HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/10/2006 Blue Sheet Update on Richmond American Homes Roofing
TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING
INFORMATION
TOWN OF MARANA
MEETING DATE: October 10, 2006
AGENDA ITEM:
D.2
TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
FROM: James R. DeGrood, P.E. Assistant Town Manager
SUBJECT: Update on Richmond American Homes Roofing Concerns
DISCUSSION
At the August 14, 2006 Mayor and Council meeting, 21 residents of Continental Ranch Parcel 8
spoke on the concerns and frustrations they have had with the roofs on their homes. Although
their homes are only 10 to 12 years old, a number of residents have had their homes reroofed due
to leaks and water damage. Another 23 residents registered as being present for the matter, but
did not speak.
The group requested that the Town assist in obtaining repair work from Richmond American for
roofing problems, withhold further approval of Richmond American projects until the roofing
issues was resolved, and to increase the inspection requirements for new homes with concrete
tile roofing.
Staffhas since met with the homebuilder, contacted other building officials in the state regarding
roof inspection practices, discussed the problems observed with Southern Arizona Homebuilders
Association (SAHBA), and contacted the Tucson office ofthe Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
The homebuilder has contacted the roofing company that originally installed the roofs, and they
have offered to provide estimates for repair services. The roofer expressed that he felt the costs
cited for reroofing services by some of the residents was excessive, and that he could provide
roofing services more affordably. A letter was sent by the homebuilder and roofer to all
residents within the neighborhood with this offer.
The Town has surveyed other jurisdictions belonging to the Arizona Building Officials
organization about their inspection practices for concrete tile roof systems. The Town has not
inspected roofing systems in the past, and it was found no other agencies are performing
inspection of the roofing system within Arizona. During the review of the roofing concerns
however, the Town observed problems with flashing, battens and underlayment on homes with
concrete tile roofing. As a result the Town is proposing to institute a roofing inspection, to be
performed after underlayment installation, but prior to roof tile installation. This is the most
effective time for an inspection, and it need not create a delay in the flow of work. This
approach has been developed in consultation with SAHBA.
A contact made to the Registrar of Contractors office revealed that there are no pending
complaints regarding roofing in this neighborhood, however given the age of the homes, it is
unlikely that the Registrar would open a complaint file for this issue.
At this time, based upon our discussion with the parties, it is unlikely that the Town will be able
to further the dialogue between the builder and homeowners on this matter.
The Town is also unable to prevent Richmond American from moving forward on other projects
in the community prior to resolving this roofing dispute. We simply do not have the legal
justification to do so.
RECOMMENDATION
None required.
SUGGESTED MOTION
None required.
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