HOA Roofing Guidelines Summarized

Like it or not, many communities use homeowners associations (HOAs) to regulate both structural and aesthetic aspects of the homes built there. In the case of roof regulation, this can actually be beneficial.

The roof is the most important protection your home has. Having a uniform code of appearance and quality control can ensure that your home remains sound, safe, and (let’s be honest) marketable for the community.

The covenants set up between the HOA and the homeowner often include specific guidelines regarding materials, shape, color, repair, and other parameters. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common HOA roofing guidelines, and how you can stay in compliance with your community standards.

What are HOA Roofing Guidelines?

HOA guidelines are put in place by individual homeowners associations to create conformity of look and quality across the board for homes in their community. Roof guidelines can vary from place to place, so it’s important to read the regulations before attempting any repairs or replacement.

When you move in, you typically receive a copy of these guidelines. If you can’t find them or have any questions, it’s best practice to contact the board and ask questions. Find out whether you are required to submit paperwork for approval before completing any repairs or replacement. How long does approval take

Roof Replacements vs Roof Repair

If your roof is damaged, you’ll need to check in with your HOA to find whether they will cover a repair. If not, you may be able to get permission for a repair, but if the damage is severe you may need to replace the roof entirely.

In some cases, an HOA will also require you to replace the existing roof before refinancing or selling your property. In these communities, you will be required to replace the roof regardless of whether there is any damage or not. This can be an issue for some homeowners, which is why it’s important to check the HOA rules before buying into a neighborhood.

If a replacement or repair is necessary, it’s important to talk to the board before starting the process. You don’t want to complete a pricey upgrade and then find out that you aren’t in compliance with the HOA rules. Many will be sticklers to the guidelines, and you’ll end up having to have the work done all over again. Be safe and check first.

What HOA Guidelines Typically Monitor

When it comes time to have your roof work done, there are some aspects that will be closely monitored to ensure community conformity and resale value. Let’s take a brief look at the most common across the board.

Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is a priority for a lot of HOAs. Using the right materials and structure can lower heating bills by 40% and be a big selling point for the community. In recent years, many neighborhoods put a premium on sustainability, and it’s likely to continue to be a priority in the future.

Appearance

Curb appeal and architectural integrity are huge priorities for most communities that have a homeowners association. They want to be sure that the houses are all similar, and that they are of similar quality of repair. This includes regulating the type of materials used, color of the materials, and even structural design. If a prospective buyer views the neighborhood, they want a sense of well-kept conformity.

Having a series of slate grey roofs, then a brick red roof can be jarring to the eye. Same thing when you see a row of well-maintained roofs, then one that has a lot of fading and loose shingles. Some homebuyers find certain neighborhoods appealing because there isn’t an excess of individuality. HOA neighborhoods understand their demographic and work to keep a certain standard in place.

Use of Durable Materials

For resale, it’s important that the roof is made of quality, durable materials that will last. A person just moving in doesn’t want to think about replacing or repairing a roof in the near future. 20-25 years is more of what homebuyers are looking for.

That the Roof is Free From Visible Damage or Wear

In most cases, a homeowner will be called out if their roof shows any sign of wear, fading, aging, or disrepair. This again ties in to curb appeal. The HOA is invested in keeping housing prices at a premium in their community. This means that they will not allow a house in the community to fall into any kind of disrepair.

The roof is both a focal point for appearance, as well as a strong protective feature of the home. Therefore the HOA will be more likely to call out issues for the roof than most any other aspect of the property.

What to Do When You’re Out of Code

If your roof becomes damaged, has been called out for too much wear and tear, or needs to be replaced for sale, the first thing to do is to sit down with an HOA board member to get clear guidance on your community standards. Do not embark on a repair or replacement without being absolutely sure about what you are allowed to do. This can be a costly waste of time.

Next, once you’ve established the appropriate standards for your neighborhood, reach out to a roofing expert like Horizon to match with contractors who can implement these standards. The professionals at Horizon can work within your community guidelines to offer a roof repair or replacement that will not only improve curb appeal, but also ensure that your home is protected from the elements, and saves you money on energy bills.

Horizon Roofing – serving the Orange County, CA area – is your reliable local roofing contractors. We specialize in residential roofing and commercial roofing and have been in the industry for over a decade. We have excellent reviews and look forward to serving your need.

Call us on(714) 328-1967, email us at horizonroofingcompany@gmail.com, or contact us here today.

