Georgetown County denies it acted with negligence in connection to a Delaware woman who fell on a damaged beach walkway in North Litchfield this spring.

Denise Stasulli was visiting the beach April 9 when she fell on the stairs of Walkway 52. A stair board was missing and there was no handrail, according to her lawsuit, which names the county as well as the Litchfield Beaches Property Owners Association as defendants.

Another media outlet reported Stasulli broke her wrist in the fall.

Stasulli is seeking actual and punitive damages and claims the defendantsacted negligently by not maintaining the walkway, which was damaged by Hurricane Matthew, and failing to warn people about the dangerous conditions.

In its answer to the lawsuit, the county denies the allegations and says Stasulli acted with negligence by, among other things, failing to keep a "proper lookout" and "walking in an area that was designated off limits to the public."

The county requests that the suit be dismissed.

After the lawsuit was filed in May, County Councilman John Thomas told the South Strand News the county took steps to make people aware of damaged walkways, including putting up barriers such as caution tape, nailed boards and closed signs.

But people ignored or removed the barriers, Thomas said at the time. Ive personally seen boards with nails ripped down, he said.

The walkways are owned by the county.

Litchfield Beaches Property Owners Association has not filed its answer to the complaint, according to online court records. Court documents show the association was served with a summons and complaint July 24.

County Public Works Director Ray Funnye said Aug. 1 repair work on damaged walkways in North Litchfield is 98 percent complete.

"We have a couple of punch list items that are left to be completed and we'll be finished," he said.

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County denies negligence in beach walkway lawsuit - South Strand news

While Fyre Festivals glamorous Bahamian location and exorbitant ticket prices may mean its still destined to take out the prize for biggest festival screw-up this year, the organisers behind Liverpudlian music event Hope & Glory have plenty to answer for themselves, after the dangerous event was shut down after just a single day.

As NME reports, the 12,500 capacity event was taking place over the weekend with a lineup of well-known British bands set to play, but quickly devolved into another tale of stranded fans, unsafe conditions, and organiser finger-pointing.

Concerns were first raised to police when the festival area became dangerously overcrowded on the first day, with the thousands in attendance complaining of being unable to access basic needs like food, drink and bathrooms, and police announced they were working with stewards at opening up another entrance in an effort to relieve the overcrowding.

Now, in a story with a happy ending, this would be where festival organisers worked with authorities to fix the shortfalls before the festival commenced its second day, and a crisis was averted but no.

Instead, organisers took the drastic step of singling out the events production manager, blaming him solely for the issues and even posting his full name and email address on the event page.

The production manager who did not complete the site in time and did not provide the planned bridged walkways into the garden was Richard Agar, the post read, kicking off a string of events that would quickly lead to the cancellation of the event in the messiest way imaginable.

While festival promoter Lee OHanlon told the Liverpool Echo that steps had been taken to ensure another great day of entertainment, and that the festival would go ahead as planned, the organisers took to Twitter to announce that there would be no festival today, adding in another post that Following the unfair and vitriolic comments, some of us have decided not to proceed.

With what little professionalism was left thrown entirely out the window, local council were left with no choice but to shut the area down and post notices explaining it to attendees as best they could.

The event management company who were responsible for delivering the Hope and Glory event have decided to cancel todays festival, the notices read. Liverpool City Council has no choice but to accept this decision.

Understandably, punters were furious, with one describing it as an absolute shambles, while another compared it to the aforementioned Fyre Festival, but with none of the lols.

Fans reported that tickets cost them 90 (almost $150 AUD), with bands like James, Hacienda Classical (featuring members of the Happy Mondays), Razorlight, Ocean Colour Scene, The Fratellis, The View, Reverend and the Makers, Badly Drawn Boy, The Pigeon Detectives and more, but hardly any of the punters were even able to navigate to the stages on the first day, and transport from the venue was also deemed a nightmare.

Can you see us in at the hope and glory festival from your tower? one fan tweeted at a local radio station, pretty much summing it up: We are basically trapped. So dangerous.

Now, in the wake of the fallout, the festivals Twitter account is demonstrating the worst way of going about explaining the situation to disgruntled music-lovers, offering petulant responses amid claims theyve been threatened with physical violence.

They have promised a full official statement of some kind, but for now are directing refund requests to ticketing companies.

While we await an explanation of how and why the event went so horribly wrong, for now it seems to be another example of organisers making some serious planning errors, and then shooting themselves in the foot by throwing the PR handbook out the window.

