You've done your research. You've gotten 5 or 6 quotes. You've picked a roofer you trust, and you've agreed on a fair price. The crew shows up, and the job begins. Then, you get "the call."
The foreman pulls you aside, or the owner phones you with a somber tone. "We started the tear-off," he says, "and we found a... problem." For a homeowner in the middle of a roof replacement, no words are more terrifying than: "You've got extensive dry rot." Your heart sinks. You immediately see dollar signs-not just a few, but thousands. This is the great unknown of roofing, the moment where you are completely at the mercy of your contractor. You have no roof, a pile of debris in your yard, and a contractor who just found a "problem" that's going to cost you.
This is the exact scenario that gives shady contractors their power. They know you're in a vulnerable position, so they hit you with an inflated, non-negotiable price for the "extra work." At Affordable Roofing Systems, we handle this differently. We believe that how a company deals with the "unexpected" is what defines its character.
What is Dry Rot, Anyway?
First, let's demystify it. "Dry rot" (which is a bit of a misnomer, as it needs moisture to start) is a fungus that digests the cellulose in wood, making it brittle, weak, and structurally unsound. It's what happens when water gets trapped under your shingles and sits on the wooden decking for years. We see it all the time. A small, undetected leak around a vent pipe slowly soaks the plywood sheathing. By the time you notice a stain on your ceiling, the wood underneath has been compromised. It's a common problem in older homes, but it must be fixed. You cannot put a new 30-year roof on top of a rotten foundation.
Our Process: Transparency vs. Fear
So, what happens when we find dry rot?
1. We Don't Panic. We Document.
The moment our crew spots a soft or discolored sheet of plywood, we stop. We don't just rip it out and add it to a bill. We'll show you the damaged areas. If you're home, our team will get you, show you the problem, and let you see and touch it for yourself.
2. Surprises aren't a profit center.
We never aim to profit from dry rot. We are as sad about discovering dry rot as you are, and we'll clearly communicate the cost to repair it. There's no "gotcha" moment or vague "time and materials" charge that could spiral out of control. That is our promise. We're not happy that you have dry rot, but we are prepared for it, and we will charge you a fair, pre-negotiated price to fix it.
3. We Fix it Right.
We don't just patch over the problem. Our crew will cut out the compromised wood, inspect the rafters underneath to ensure they are sound, and install new, solid plywood decking. We then seamlessly integrate it with the rest of the roof, ensuring your new roof has a solid, secure foundation to rest on for the next 30+ years.
The "Affordable" in Our Name is About Fairness
When you get multiple bids, the lowest price isn't always the best. A common trick is to lowball the main bid, knowing you'll "make up for it" on the change orders, like dry rot. We don't play that game. Our bids are competitive and "reasonable." But "affordable" also means "fair." It means we won't exploit your bad luck to turn an extra profit. It means we'll treat you with respect and honesty from the first estimate to the final handshake. That's the peace of mind we offer. We hope your roof is in perfect condition. But if it's not, you can be confident that we will identify the problem, show it to you, and fix it for the fair price we agreed to from the very beginning. No games, no high-pressure upselling, no fear. Just a job done right.