How to Convince Your HOA to Allow You to Use a Metal Roof

By McElroy Metal

Metal Roofing That Looks Like Shingles

Metal roofs come with a long list of benefits. That’s why it’s no surprise they’re the second most popular roofing type in the U.S. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) recently shared that for new construction, metal roofing’s market share doubled from 4% in 2018 to 8% in 2019.

Not only can it protect your home against hurricanes, hail, and wildfires, a metal roof can replicate a variety of styles such as slate, clay, shake, and asphalt with the differences from a metal roof being very hard to tell from the ground. If you’re interested in a metal roof but live in a neighborhood that has an HOA (homeowner’s association that helps run, manage, and maintain a neighborhood or subdivision), you may come across a roadblock.

Unfortunately, some HOAs do not allow metal roofs due to previous design standards, which were created when neighborhoods or subdivisions were originally built. The good news is there are some steps you can take to convince your HOA to allow you to use a metal roof.

Get to Know the President

Chances are your HOA has a president or a chairman/chairwoman. If you don’t know this individual yet, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself. The next time you see them at a community meeting or around the neighborhood, be friendly, and let them know who you are and where you live.

Call or Email About Your Request

Call your HOA and inform them of your request to place a metal roof on your home. You can also email them if you prefer. Regardless of which method of communication you choose, don’t get defensive. Keep your phone call or email short, polite, and to the point. Let them know that you have been researching roofing materials and have discovered that metal roofing offers homeowners many benefits and wanted to make sure metal roofing is allowed.

Use Facts to Convince

In a perfect world, your HOA would be open to or even excited about the idea of a metal roof on your home. If this doesn’t happen, however, it’s your job to educate them on metal roofing facts they may not be aware of. The more they know about the benefits of metal roofing, the more likely they’ll accept your request. You may want to share that metal roofs are:

• Long-Lasting: Metal roofs can stand the test of time and offer a decades-long service life. This is incredible as traditional shingle roofs typically only last up to 20 years.
• Durable: Metal roofing is more resistant to harsh weather conditions like hail, wind and storms. Metal roofs are often class 4 roofs, meaning they’re more resistant to impact than other types of roofs.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike many other roofing materials, metal roofs do not require expensive maintenance on a regular basis.
• Safe: Metal roofing is fire-resistant. Drifting embers are a major factor in the spread of wildfires and metal roofs help reduce the risk of fire spread. Metal roofs are also no more likely to attract lightning than other materials.
• Energy-Efficient: Since metal roofs reflect (rather than absorb) solar heat, they can significantly reduce cooling costs. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, you can save up to 25% on your utility bills with a metal roof.
• Environmentally-Friendly: In addition to being made of recycled materials, metal roofs are completely recyclable at the end of their lifespans. This is a huge plus as traditional asphalt roofs are petroleum products that are sent to landfills.

Share Images

Your HOA may not be aware of what metal roofs look like so it’s smart to send them a few pictures of the type of roof you’d like to install. This way they can see how nice your new roof will appear in your neighborhood or subdivision. If your HOA is concerned about a metal roof interfering with the area’s aesthetics, a visual representation of one may do the trick. We have a wide selection of metal roofing photos. You can also try out our visualizer and use an image of your home.

Gain Support From Neighbors

While you may be able to convince your HOA that a metal roof is a good option on your own, you’ll find it easier to do so with the support of others. Speak to your neighbors about your proposal for a metal roof and find out whether they’d like to reap the benefits of one as well. If you find that many of them are on board, create a petition to demonstrate that many residents are on the same page. Don’t overlook the power of numbers.

At the end of the day, convincing your HOA to allow you to use a metal roof comes down to patience and persistence. While you may not get the answer you want overnight, there’s a good chance your HOA will agree to your request in time. Best of luck!