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Like Fyre Festival but with none of the lols UK festival disaster goes from bad to worse - The Industry Observer

MARGATE Three days after a deluge created a lake behind a newly built sand dune at Delavan Avenue, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun pumping the stagnant water over the dune.

We expect our contractor to begin pumping water out of the basins sometime today, Army Corps spokesman Stephen Rochette said Tuesday morning. The lake, which formed after a 5-inch rainfall Saturday, remained 15 inches deep in places Tuesday.

Rochette said the state and Army Corps collaborated on the plan, which uses submersible pumps to pump the water over the dunes, allowing it to flow into the ocean.

The Army Corps would also build temporary elevated walkways between the bulkhead and the dune, he said.

Over the weekend, beachgoers had to trudge through knee-deep water and jump over washed-out walkways to get to the ocean side of the dune. The city erected no-swimming signs to warn people about the dangers of swimming in the water, which is not protected by lifeguards.

Since then, Margate Beach Patrol Chief Greg Smallwood has closed off all access points at street ends that lead to the standing water. Caution tape has been put across the steps to keep people out of standing water he said was a public health threat.

The citys Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting 11 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall to discuss the possibility of hiring outside counsel to institute legal action against the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps.

Some residents believe they need to find a better solution to getting rid of the water and protecting the beach.

Its a disgrace. Pumping doesnt do anything, said Michael Fishbein. They need a remedy. Its a short-term fix. When it rains, its going to happen again.

More permanent and more proven effective measures like jetties and bulkheads are a one-time project, said Vincent Castronuovo, 67, of South Argyle Avenue. They are more expensive but last longer, work better and are also effective at eliminating future sand-moving projects.

Fishbein, 64, has lived on the 100 block of South Barclay Avenue for 14 years. Hes afraid of whats going to happen to the sand underneath.

The water is getting more and more stagnant, filling up with bird feces and becoming more and more polluted, said Fishbein. Its creating a public health hazard.

Rochette said the Army Corps is also considering filling in some of the basins created as part of the project.

Contractors had scraped away several feet of sand over a 100-foot-wide area from the bulkhead to the toe of the dune to essentially create a detention basin that would hold stormwater temporarily. Army Corps engineers said any water that collected in that area would percolate into the ground within 24 to 36 hours.

Were still determining next steps on potentially filling in the basins to a different elevation, Rochette said.

About 60 residents held a protest Sunday atop the dune demanding the state and Army Corps fix their beach.

The project is part of the $63 million Absecon Island project. Margates initial replenishment and dune construction may be 100 percent funded by federal post-Sandy emergency money. The project calls for the construction of nearly 13-foot-tall dunes on the barrier island.

The city filed to obtain an injunction in federal court but received only a partial victory in trying to stop the project.

A federal judge ruled the state would have to file to take easements needed to build the dune by using the federal governments eminent domain law, but that the city did not provide enough evidence to prove the project would create a public nuisance.

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Margate holds public meeting to discuss dunes project | Top Stories ... - Press of Atlantic City

From decluttering your home to having it professionally staged, there are a number of ways to potentially decrease the amount of time it spends on the market -- and not all of them need to cost an arm and a leg.

Kitchen remodels are one such improvement that should be kept simple and cost-effective. Sellers should aim to enhance the visual appeal of their kitchen without going overboard, real estate experts say.

According to Cedric Stewart, team leader of Entourage RG in the Washington D.C. area, sellers shouldn't spend more than 10 percent of their home's value on a kitchen remodel.

Making improvements to increase the homes value is a delicate process, Stewart told Quicken Loans ZING blog.

Fully renovated kitchens with high-end appliances and finishes usually get folks excited and a nod of approval from appraisers, but one must be careful not to overdevelop the home," he said, adding that"clean, modern, functional kitchens sell faster in todays market.

To help your home sell faster, real estate experts like Stewart recommend focusing on projects that will enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen. These can help make a good first impression on potential buyers, making them more likely to make an offer.

In its blog, Quicken Loans names several kitchen upgrades that can enhance the look of your kitchen without driving up costs.

Originally posted here:
Remodeling your kitchen for resale - ConsumerAffairs

You have heard it said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but in the world of real estate does it still remain number one in the heart of the buyer? Sellers take note: the answer is a resounding yes. However, your local REALTOR is a good resource to consult before diving in to an expensive and life altering kitchen renovation. Most real estate experts would advise that the cost of your kitchen should reflect your home and your neighborhoods market value. Another consideration would be how soon you are planning to sell after a remodel.

