Out-of-State Roofers' Bad Rap May be Unwarranted

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- When severe weather hits, out-of-state roofing companies can sweep in faster than the storm, but many are legitimate businesses looking to help. The truth is out-of-state roofing companies often times can get your roof on faster than local companies with a back log of business.

"It makes your job harder as soon as they see the Texas plates," Paul Garretson with J.S. Enterprises said.

J.S. Enterprises is a roofing company based out of Houston, Texas. Garretson has been fighting an uphill battle since he came to town last week looking for business trying to convince those who need their roofs repaired he's only here to help.

"People from out of town are not your enemies," said Garretson. "They are not trying to get you or take your money."

Unfortunately, shedding that image can be tough at times, but the reality Garretson says is the work they do is not only guaranteed, but most of it goes to benefitting Oklahoma.

"They are helping the economy, which thoroughly needs it, from problems we've had in the past year, everything stays and revitalizes Oklahoma City, very little goes back to Texas," Garretson said.

"We should welcome the out-of-state roofers that have a good reputation into Oklahoma," Bob Manista with the Better Business Bureau said.

Part of the reason is because Bob Manista, the President of Central Oklahoma's Better Businesses Bureau, says without reputable out-of-state roofing companies it would take months for local roofers to get to everyone's home.

"Nobody is going to that they are out here out of the goodness of their heart, they are chasing a dollar, that doesn't make them a bad guy," Manista said.

One question that those with J.S. Enterprises say they get a lot is who will fix their roof if something goes wrong and they have already left town. They say customers need to know that a good company like theirs will have their shingles come with a warranty, that way the manufacture will make sure their roof is repaired.