verify Workers' Comp Status: Before signing a contract (and in your требование if there's a dispute), check the подрядчик's workers' comp status at cslb.ca.gov. If they weren't insured during your job:

You may be personally ответственный if a worker is injured (workers' comp ответственность shifts to property owner)
Подрядчик's contract may be void under B&P § 7125.2
You can demand расторжение and full возврат

Written Contract Requirements

For roofing work over $500, California requires written contracts with all B&P § 7159 disclosures. Common roofing contract deficiencies:

Нет written contract: Especially common for "emergency ремонтные работы" after storms; illegal and voidable
Vague scope: "Replace roof" without specifying materials, manufacturer, гарантия terms
Нет permit disclosure: Подрядчик should disclose if permits are required (they usually are for re-roofs)
Hidden гарантия limitations: Подрядчик verbally promises "lifetime гарантия" but contract says "1 год workmanship only"

Common Roof Installation and Flashing Defects

Leak Location → Likely Дефект Matrix

Where Leak Shows Up	Likely Problem	Доказательства to Gather
Around chimney	Step flashing, counter flashing, or cricket failure; improper sealant application	Photos of flashing install (if accessible), water stains on interior wall/ceiling, roofer инспекция report, video during rainstorm
At eaves / soffits	Ice dam damage, inadequate drip edge, underlayment laps incorrect, insufficient eave protection	Photos of eave detail, sheathing water damage, climate data (freeze-thaw cycles), thermal imaging showing ice dam vulnerability
In valleys	Valley metal improperly lapped, debris accumulation, open valley without proper metal, weaving technique on incompatible shingles	Drone/ladder photos of valley install, debris photos, manufacturer installation guidelines showing подрядчик violated specs
At roof penetrations (vents, pipes)	Boot seals cracked/missing, improper flashing, no sealant, wrong boot type for climate	Photos of penetration flashing, attic photos showing water entry points, infrared showing moisture
Mid-roof (no penetrations)	Shingle дефект, improper nailing (overdriven, underdriven, wrong pattern), wind uplift from poor installation	Shingle samples showing defects, nailing pattern photos (if accessible), manufacturer инспекция report, wind event data
Skylights	Flashing kit not used, improper installation, sealant failure, skylight not properly integrated with shingles	Skylight manufacturer installation instructions vs actual install, water stain photos, skylight инспекция

The Flashing Problem: #1 Source of Leaks

Most roof leaks aren't caused by shingle failures—they're caused by improper flashing at roof transitions and penetrations. Critical flashing points:

Chimneys: Require step flashing (woven with shingles), counter flashing (embedded in mortar joints), and cricket (diverter above chimney to prevent debris/water accumulation)
Valleys: Open valleys require metal (aluminum, copper, or stainless) properly lapped and sealed; closed valleys must use compatible shingles
Walls: Where roof meets vertical wall, requires step flashing; many подрядчикs use only sealant (guaranteed failure)
Skylights/dormers: Require manufacturer's flashing kit; improvised flashing almost always leaks

Expert Доказательства: Hire an independent roofing inspector or engineer to document flashing defects. Their report should:

Identify specific code нарушениеs (IRC Chapter 9, manufacturer specs)
Compare подрядчик's work to industry standards (NRCA guidelines)
Photograph defects with annotations
Estimate cost to correct defects

This report is gold in your требование.

Ventilation Issues

Inadequate roof ventilation causes:

Premature shingle failure (heat buildup)
Ice damming in cold climates
Attic moisture and mold
Voided manufacturer warranties (many require proper ventilation)

How to identify ventilation problems:

Calculate required ventilation: Building codes typically require 1 sq ft of vent per 150 sq ft of attic space (can be reduced to 1:300 with proper intake/exhaust balance)
Measure existing vents (ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents) and calculate actual ventilation provided
If подрядчик installed fewer vents than required, this is a code нарушение and potential нарушение договора

