Damaged RV Roof due to Repair Shop Negligence
We recently took our camper to what we believed was a reputable repair shop for a roof reseal. Unfortunately, they ended up damaging our roof so severely that we were forced to replace it, per the advice of another shop. The damage led to mold growth because the corners were not properly caulked, allowing leaks to develop. To make matters worse, they also made a two-inch cut through several layers of the membrane and left debris in the caulk. This cut appeared to be caused by them slipping with a knife while removing the old caulk, yet they failed to inform us about it.
The debris they left behind included carpet fibers, likely from knee pads they used, and even the nozzle from the caulk tube. It was a carelessly executed job overall.
After weeks of denying responsibility, the shop finally agreed to redo the work, but only if we drove the RV 60 miles back to them. At that point, I had lost all trust in their ability to complete the job correctly, so I requested a refund instead.
To make matters worse, their insurance has denied my claim, even after I submitted photos and a written statement from the new shop that replaced the now moldy roof. Is there anything else I can do to resolve this situation?
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience with the repair shop. It sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful. Here are a few steps you might consider taking moving forward:
Document Everything: Make sure you have all your documentation organized. This includes photos of the damage, any written communication with the repair shop, invoices or receipts, and the report or statement from the new shop that replaced the roof due to mold.
Contact a Consumer Protection Agency: Depending on where you live, local consumer protection agencies or the Better Business Bureau may be able to help. They can mediate disputes and might provide additional resources or guidance on how to proceed.
Consider Legal Action: If you’re not getting anywhere with the repair shop or their insurance, it may be worth consulting with an attorney, especially if the damage was significant and caused financial harm. They can provide advice on potential claims for negligence or breach of contract.
File a Complaint with the State Licensing Board: If the shop is licensed, you can file a complaint with the state licensing authority. They may investigate the shop’s practices and hold them accountable if found negligent.
Public Reviews and Warnings: While it may not solve your issue directly, leaving a detailed review of your experience on platforms like Google, Yelp, or social media can inform other potential customers about your experience and may pressure the shop to respond more seriously.
Contact Your Insurance: If you have homeowner’s insurance or any relevant coverage, check to see if you have any options for coverage regarding the damage, even if the repair shop’s insurance has denied your claim.
It’s definitely worth pursuing these avenues to seek the compensation or resolution that you deserve. Best of luck, and I hope you find a solution to this frustrating situation!