When the Lawyers Arrive Before the Ladder

Originally published on Medium

This article continues my documented experience with Rackley Roofing (R.D. Herbert & Sons) in Tennessee.
It explores how a simple roof-repair dispute turned into a legal exercise in silence—and what that says about accountability in contracting.

Summary

When water began leaking through a five-year-old metal roof, I expected another repair visit. Instead, Rackley Roofing sent lawyers before they sent a ladder.

What started as a service request became a test of integrity. After I supplied proof of workmanship errors, communication stopped. Months later, their legal team offered $10,000 — roughly one-third of repair costs on just the roof in exchange for complete confidentiality. Signing would have meant never speaking publicly about the issue again.

I declined. Accepting the offer might have gotten us a small portion of money recovered, but it would have buried the truth. Since then, I’ve documented everything through photos, inspection reports, and official filings with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors and the Better Business Bureau.

This part of the story examines what happens when companies use legal process to protect reputation instead of workmanship—and how consumers can respond by staying visible, factual, and persistent.

Key Takeaway

Fairness doesn’t come from institutions alone; it comes from people who refuse to be silent. Integrity sometimes costs more than repairs, but it pays back in peace of mind.

Ongoing Transparency

The licensing-board review remains active. I’ll continue sharing verified updates, documentation, and outcomes through official channels and my Medium series.
Read the full story on Medium →