New Oklahoma state law protects homeowners in need of roof repair

TULSA - Sandie Speegle's home finally has a new roof, but only after she says a roofing scam left her feeling sour.

"It was very devastating."

Afterwards, another roofing company and area suppliers, got together to replace her roof for free.

Sandie says the previous roofer took off with six thousand dollars, and never finished the job properly.

In fact, Sandie says, he covered vents in the roof, which trapped carbon monoxide inside her home.

Not only was it expensive, but dangerous.

"I could have died, I could have died, I was very sick, I couldn't figure out what was wrong."

But now, the brand new Roofing Contractor Registration Act is aimed at protecting homeowners like Sandie.

"This is going to put a clamp, a good regulation clamp, on roofing contractors, " says Bob Walker, who owns Superior Roofing, the company that came to Sandie's rescue.

"This is just an absolute clear cut case, a good case, why this bill was needed."

The new roofing law requires both in-state and out-of-state roofing contractors to register with the state every year.

They must submit their qualifications, and prove they have workers' comp insurance, and at least a half a million dollars worth of liability insurance.

Contractors breaking the law can be charged with a misdemeanor and be fined $500.

"If that had been in place when I had my roof done, I wouldn't have gone through all that I went through."

The new Registry of Qualified Roofing Contractors will also show any convictions and complaints lodged against a contractor, along with the contractor's response.

Starting January 1st, you can find the list of qualified roofing contractors at the State Construction Industries Board website.

Click here to learn more about the Roofing Contractor Registration Act.