If you live in a gated community or one with strict HOA rules, you may have wondered about limitations for a roof remodel. But metal roofing is actually becoming more popular in these neighborhoods. Because it offers superior protection against many severe weather threats, some states have even enacted laws prohibiting HOAs from banning metal roofing.
Don’t assume you can’t have a metal roof if you have to follow HOA rules. If you’re not protected by Florida or Texas laws, you may still get the weather-resistant, attractive metal roof you want by knowing how to present your choice to community decision-makers.
Florida SB 600 is a Game Changer for Homeowners
For a long time, HOAs balked at metal roofing for homeowners. They claimed it was too noisy and not attractive enough to meet their communities' standards.
That’s all changed now, though. First, metal roofing is no longer noisier than other roofing materials. And it’s available in a range of hues and profiles that mimic traditional shingles, tiles, and shakes. Even better, in some states, the right to choose metal roofing is now protected by law.
In 2024, the state of Florida passed Senate Bill 600, a piece of landmark legislation for homeowners. The bill—a continuation of HB 293—determined that HOAs can no longer prevent property owners from installing metal roofs. As long as the roof meets local building codes, it must be allowed. The only input the HOA may have is requiring the color or style to be consistent with the community’s overall aesthetic.
Similarly, Texas Property Code §202.011 says that HOAs may not prohibit roofing materials that:
- Provide hail and wind resistance
- Improve cooling and heating efficiency.
Like in Florida, HOAs in Texas may only involve themselves in aesthetic choices with roofing materials that meet durability standards.
With the uptick in extreme weather events over the last decade, homeowners can probably expect similar regulations to appear in other states, especially in hurricane- and fire-prone areas. Related building codes do allow some materials deemed unsafe to be banned. For instance, Los Angeles County implemented new wood-roofing guidelines due to wood’s combustibility and a surge in wildfire disasters.
Why Homeowners Want Metal Roofing Today
Property owners in states at risk of severe weather and fire have discovered that metal roofing provides better protection than most traditional roofing materials.
Weather and Fire Resistance
Metal roofs offer strong protection against a range of weather threats. If you choose the right brand of stone-coated metal roofing, you can enjoy:
- Impact resistance warranty for hailstones as large as a tennis ball (2.5 inches in diameter)
- Wind coverage for wind uplift at hurricane force speeds of up to 120 miles per hour
- Warranty coverage from wind-driven rain in wind as heavy as 110 miles per hour
- The highest possible Underwriters Laboratories (UL) fire rating (Class A)
- Resilience against sagging from heavy snow and ice dams from freeze-thaw cycles
Durability
As you might expect from roofing with such great weather resistance, metal roofing is also extremely durable. It typically lasts two to three times longer than traditional roofing.
Roof remodels can be costly and disruptive. But imagine only doing one roof remodel for the rest of your life when you choose a metal roof!
Other Advantages to Metal Roofing
As if those benefits weren’t enough, there are other reasons to switch to metal roofing:
- Low maintenance and resistance to rust, mold, and oxidation
- Can be installed during winter, unlike asphalt shingles
- In most cases, it can be installed over shingles without a tear-off
- Can hold the weight of solar panels for further energy savings
- Sustainability—recyclable when the roof has finished its lifecycle
Tips to Get a Metal Roof Approved by Your HOA
You might be wondering how to get your HOA or gated community to approve a metal roof for your next roof remodel. If you don’t live in Florida or Texas, where there is better legal protection for metal roofing, are you at the mercy of the board? Here are some tips to help increase your chances of approval:
- Know your HOA rules about roofing colors and profiles. For example, your association might require everyone to have a terracotta-colored roof made of or replicating clay tile.
- Have your roofing contractor double-check local building codes to see which metal roofing products are permitted.
- Go prepared to your HOA meeting when seeking approval. Provide them with information about the roofing you’re proposing, including impact, fire, and wind resistance ratings, as well as warranties.
- Remind HOA decision-makers that metal roofing offers superior durability. Also, it can increase property value, which is always a concern with HOAs.
- Join other neighbors who want metal roofing for their roof remodels. You’ll have more support for your request if others feel the same way.
- Bring a sample of the roofing material with you to your meeting. That way, everyone involved in the approval process can see its strength and curb appeal.
Request a Free Sample Today
DECRA stone-coated metal roofing checks all the boxes mentioned above. And it’s a popular choice among homeowners who must work within HOA guidelines.
Need a sample to take to your HOA meeting? We’re happy to send you a complimentary one.
Even better, you can use our online visualization tool to see what DECRA metal roofing would look like on your home. Then you can show your HOA or gated community exactly how beautiful a DECRA roof looks to boost your chances of approval.