Workmanship vs Manufacturer Warranties

Гарантия Snapshot Table

Гарантия Type	Who Provides	What It Covers	Typical Term	Limitations
Подрядчик Workmanship Гарантия	Roofing подрядчик	Installation defects: leaks from improper flashing, nailing, underlayment, etc.	1-5 years (often only 1 год unless extended)	May exclude "Acts of God," owner modifications, lack of maintenance
Manufacturer Material Гарантия	Shingle/material manufacturer	Defects in shingles: premature granule loss, cracking, delamination	20-50 years (but prorated after 10-15 years)	Requires registration, proper installation per specs, adequate ventilation; usually limited to cost of materials only (no labor)
Extended "System" Гарантия (optional)	Manufacturer (via подрядчик)	Materials + labor for longer period if entire roof system (underlayment, shingles, accessories) is manufacturer's brand	Additional 10-25 years	Expensive upgrade; requires certified installer; strict соблюдение with install specs

The 1-Year Workmanship Trap

Many roofing contracts include only a 1-year workmanship гарантия, which is problematic because:

Leaks may not appear immediately (some defects take 1-2 года and multiple rain events to manifest)
Подрядчик can blame manufacturer after year 1, even if leak is from installation дефект
California has longer statutory periods for construction defects (1-4 года depending on дефект type)

Challenging Short Гарантия Periods: Even if the contract says "1-year гарантия," you may have longer rights under:

Implied гарантия of пригодность для проживания/workmanship: Courts recognize that work should be free of defects for a reasonable period
Statutory construction дефект timelines: 1 год for fit/finish, 4 года for patent defects
нарушение договора: If roof leaks due to improper installation, подрядчик breached contract regardless of гарантия expiration

In your требование, argue the 1-year гарантия doesn't bar your требование for дефектный workmanship within the statutory period.

Manufacturer Гарантия Claims: Navigating the Blame Game

When you have a leak, подрядчикs often say "that's a manufacturer дефект, call them." But manufacturer warranties:

Cover only shingle defects (not installation issues)
Require proof of proper installation (which дефектный подрядчикs can't provide)
Often pay only for materials, not labor to replace (labor is 60-70% of re-roof cost)
Are pro-rated after initial period (you get pennies on the dollar for 15-year-old shingles even if "30-year гарантия")

Strategy: Go after BOTH if unclear who's at fault:

"I am holding you, the installing подрядчик, responsible for this leak. Whether it's caused by your improper installation or by дефектный shingles, you warranted a watertight roof. If you believe the manufacturer is at fault, pursue them for indemnification or contribution—but you must make my roof right."