Outdated kitchens make it difficult to sell a home, but many cringe at the thought of upending life to get that dream kitchen. Good news from Remodeling Magazines Cost vs. Value Report 2017: A minor kitchen remodel (averaging around $20,000) showed an 80.2 percent return on investment while a major kitchen remodel (averaging around $60,000) held a 65.3 percent return on investment.

With this in mind, here are SEVEN ways to put your homes kitchen in the plus column for a buyer:

Visit http://www.talktotucker.com/talk for more tips on prepping your home for sale.

SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY FC TUCKER

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A Cook's Kitchen: 3 Top Kitchen Trends Important to Buyers - WISH-TV

It is our sincere hope that this information will help you learn about metal roofing, and assist you in researching a new roof for your home.

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing segments of home improvement more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. The benefits offered by todays metal roofs allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with products of lasting value. Learn about the benefits of a metal roof.

Lets take a look at a few reasons why a Classic Metal Roof the most environmentally friendly roof you can buy. Learn why metal roofing is environmentally friendly.

Review a study presented by a homeowner in Indiana after his new energy-efficient cool metal roof was installed in early 2011. See a case study of energy savings.

Metal is a safe and environmentally responsible choice for a fire resistant roof. Classic Metal Roofing Systems is the leader in producing fire safe roofing for residential applications. Learn more about Fire Resistant Roofs

Do metal roofs bring special ventilation needs or condensation concerns when installed on homes? The general answer is no but there is more than a simple answer. Learn more about Metal Roofing and Ventilation

On virtually any structure, nothing has more potential to enhance the total building energy efficiency than the roof. And nothing creates a better canvas for energy production than the roof. Learn more about Solar Energy and Metal Roofing

Learn more about the various residential roofing alternatives available, and their pros and cons, including Asphalt, Fiberglass and Composition Shingles, Wood Shingles and Wood Shake, and Clay Tile and Concrete Tile. Learn the pros & cons of other roofing materials.

Youve got questions, and weve got answers! See our responses to some of our most frequently asked questions. Get the answers to frequently asked questions about metal roofing.

Metal roofing is available in many styles and colors, some you might not be aware of. View a photo gallery of residential homes with wood shake style metal roofs, metal roofs that look like 'clay tile', standard shingle style metal roofs, and traditional "standing seam" style roofing. See photo galleries of various metal roofing styles.

The terminology used when talking with a metal roofing contractor can be confusing. Our Metal Roof Glossary will help you understand the terms, and help you make intelligent decisions. Learn metal roofing terminology.

Here's everything you need to help you research getting a metal roof. It includes access to our informative Homeowners Guide To Roofing, our Roofing Needs Profiler to help identify if a metal roof is right for you, our Metal Roofing Visualizer so you can see your home with a metal roof, and a great resource to Ask An Expert about your specific roofing issue. Check out our Research Toolbox

Hosted by Todd Miller, these short, easy-to-understand video segments will teach you everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision about metal roofing. Watch the Metal Roofing 101 video series.

Got a roofing or ventilation question? With over 25 years of experience in the development, manufacturing and installation of quality, lifetime roofing systems, Todd Miller can help you navigate the issues of roofing your home. Get answers to your roofing questions.

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About Metal Roofing - Classic Metal Roofing Systems

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Best Roofing has opened a location in Miami to better serve our growing Commercial RoofingMiami-Dade customer base. With over 35 years in the business, we are committed to continuously improving our facilities and providing our clients with excellent service. Our company's dedication to quality work and customer service consistently places us as an elite contractor with the industry's top manufacturers such GAF, Carlise, and Firestone, a title held by few contractors nationwide.

What that Means for You!

While we've always serviced Miami- Dade county clients, by having a physical facility in Miami we will save our clients time & money and assure a quicker response and arrival time.

What We DO!

Best Roofing works on condominiums, academic institutions, industrial facilities, medical buildings, office parks and shopping centers, government facilities, and many more, with a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Our services include:

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Address:

4995 NW 77th Ave. Miami, FL 33161Phone: (888)-592-9696Email:info@bestroofing.net

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Commercial Roofing Miami | Best Roofing

RANKED 55 BY ROOFING CONTRACTOR MAGAZINE

Total Home Roofing has been recognized nationally as one of the Top 100 Roofing Contractors by Roofing Contractor magazine. The team at Total Home Roofing consists of the most reliable and experienced roofers serving the Brevard County, Orlando and Daytona Beach, Florida area.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA Total Home Roofing has been recognized nationally as one of the Top 100 Roofing Contractors by Roofing Contractor magazine.The team at Total Home Roofing consists of the most reliable and experienced roofers serving the Brevard County, Orlando and Daytona Beach, Florida area.

