Homeowners Association vs Metal Roofing

The history of Homeowner's Associations (HOA's) dates to the 1960's and they really took off in the late 1970's. Back then metal roofing was limited to primarily through fastener (barn style) panels and some standing seam. Either way the look was long straight metal panels not necessarily as pleasing to the eye as wood shake, tile or slate roofing. In the 70's and 80's, shake, tile and slate were about as fashionable as you could get, and HOA's preferred their look and resale value over composition and other less expensive options. Therefore, CC&R's (Convenants, Conditions and Restrictions) were written to include very specific roofing choices - mostly shake, tile and slate, excluding metal or composition roofing.

Now times have changed. Metal roofing comes in many styles, including those that mimic shake, tile and slate. Even the new standing seam panels are used on some of the highest end homes in our area. And funny thing, those roofs put on in the 70's and 80's are starting to fail. Although attractive, not very durable for this area. Not so funny, HOA's are finding it hard to accept metal roofing as an alternative to the roofing in their "original" CC&R's.

That's where we come in. We are here to help educate HOA's about the "vast" choices of metal roofing with several reasons to make the switch. Most have Energy Star Ratings and qualify for the Energy Tax Credit. Metal roofing is made from recycled materials and completely recycleable at lifes end. Most come with extended warranties (up to Lifetime) and last far longer than any other roofing choice. Their maintenance is minimal and in this area stand up to moss, tree pollen and pine needles! They maintain their look for years and years to come without chipping, fading, warping, cracking or breaking (like some of the other choices!).

If you are an HOA or a homeowner trying to plead your case to an HOA, please let us help you. It is very hard to dispute the benefits of metal roofing, and once you compare it to roofing in your CC&R, it becomes obvious that the options today stand ready to replace the options of yesteryear.

Sweet and Simple to Sublime!

It's not the size of the job that matters! It all comes down to what you are looking for. When you drive in the driveway, what is it you want to see? How many hours do you want to spend "maintaining" and do you really want to go through the replacement process again in 10 to 20 years? If you want to see the longlasting, low maintenance beauty of a metal roof....we can help you. Whether your job is big or small, sweet, simple or sublime, we can help you! Your project is as important to us as it is to you!

Going up Up UP

All of our manufacturer's have reported additional price increases expected to happen in March. We just had an increase on February 1st, but we were able to absorb most of the cost with only a few products increasing slightly. It looks like the next increase will effect all panels and flashings. These increases are being driven by higher raw material costs for iron ore, metallurgical coal and scrap, as well as the limited amount of import steel coming into the US. All quotes currently outstanding are good through March 14, 2010, and will have to be revised after that date.

Iron Ox EXPOSED!

The top picture is a comparison of ASC Building Products IRON OX metal roofing/siding panel. This panel is cold-rolled steel, and meant to weather like old barn roofing. The panel on the top left is right off the roll form machine, and the rusting was caused by the flat sheet being outside. The top middle panel was outside for 1 month in the middle of our hot summer, with very little moisture. The panel on the top right (and in the bottom picture) was outside from July to December, laying flat on the ground, over some wood. Interesting fact, both sides of the panel have virtually the same amount of rusting - so my hypothesis, it is the moisture in the air as much as the moisture on the panel (unscientific of course!). The rust color is amazing, but do plan for the run-off. Check out the link to Country Rustic Corrugated, this is a painted panel created to resemble the rusted Iron Ox. Country Rustic is a great alternative if rust run-off is a problem.

How Did We Do?

Did we install your new metal roof?
Did we provide you with a materials package and you did it yourself?
How is your roof holding up?
How did our crews do?
Did you feel high pressure during the sales portion of your project?
Do you have suggestions for the wary?

If you have worked with our company and want to share your experience, your comments will help others who are trying to find a metal roofing company they can trust. We hope you enjoyed your total experience, but we honestly want to hear from you either way!