Sample Roofing Подрядчик Требования

Sample 1: Roof Leak After First Rain – Installation Дефект

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Email] [Phone] [Date] [Подрядчик Name / Company] CSLB License #: [C-39 LICENSE NUMBER] [Address] RE: Demand for Immediate Ремонт of Дефектный Roof Installation Contract Date: [DATE] Property: [YOUR ADDRESS] Итого Paid: $[AMOUNT] Dear [Подрядчик Name]: I demand immediate ремонт of the дефектный roof installation you performed, which has caused significant water damage to my home. BACKGROUND On [DATE], I hired you to replace my roof under written contract (Exhibit A). Scope: complete tear-off and re-roof with [BRAND/TYPE] shingles, new underlayment, flashing, and vents. Итого price: $[AMOUNT], paid in full on [COMPLETION DATE]. Work completed [DATE]. On [DATE]—the first significant rain after your installation—my roof leaked in multiple locations, causing water damage to ceilings, walls, and contents. DEFECTIVE INSTALLATION I hired an independent roofing inspector, [COMPANY/INSPECTOR NAME], to assess the leaks. Their report (Exhibit B) identifies the following installation defects: 1. **Chimney Flashing Failure:** You failed to install proper step flashing and counter flashing at the chimney. You used only roofing cement (which has failed), violating manufacturer specifications and IRC Section R903.2. This is the source of the [LOCATION] leak. 2. **Valley Improperly Installed:** The valley on the [north/south] side has no metal lining. You attempted a "closed valley" without properly weaving shingles, resulting in water channeling under shingles. IRC requires open valleys to have metal; closed valleys require specific weaving technique. You did neither correctly. 3. **Inadequate Underlayment at Eaves:** You failed to install ice/water shield at eaves per IRC Section R905.2.7.1 and manufacturer specs. This caused the [LOCATION] leak during our first freeze. 4. **Improper Nail Placement:** Inspector found numerous shingles with high nailing (nails above seal strip), causing wind uplift and water intrusion. Manufacturer specs require nails in specific zone; your crew ignored this. 5. **Нет Drip Edge:** You failed to install drip edge at eaves and rakes, allowing water to run behind fascia. IRC Section R905.2.8.5 requires drip edge. The inspector states: "Multiple installation defects inconsistent with manufacturer specifications, building code, and industry standards. Roof requires substantial corrective work." RESULTING DAMAGES Water intrusion has caused: - Ceiling water stains and damage in [ROOMS]: $[AMOUNT] to ремонт (Exhibit C: Подрядчик estimate) - Wall damage and paint: $[AMOUNT] - Damaged contents (furniture, electronics): $[AMOUNT] (Exhibit D: Receipts/photos) - Potential mold growth (currently monitoring) **Итого water damage: $[TOTAL DAMAGES]** YOUR нарушение договора You breached the contract by failing to install the roof in a workmanlike manner consistent with: - Manufacturer installation instructions (Exhibit E: Manufacturer specs you violated) - International Residential Code Chapter 9 - Industry standards (NRCA Roofing Manual) You delivered a дефектный, leaking roof instead of the watertight roof I paid for. ТРЕБОВАНИЕ I demand that you, в течение 15 дней: 1. Remove and reinstall ALL дефектный flashing (chimney, valleys, walls, penetrations) per code and manufacturer specs 2. Install proper underlayment, ice/water shield, and drip edge where missing 3. Replace all improperly nailed shingles 4. Pass building инспекция (obtain roof permit if not already done) 5. Provide written 5-year workmanship гарантия on corrected work 6. Pay for all water damage ремонтные работы: $[DAMAGES TOTAL] **If you refuse to perform corrections, I demand full возврат of $[AMOUNT PAID] plus water damage costs $[DAMAGES] = $[TOTAL REFUND ТРЕБОВАНИЕ].** LEGAL CONSEQUENCES If you do not respond в течение 15 дней: 1. I will file CSLB исковое заявление for substandard work, code нарушениеs, and failure to correct defects 2. I will hire another C-39 подрядчик to correct your defects and sue you for the cost 3. I will pursue судебный процесс for нарушение договора, халатность, and мошенничество 4. I will seek убытки including cost of correction, water damage, diminished property value, and адвокат's fees 5. I will record a lis pendens against your $15,000 подрядчик bond and pursue personal judgment This is a дефектный installation that has damaged my home. Fix it immediately or face full legal consequences. Please contact me at [PHONE] or [EMAIL] в течение 15 дней. С уважением, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Приложения: Exhibit A: Contract Exhibit B: Independent Roofing Инспекция Report Exhibit C: Water Damage Ремонт Estimate Exhibit D: Damaged Contents Receipts/Photos Exhibit E: Manufacturer Installation Specifications