A special thanks to the tireless efforts of the entire Total Home Team members, and of course our amazing customers, for helping elevate our humble little roofing company to national levels, said owner Kevin Delaney.

Total Home Roofing has grown to become among the largest and most trusted residential roofing companies in the country, with offices in Cincinnati, Orlando, Brevard and Volusia counties.

Total Home Roofing hasmore than200 employees, and as one of Central Floridas largest and most respected roofing contractors, strives for 100percent customer satisfaction. (See testimonials below)

From our knowledgeable roofing consultants, to our highly trained courteous and respectful roofing crews, Total Homesgoal is to handle all the stress and frustration of any major construction project, said Delaney.

Total Home Roofingfeatures roofing, re-roofing and roof repair services and always provide theirclients with the highest quality workmanship in the industry.

Total Home Roofing takes great pride in ensuring your satisfactionand appreciates all the feedback theyreceive.

TOPS IN AMERICA: The team at Total Home Roofing, led by owner Kevin Delaney, consists of the most reliable and experienced roofers serving the Orlando, Brevard and Daytona Beach Florida area. Total Home Roofing features roofing, re-roofing and roof repair services and always provide their clients with the highest quality workmanship in the industry. CALL 321-394-8850 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

Check out some of Total Home Roofingsrecent work and see what theirclients are saying about them:

Just do yourself a favor, you will be glad you hired them. They explained and answered all my concerns and questions. They were prompt and attentive with concerns and placed the missing fascia. They replied to my emails right away, and were very considerate. This roofing company works hard to make their customers happy. I will recommend them to my friends and family. James W.: Winter Park, Florida

Just do yourself a favor, you will be glad you hired them. They explained and answered all my concerns and questions. They were prompt and attentive with concerns and placed the missing fascia. They replied to my emails right away, and were very considerate. This roofing company works hard to make their customers happy. I will recommend them to my friends and family.

James W.: Winter Park, Florida

We received several quotes. Their quote was competitive with their competitors. The price was better than most. The presentation and level of detail during the sales effort was better than the competition. The crew arrived on time each morning. They were professional in every regard. They cleaned the yard each day before leaving. The work quality was superb. It was clear that customer satisfaction was important to them. I recommend them highly. Amy R.: Melbourne, Florida

We received several quotes. Their quote was competitive with their competitors. The price was better than most. The presentation and level of detail during the sales effort was better than the competition. The crew arrived on time each morning. They were professional in every regard. They cleaned the yard each day before leaving. The work quality was superb. It was clear that customer satisfaction was important to them. I recommend them highly.

Amy R.: Melbourne, Florida

FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC! They were very fast, efficient, and in the end a job very well done. All the neighbors were wow-ed as well! Wouldnt consider using anyone else, A++ in my book! Virgil L.: Daytona Beach, Florida

FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC! They were very fast, efficient, and in the end a job very well done. All the neighbors were wow-ed as well! Wouldnt consider using anyone else, A++ in my book!

Virgil L.: Daytona Beach, Florida

Total Homes Roofing had been on several of the same job sites that I had worked on, and I had only heard good things, so when my wife asked for a referral for one of the ladies she works with at her Law firm I gave her the name of Total Home Roofing. My wife and I would highly recommend them to anyone in the Brevard area. Richard C.: Merritt Island, Florida

Total Homes Roofing had been on several of the same job sites that I had worked on, and I had only heard good things, so when my wife asked for a referral for one of the ladies she works with at her Law firm I gave her the name of Total Home Roofing. I was a little nervous because if it didnt go well I would have heard about it for a very long time, and usually when I think about working with a roofing company I get very nervous because of all of the horror stories you hear, but my wife said her co-worker was amazed at how friendly and professional they were and loved the job and working with Jake. My wife and I would highly recommend them to anyone in the Brevard area.

