Houston homeowner Donna Johnson says a $31,000 roof from Ruff Roofing began leaking after the first rain. Independent inspectors reported that flashing was apparently not replaced, and they found soft decking, lifted shingles and exposed nails. The company owner acknowledged responsibility while the BBB has assigned an F rating and referred complaints to the Harris County Attorney's Office, which is now investigating.
Houston Homeowner Says $31,000 Roof Leaked After First Rain; Inspectors Say Flashing Was Never Replaced
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Houston-area homeowner Donna Johnson says she paid $31,000 for a new roof from Ruff Roofing that began leaking after the first rain. Independent inspectors who later examined her home reported that a vital component — the flashing — appeared never to have been replaced, leaving old, rusty metal visible in the attic despite new shingles on the roof.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors documented several serious defects they say likely contributed to the leaks: old rusty flashing left in place, soft spots in the decking, lifted shingles and exposed nails. Because flashing helps stop water from getting behind shingles and into vulnerable parts of a home, its omission was described as a major failure.
Johnson said the leaks began soon after Ruff Roofing installed her roof on Aug. 19 and persisted despite a December repair visit she says did not fix the problem. "It was coming here, and it was coming over there," she told KPRC Click2Houston, describing water entering the house each time it rained.
Company Response And Wider Complaints
Ruff Roofing owner Ala Ababneh told reporters, "I take full responsibility and accountability," and added that employees "should never have told her they knew how to do roofs on stucco homes." The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports Ruff Roofing is among the five most complained-about roofing companies in the Houston area and currently carries an F rating.
Leah Napoliello of the Houston BBB said the agency sees a pattern of complaint issues, including problems that emerge months after installation and difficulty getting the company to respond to follow-up requests. The BBB also flagged unusually positive reviews that appear to trace back to the owner or company employees rather than independent customers.
Financial And Legal Follow-Up
Other homeowners reported mounting costs after work began. Customer Charles Smith said Ruff Roofing added $15,000 in decking charges after his shingles had already been removed. Ababneh acknowledged to GoodLeap that he had told Smith the project was finished and that monthly loan withdrawals had begun. At 12.99% interest, a $15,000 loan would total $34,882.20 by 2040.
The Harris County Attorney's Office opened an inquiry after the BBB referred complaints. Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin urged anyone who hired Ruff Roofing and believes they did not receive the work they paid for to come forward. "We can absolutely file lawsuits. We can seek penalties. We can seek fines. We do what we can to hold them accountable," she said.
What Homeowners Should Do
If you suspect poor or incomplete roofing work: document damage and communications, obtain an independent inspection, keep estimates and photos, and consider filing a consumer fraud report with the Harris County Attorney's Office or a complaint with the BBB. Consulting a licensed contractor or attorney can help clarify repair responsibilities and remedies.
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