Sample 2: Гарантия Отказ – Подрядчик Blames Домовладелец

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Email] [Phone] [Date] [Подрядчик Name / Company] CSLB License #: [C-39 LICENSE NUMBER] [Address] RE: Demand for Гарантия Ремонт – Rejection of Baseless Гарантия Отказ Contract Date: [DATE] Гарантия Period: [X] Years from [COMPLETION DATE] Dear [Подрядчик Name]: I demand that you honor your [X]-year workmanship гарантия and ремонт the roof leak, and I reject your baseless attempt to void the гарантия. FACTS Your company installed a new roof on [COMPLETION DATE] under contract (Exhibit A) that included a [X]-year workmanship гарантия stating: "Подрядчик warrants all workmanship and installation for [X] years. Подрядчик will ремонт any leaks resulting from improper installation at no charge to owner during гарантия period." The roof is now leaking at [LOCATION(S)]. I notified you on [DATE] and requested гарантия service. You sent [TECH NAME] to inspect on [DATE]. Rather than honor your гарантия, you sent a letter dated [DATE] denying the гарантия требование, alleging: 1. I "made unauthorized modifications" (satellite dish installation) 2. I "failed to maintain the roof" (didn't clean gutters) 3. "Damage was caused by storm, not installation дефект" All three reasons are false and pretextual. YOUR WARRANTY DENIAL IS BASELESS **1. Satellite Dish Did Not Void Гарантия** I had a satellite dish installed by [COMPANY] on [DATE], more than [X] months after your roof install. The dish was mounted using a non-penetrating mount that rests on the roof surface—no holes, no fasteners penetrating the roof. The leak is at the [CHIMNEY/VALLEY], which is [X FEET] away from the satellite dish location. There is no causal connection between the dish and the leak. Your гарантия contains no provision requiring me to obtain your permission before installing non-penetrating roof-mounted equipment. Even if it did, the dish installation did not cause this leak. **2. Gutter Cleaning Is Irrelevant to This Leak** You требование I "failed to maintain the roof" because my gutters had some debris. This is absurd: - The leak is at the [CHIMNEY/VALLEY], not at the gutters or eaves - Gutters with debris do not cause mid-roof leaks at flashing - Your гарантия does not require gutter cleaning as a condition of coverage - I have in fact cleaned my gutters regularly (receipts attached, Exhibit B) This is a red herring to avoid honoring your гарантия. **3. Storm Did Not Cause the Leak—Your Дефектный Installation Did** You требование "storm damage" caused the leak. False. The leak appeared after a [DESCRIPTION: moderate rainstorm with 1.5 inches of rain]. A properly installed roof should easily withstand normal rain. If your roof leaks from routine weather, it's дефектный. Кроме того, I have obtained an independent roofing инспекция (Exhibit C) which concludes: "The leak at the [LOCATION] is caused by improper flashing installation. [SPECIFIC DEFECT: Нет step flashing behind shingles, reliance on sealant only]. This is an installation дефект, not storm damage. A competent roofer would have installed proper metal flashing per code." **This is exactly what your гарантия covers: leaks from improper installation.** CALIFORNIA LAW DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO AVOID WARRANTIES WITH PRETEXTUAL EXCUSES Your гарантия is a contractual promise. You cannot void it by manufacturing baseless excuses. California law requires you to act in добросовестность. Denying a гарантия требование for a clear installation дефект by blaming a satellite dish 20 feet away or "dirty gutters" is недобросовестность. If you believe my actions voided the гарантия, you must prove: 1. I violated a specific, clearly-stated гарантия condition, AND 2. My actions actually caused the дефект You can prove neither. ТРЕБОВАНИЕ I demand that you, в течение 14 дней: 1. Withdraw your гарантия отказ 2. Ремонт the leak by installing proper flashing per code and manufacturer specs 3. Ремонт interior water damage caused by the leak: $[AMOUNT] (Exhibit D: Ремонт estimate) 4. Confirm in writing that the гарантия remains in full effect If you continue to refuse гарантия service, I will: 1. Hire another подрядчик to ремонт your дефектный work and sue you for the cost 2. File a CSLB исковое заявление for failure to honor гарантия obligations 3. Pursue судебный процесс for нарушение договора, breach of гарантия, and недобросовестность 4. Seek убытки including cost of ремонт, water damage, consequential убытки, and адвокат's fees You gave a гарантия. Honor it. Do not waste my time with excuses. Please contact me at [PHONE] or [EMAIL] в течение 14 дней. С уважением, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Приложения: Exhibit A: Contract with Гарантия Provision Exhibit B: Gutter Cleaning Receipts (showing regular maintenance) Exhibit C: Independent Roofing Инспекция Report Exhibit D: Interior Water Damage Ремонт Estimate

Storm Damage, Страхование, and Подрядчик Disputes

The Storm Damage vs Installation Дефект Debate

A common dispute: roof leaks after a storm, and the подрядчик claims "storm damage" (not their fault), while you believe the storm merely exposed the подрядчик's дефектный installation.