Richard C.: Merritt Island, Florida

I just started working with Total Home Roofing and Construction a few weeks ago and by far this company has the highest dedication level to serve their customers. If you choose to have work done on your home and you are in need of a terrific company that is willing to go above and beyond your needs and expectations this is the company to choose!!! Jessica Coley

I just started working with Total Home Roofing and Construction a few weeks ago and by far this company has the highest dedication level to serve their customers. If you choose to have work done on your home and you are in need of a terrific company that is willing to go above and beyond your needs and expectations this is the company to choose!!!

Jessica Coley

I was home when they wrapped up the job and they had 3 guys with the magnet brooms sweeping for nails. They went all the way around the house 10-12 feet looking for nails. It took them over an hour to sweep for nails which was impressive. Overall, I am very pleased with the work performed and highly recommend Total Home. Total Homes team was responsive to phone calls, emails, and text messages. If you are re-roofing I recommend investigating the OC products and the extended warranty they offer. Jeff Driscoll

I was home when they wrapped up the job and they had 3 guys with the magnet brooms sweeping for nails. They went all the way around the house 10-12 feet looking for nails. It took them over an hour to sweep for nails which was impressive. Overall, I am very pleased with the work performed and highly recommend Total Home. Total Homes team was responsive to phone calls, emails, and text messages. If you are re-roofing I recommend investigating the OC products and the extended warranty they offer.

Jeff Driscoll

Kevin quoted the job within a couple of days of us contacting him and started the job the next week. He was able to get us the dimensional shingle we wanted and stayed in touch with us throughout the job. I was surprised to look outside one day and see him up on the roof with the roofers. He is very thorough! Denise M.: Orlando, Florida

Kevin quoted the job within a couple of days of us contacting him and started the job the next week. He was able to get us the dimensional shingle we wanted and stayed in touch with us throughout the job. I was surprised to look outside one day and see him up on the roof with the roofers. He is very thorough!

Denise M.: Orlando, Florida

During the last rain storm, I experienced a leak from the furnace gas vent above the roof. Since I had used Total Home in the past and was extremely pleased with their work, I didnt hesitate to call them again. They came out and checked out the entire roof and explained where the leak was coming from. They sent out a technician within a couple of days and it was fixed very professionally. When I think of integrity, I think of Total Home. They are outstanding. Jason D.: Orlando, Florida

During the last rain storm, I experienced a leak from the furnace gas vent above the roof. Since I had used Total Home in the past and was extremely pleased with their work, I didnt hesitate to call them again. They came out and checked out the entire roof and explained where the leak was coming from. They sent out a technician within a couple of days and it was fixed very professionally. When I think of integrity, I think of Total Home. They are outstanding.

Jason D.: Orlando, Florida

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Total Home Roofing Honored As a Top 100 Roofing Contractor In America - SpaceCoastDaily.com

Tesla (tsla) said Wednesday that it has finished the first installations of its solar roofs, less than a week after the company's mass-market Model 3 cars started rolling off the production line.

Announced in its second-quarter earnings report, Bloomberg reports that these early adopters of the solar roofs are all Tesla employeesjust like the first Model 3 customers last week. Tesla said that this approach allows the company to smooth the sales and installation process ahead of a wider release to the public.

"I have them on my house, [Chief Technology Officer] J.B. [Straubel] has them on his house," CEO Elon Musk said, according to Bloomberg. "This is version one. I think this roof is going to look really knock-out as we just keep iterating."

The tiles are made to resemble regular high-end roofing material, while sunlight can pass through them onto solar cells thereby producing energy.

First unveiled last October ahead of the automaker's acquisition of solar power equipment maker SolarCity, Musk later said that the solar roof will cost less than conventional rooftops. Tesla has opened online orders since May, allowing prospective buyers to estimate the cost of installing a solar roof after putting down a $1,000 deposit.

Read the rest here:
Tesla Has Installed Its First Solar Roofs - Fortune

SIOUX CITY | A severe June 30 hail storm that dinged most of metro Sioux City also heated up certain sectors of the local economy and drew the interest of numerous outside contractors.

Phones rang off the hook at area auto body shops, insurance agencies, roofing companies and other auxiliary businesses that benefit from the storm's aftermath.

There were reports of golf ball size or larger hail in some Sioux City neighborhoods. The storm left behind piles of the frozen rain pellets large enough to resemble a light snowfall in the middle of summer in areas.

Charese Yanney, owner and managing partner of Sioux City-based Guarantee Roofing, Siding and Insulation Co., said the hail storm may have been the most widespread since a June 1978 that pelted nearly the entire metro area with pellets as large as softballs.