5 Things To Look For When Replacing a Roof For Your Commercial Business

The importance of the roof for your business cannot be understated. After all, it not only protects your merchandise and expensive commercial equipment but your employees as well.

Not to mention that if your room is run-down or unattractive it can affect your company’s curbside appeal, which may lead your clients to a competitor even though your service may be higher quality.

The average intended lifespan for a roof is around 22 years, so if your roof is within that range or if you notice specific types of damage or wear, it may be time to consider a replacement.

While a costly investment, the value of a sturdy and attractive roof can more than pay for itself.

How Do I Know If I Need a New Roof?

An ineffective roof can result in ineffective insulation, mold, damage throughout the building, and even cause electrical wires to have the potential to spark and start fires, endangering you and your employees.

Other than your roof being at the end of its lifespan, there are other telltale signs that it is time to replace the roof on your commercial building.

Ponding

One pretty significant indicator is fairly easy to notice. If your roof is beginning to sag and collect puddles of water, that is a sign of drainage failure. What’s more, this water weakens the integrity of your roof and will create algae build-up.

If you are not sure whether your roof is retaining water or not, it never hurts to have a building inspector take a look in the event that you are unable to see your roof or the ponding is not as noticeable.

Shingle Wear

Examine your shingles, looking for signs of wear. If several are missing, or if you notice that many of them are cracked, split, or bubbled out, these are signs that you need some work done. If this is consistent along the entire roof, it’s an indicator of the necessity of roof replacement.

Algae collecting along the shingles is another sign and may be a clue that your roof is ponding.

Steel Roofing

If your business has a steel roof instead of shingles, then here are signs you should watch for:

Corrosion
Damaged flashing
Bending, warping, or loose sheets
Missing or loose fasteners
Tears in the metal

While a patch job might work, it will probably look discolored on your roofing and is not a sure-fire way to ensure that your roof is protected from water or other corrosion-causing agents. A replacement job in this situation is far safer.

Unpleasant Odors

If you are getting whiffs of a musty smell around the workplace, it’s probably mold you’re smelling. That means that there is water leakage somewhere and is a sign that your roof is not performing its job adequately. Investigate closely to determine if this means your roof needs replacing.

5 Things To Look For When Replacing a Roof

You’ve seen the signs and know that replacing your roof is the right thing to do for your business and your employees. Here are some things to look for when replacing a roof.

A Professional Roof Replacement Service

One of the most important factors to consider is who is going to do the work. It is crucial to shop around not only to find the best price for your budget but also to determine which company is going to be a quality job and give you the greatest value.

Do your research — figure out which companies are options for you and read their reviews, compare their prices, and narrow down your list.

Once you’re down to a few names, make calls and get a feel for their customer service, values, and how willing the company is to negotiate. Make sure to get a time estimate and learn how the project will affect your business as well.

A Written Contract

Once you’ve settled on a professional company that can meet your needs and budget, get a written contract that shows all the details and stipulations of the contract so that you have it for reference.

Make sure that you understand any warranty information and that this information is also outlined in the document, as well as any other important details.

The contract should be a comprehensive source of all work to be done, methodology, and pricing.

Quality Materials

There are a lot of factors that can go into deciding which materials to use for the roof. Do you want to use the same materials that were used with your previous roof or make upgrades for quality and aesthetic purposes?

As well as the price of different materials, you should consider the environment around your building too. Lots of overhanging trees and other environmental concerns can be determinants as to which type of roofing material will prove most effective for protecting your business.

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used, but metal roofing is built to last longer. Consider your options carefully and ask the opinion of professionals to make the best determination.

Value

Price is important, but so is taking into consideration the value of better roofing. Consider factors such as how certain options can improve the attractiveness of your building to improve curb appeal, which can draw more clients to your business.

Also, spending a little extra can ensure the longevity of your new roof, saving you money down the line as well. Plus, a higher quality roof will add extra protection in the event of severe weather, which can pay off huge by protecting your assets and employees.

Endgame

When the contractor comes for payment, make sure that the entire job is complete. If you haven’t seen the company sweep the area with a huge magnet to collect all the nails and other metal paraphernalia resulting from the construction, you should request that they do so before you provide payment. It’s not only good etiquette but part of the job.

Now that you have your new roof, take steps to ensure that it remains in great shape to stave off the need for a future replacement. Have regular building inspections on it and when needed, provide a little tender loving care to ensure that your new roof lasts longer than that average life span so you can get the most value out of it.

Call us on(714) 328-1967, email us at horizonroofingcompany@gmail.com, or contact us here today.