Key distinction:

Storm damage: Storm was so severe it would have damaged even a properly installed roof (fallen tree, hail, hurricane-force winds)
Installation дефект exposed by storm: Normal storm (routine rain, moderate winds) caused leaks that wouldn't have occurred if roof was properly installed

Rule of Thumb: If neighboring homes with similar roofs didn't leak during the same storm, your leak is likely due to дефектный installation, not "storm damage." Use this in your требование: "My neighbor's home, with a roof of similar age and materials, did not leak during the same storm."

Страхование Claims and Подрядчик Involvement

When storm damage is involved, you may have both a домовладелецs страхование требование AND a подрядчик ответственность требование:

If storm caused damage to a properly installed roof: Домовладелецs страхование требование for storm damage
If storm exposed подрядчик's defects: Подрядчик ответственный for ремонтные работы, not страхование
If both contributed: Страхование may pay for storm damage portion; подрядчик pays for дефект portion; or страхование pays and subrogate against подрядчик

Beware of подрядчик/страхование collusion: Some подрядчикs partner with public adjusters or страхование agents to drum up "storm damage" claims, even when no significant damage occurred. They push you to file an страхование требование, then inflate the требование to maximize their payout. This can result in страхование мошенничество charges or policy cancellation. Only file страхование claims for legitimate storm damage.

Post-Storm "Emergency Ремонт" Scams

After major storms, unscrupulous подрядчикs knock on doors offering "free инспекцияs" and "emergency ремонтные работы." Red flags:

Pressure to sign immediately ("I'm only in your area today")
Requires you to sign over страхование proceeds
Требования large down payment before страхование требование is approved
Нет written contract or vague contract
Out-of-state подрядчик with no local presence or license

California Law Protects You: Even for "emergency ремонтные работы," you have a 3-day right to cancel home improvement contracts signed at your home. If a storm-chaser pressures you into signing, you can rescind в течение 3 дней by sending письменное уведомление of cancellation.

Адвокат Услуги for Roofing Подрядчик Disputes

Roofing disputes can involve substantial убытки, especially when leaks cause interior water damage or require complete roof replacement. I help домовладелецs hold подрядчикs accountable for дефектный installations.

Why Hire an Адвокат

Roof replacement costs $10k-$30k+; water damage can add $10k-$50k
Technical complexity: Requires expert roofing inspectors to document code нарушениеs and installation defects
Manufacturer vs подрядчик blame-shifting: I coordinate claims against both when ответственность is unclear
Страхование coordination: I work with домовладелецs страхование claims and subrogation
Подрядчик bond взыскание: I pursue the $15,000 bond and personal assets if подрядчик is unresponsive

My Approach

Roof инспекция with certified inspector: Document defects, code нарушениеs, and water damage
Permit/license verification: Confirm подрядчик had proper license and workers' comp during job
Manufacturer coordination: If shingle дефект is possible, I coordinate manufacturer инспекция
Pre-судебный процесс demand: Detailed letter with инспекция report, photos, ремонт estimates
CSLB исковое заявление: File for leverage, especially for workers' comp or licensing нарушениеs
Судебный Процесс: Sue for нарушение договора, breach of гарантия, халатность; seek cost of correction or расторжение

Отправить ваше дело for Review

If your roof is leaking after a recent installation, your подрядчик is ignoring гарантия claims, or you're facing water damage from дефектный work, I can help. Отправить me your contract, photos, and any инспекция reports for a case review.

📝 Создайте Ваше Требование

Generate a professional требование, CA суд исковое заявление, or арбитраж demand

Serving California домовладелецs. Contingency fees available. I fight for full ремонт or replacement, not excuses.

Additional Ресурсы

CSLB License Lookup: cslb.ca.gov
File CSLB Исковое Заявление: cslb.ca.gov/исковое заявлениеs
IRC Roofing Standards: International Residential Code Chapter 9 (available at local library or ICC website)