The late June 30 storm was nearly as widespread, sparing only portions of the northside and Riverside neighborhoods, she said. It came on the heels of earlier hail storms this summer that caused widespread damage in cities to the north such as Hinton, Iowa, Akron, Iowa and Elk Point, South Dakota.

In the aftermath, Guarantee Roofing and other roofing crews with more work than they can handle in the near future.

"I'm guessing we'll be busy for a couple years," Yanney said Friday. "You're trying to serve a lot of people, but it's hard because you just can't get to everybody at the same time."

Rick Quintana, general manager of ABRA Auto Body & Glass in Sioux City, said he cant recall seeing such an influx of customers after a storm and hes been involved in the business since the late 90s.

Its been kind of nuts around here lately, he said. Were a pretty high volume production shop probably, if not the biggest, one of the biggest in the area and we stay steady all the time.

Weve got a lot of great relationships with our insurance partners, but when something like this happens it completely turns your whole company upside down with the volume of work that comes in from it.

Roughly, Quintana thinks the hail storm has quadrupled his business and he expects to see upwards of 1,000 vehicles before its all said and done.

Local insurance firms also have been overwhelmed by a ton of post-storm calls from clients.

Kendra Hoffman and Brock DeVries are insurance agents with the Farm Bureau Financial Services office in Morningside.

DeVries said theyve been filing a lot of residential and vehicular claims.

"The low number is 150, said DeVries when asked how many claims he thinks he has written since the storm occurred. Thats a low number though. I didnt keep track of them its tough to keep track.

Hoffman noted they still have clients who are still waiting on an adjuster to stop and assess damages.

She knows the process can be frustrating for those on the waiting list, but she and DeVries said the fallout from this storm is not typical.

We appreciate the patience of the members and the clients while we work through this, she said. We are here for you, we will get through this, well return your calls its just been a lot of extra work.

Because of the widespread damage in the region, Yanney noted that many insurers are giving policy holders up to two years to file claims, far longer than under normal conditions.

Yanney, whose family business was founded by her grandfather in 1926, said most of the roofs she and her crews have examined will be fine until they can be replaced, even if it takes two years.

"It's not like they're going to leak tomorrow or the next year or the following year," she said. "

John Cain is the owner of JC Roofing & Insulating, a family-owned South Sioux City-based commercial and residential roofing company thats served the area for a little more than three decades.

Like other local businesses, Cain has been busier than normal since June 30.

Were swamped; its crazy, he said. Weve got appointments out for a couple months and were probably two weeks down from probably being able to even look at a roof right now, but its great.

Cain said since the storm, his office receives 20-30 calls a day.

I hate to see it happen, but its good for business, he said.

While the storm has provided a boom for local businesses, local roofers like Cain and Yanney are concerned by the amount of fly-by-night companies that have popped up in the area offering cheaper services to impacted homeowners.

Thats just the way it is. People come in here, they tell you they're local and they're going to be gone in a few months, Cain said. Soon as winter gets here they are going to be gone.

Next year, everybody is going to be wondering where the heck they are if they got a problem. They can guarantee you the world, but if they arent here to back it up what the hell are you going to do?

In the industry, these types of roofing contractors are called storm chasers or roofing gypsies because they swarm into an area after a calamity and promise cheaper and faster solutions that may not always be beneficial in the long run for homeowners.

According to Angies List, a popular online contractor referral service, storm chasers often do shoddy work, lack proper licensing and insurance and quickly move on to the next storm afflicted community.

Cain is keenly aware of this practice, but until this recent storm, he hasnt seen it as much in Sioux City.

Weve had storms before and Ive seen storm chasers come into town, but never seen the level that there are this time, he said. I dont know if its just not any work anywhere or what it is, but Ive seen dozens of roofers Ive never heard of in town.

With so many people still waiting on estimates or work to commence on their roof, Cain advises locals to be patient, do their research and look for familiar names when choosing their roofer.

Quintana is staffing his auto body shop and office with about a dozen workers to better accommodate customers. Appointments are filled for the next six months, he said.

Ive been in this business and in Sioux City for many, many years and I dont remember one (storm) in recent history that was even remotely close to this, he said. We kind of yearn for the weather in our business icy roads, hail, wind, tree damage, you know stuff like that.

...I hate to capitalize on somebodys misfortune kind of like going to the doctors office, were here if you need us but, man, this one has just really been incredible as far as the volume and amount of work its creating for not (just) us, but the whole industry in our market.

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Hail storm creates boom for some local businesses - Sioux City Journal