Couple sues over allegedly defective roof

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans couple is suing a roofing product manufacturer for allegedly selling them defective roofing tiles and voiding their warranty claiming the roof installation company is at fault for the defects.

John and Donna Rontonti filed suit against Tamko Building Products and Elliott Roofing Services in the Orleans Parish Central District Court on May 1.

The Rontontis claim they purchased a roofing material know as “Laramite Slate Composite Shingles” manufactured by Tamko Building Products that were installed by Elliott Roofing Services at their home located at 1776 State St. in New Orleans.

They allege the roofing tiles came with a 50-year limited warranty certificate, but similar to other roofs composed of tiles produced by Tamko that have routinely failed within the first six to seven years their roof failed as well. The Rontontis assert they made demand claims on the defendant for a new roof or the cost of installation of a new roof, but were notified on May 1 that their claim was denied because Tamko is placing the blame for the defective roof on a faulty installation by Elliott Roofing Services.

The defendant is accused of selling and/or installing a defective product.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for devaluation of the home, loss of sale price of the property, attorney’s fees and court costs.

The Rontontis are represented by James F. Willeford of the New Orleans-based Willeford Law Firm.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Lloyd J. Medley.

Case no. 2013-04166.