After Hurricane Rita damaged their townhomes, Lamplighter Townhouse Association hired Specialty Restoration of Texas. Following Hurricane Ike, the association learned that the roof had been poorly constructed.
Under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Lamplighter filed suit against Specialty Restoration on Nov. 15 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the petition, Lamplighter is a non-profit association of owners of townhomes located in Port Arthur. The facility is now known as The Shire.
Several months after Rita struck, Lamplighter contracted with Specialty Restoration to replace the townhome building's roof on March 1, 2006, at a total cost of $762,074.
In September 2008, Hurricane Ike hit the area, once again damaging the building's roof. On March 18 a Texas Department of Insurance agent informed the association that the roof did not meet current department standards and Lamplighter would have to replace the whole roof to obtain windstorm coverage.
In its suit, Lamplighter claims most of the roof's fasteners are located above the proper nailing zones and the starter shingle was improperly installed.
The association alleges Specialty Restoration breached its contract and committed fraud by installing a below standard roof.
Lamplighter is seeking treble damages and is represented by Port Arthur attorney Lance Bradley.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. D188-804