How many roofs can you install over with Duro-Last?

I have a contractor that I am always bidding agaiist. I can beat him 90% of the time with Residential But, Low Slope is another story. They always smoke me on re-roofs. They never tear off anything and it could be 2 or 3 layers w/ wet insulation. They will slap there fan-fold down & strech new PVC membrane right over it & give them 10-15 labor & material warranty thru Duro-Last. I have seen them just install a new roof system over Spray Polyurethane Foam and that was the 2nd roof system, GEN-FLEX & Firestone require a full tear off. Does Duro-Last follow any NRCA RECOMMENDATIONS or is this contractor doing something shady? I appreciate your input.

as was said previously the rule of thumb is no more than 2 roofs

Thanks for your replies.

Several good lines of reasoning. I look forward to using them...

Your fellow roofer Fred

And if you can get them into a warranty discussion, hopefully you can lead the conversation to one of DL's favorite sales points, their "Interior Damages" clause that is protected by an insurance policy.

I don't know how the fine print reads now, but it's only applicable after the customer's own insurance runs out. I don't want any customers that fail to carry enough insurance to replace their interiors. Just try to find someone that's ever collected on that policy.

Finding people that get the "Sorry, it wasn't installed per mfr spec's" story is a lot easier.

After all of that, you might suggest to the customer that they demand to see the published DL spec that approves covering some of the substrates they are willing to cover just in order to get the sale.

You can't convince every customer that a good roof is worthwhile, but in the end, do you really want those customers anyway?

Fred,

Best bet in this one is to find some old DL customers who've had leaks, and try to get your prospects to make contact, without badmouthing them.

The truth about DL is ugly.

Building code may vary from place to place...

But generally the rule is:

1. Never have more than 2 roof systems on a facility 2. Never cover over a wet roof system.

Obviously you need to account for weight requirements, industry type, etc... but those 2 points need to be followed regardless of the local codes.

If you feel like the contractor is doing something shady, chances are they probably are! If you have any questions on system application, just call Duro-Last HQ directly. They are often pretty good at answering questions on warranty and specifications. Keep in mind that Duro-Last may not even know what the local installer is doing...

Selling against a shady contractor (especially one that can destroy you on price) is frustrating at first, but it is something you can overcome with proper preparation. Don't fall into the trap of talking bad about the contractor to your customer. Instead, explain your points of difference and emphasize the benefits they receive from your recommendations.

Note well - you must first quality, qualify, qualify in order to understand what they are trying to accomplish with the roof system. Many times what they WANT is not the same as what the NEED. As the professional, it's up to you to play 'matchmaker.'