PIONEER ROOFING SYSTEMS

This is a flat rubber roofing material (EPDM) on a small apartment. Not many roofers really want to deal with this material or have the knowledge to properly install or repair. Water was leaking in badly but there was no way to cover the surface with a tarp, and damage inside was mounting. Very frustrating waiting for roofers to finally come by and give an estimate; some just never bothered. Several quotes for a re-roof were in the $8-10,000 range and would take a week to schedule. Pioneer roofing is a big-time commercial outfit, with a good reputation. I did not think they would want to deal with a small job. On the contrary, they understand that a business needs a quick response. Two guys came out the day I called and gave an estimate. They said that the roof was in overall good condition and did not have to be replaced, even though materials and installation standards had improved since the original roof was installed (at least 15 years). Proper surface cleaning and dry sealing techniques are key - no shortcuts. We went over the entire roof and they showed me the source of the leak and said it could be repaired within two hours. They called in to the company and we all agreed to repairs and the price. Every part of the process went exactly as stated. The repair has held up (5 months now).

Before buying a home, my home inspector recommended an inspection of the roof by a professional inspector. Foolishly, I allowed the sellers to pick the roofer; they selected Pioneer. Pioneer performed an inspection and provided a letter stating that their inspection "showed the roof to be good condition and should be sound for at least another 5 years." I called up Pioneer, who confirmed that they had in fact been to the home and performed the inspection, so I bought the house. After the summer's hurricane/tropical storm, I found my roof leaking. It now leaks during every heavy rain, resulting in damaged dry wall. A contractor I subsequently asked to inspect it told me that the shingle is crumbling, with visible holes. If that's a "sound" roof, then I would hate to see an unsound one. In retrospect, I should have selected the roofer myself, but Pioneer certainly didn't meet what I would consider minimum expectations here. I'll have the roof replaced in the spring; Pioneer will not be in consideration for the work.

I have a flat roof and therefore, need a commercial roofing system. Most homes don't need such an expensive system. While initially, it seemed like a lot of money, in the end, it was worth every penny. I also got another estimate from a commercial/residential roofer comparing the same products we planned to use and and it was within $1000. That told me this was the price. I had lived with a leaky house for several years even though we replaced the roof 20 years ago. It was never done right and large puddles of water would pool on the roof after a heavy rain. I spent many hours up there pushing water down the drain. What a difference with this roof. It drains beautifully even if leaves and acorns gather at the drains which they often do. The crew was punctual, knowledgeable and did an amazing job. They knew how to lay this roof and get the right pitch for proper drainage. Just before they arrived, I had my house painted white and they managed to get the old roof off with virtually no marks or mess left behind. The roof went on last October and then we had one of the worst snow storms in DC history. Large amounts of snow sat on the roof. There was never any damage, it drained as it melted and there has never been any leaking into my house which in the past was a frequent ocurrence. We have also had numerous heavy downpours and again, my house is dry. This is a great roofing company. They know what they are doing and take a lot of pride in their final product.

Overall, it has been very good and it has turned out well. They?ve been working closely with the county because it is a new construction home I am building so the county has to inspect things. The weather has delayed things but I?ve been very happy overall.