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TOPIC: Research/Data

Architectural Committee Objections

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I have just started construction of a high-end home in the Juniper Ridge area of Mammoth Lakes CA., which is a large ski area in the Eastern Sierras. Though the CC&Rs list metal roofs as one of the acceptable materials, and nearly half of the existing homes in the development employ such roofs, the sole active member of the committee seems to have taken it upon himself to eliminate them in future homes. I am determined to have a metal roof on my vacation home and would very much appreciate help in rebutting his objections, which are listed below: 1) "In general, the cheaper houses in town and the less well-designed houses at Juniper Ridge have metal roofs, and this would work at cross purposes to JRAC's criteria that a design be 'esthetically pleasing' and therby enhance the value of the whole project. The use of a metal roof in Mammth is old, tired and cheap." 2) "The reflection of the sun twice during substantial parts of the year cause an unpleasant intrusion into neighbor's houses and upon passers-by, this is best demonstrated by the roof of the house on lot 25 reflecting into the house on lot 26. The reflection of your roof also into the house on lot 26 will not be allowed and you would not want the houses on lots 23 and 24 to reflect the sun into your house either. We need to be good neighbors and shakes will help." Note that the house on lot 25 is to the south and below the house on lot 26, and the lot 25 roof reflects to the lot 26 view windows and deck. Based on the angle of reflection of my roof to the side of the lot 26 house, I have calculated that on the worst day of the year -- summer equinox -- my roof may reflect onto the side windows from around 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. This assumes of course that the reflectivity of a metal roof is a lot worse than a shake roof. I would appreciate any data comparing the reflectivity of metal and shake roofs, as well as information regarding finishes and treatments that would minimize this problem.
Guest User

8/8/2001
Yesterday, the Metal Roofing Alliance held a meeting of its members. After the meeting, several of us talked about this issue. Generally, ARB's and various association committees have been quite receptive to metal roofing, once they understand that metal roofing is not necessarily what they think it is. However, the fears that you mentioned are very common concerns to come from an ARB. The purpose of an ARB is to maintain an attractive and pleasant neighborhood and to uphold property values. Today's residential metal roofs meet these goals very well. As you can see on the MRA website, there are several companies manufacturing shake and tile facsimile products. While I think it would be in the best interest of your neighborhood to allow all types of metal roofing, it might be easiest to initially have them approve these types of specialty products. Some of the manufacturers whose products you might investigate are: ATAS Int'l, Gerard Roofing Technologies, Tasman Roofing, Dura-Loc, Classic Products, and Metro Roofing Products. By going through the website, you can link to these and other manufacturers. As for gloss, there are a wide variety of coatings available today in additional to "mill finish" appearance products. Many manufacturers are using paint finishes that are extremely low gloss and low sheen. These are often called "matte" or "satin" finishes. Just the same, even standard gloss finishes do develop dirt and grim in a few months that kills any initial gloss. (Imagine putting your car outside and not washing it for several months.) Additionally, several manufacturers of shake and tile look products are using "stone coatings" that have virtually no noticeable gloss. Also, there are new powder coatings and "two-tone" coatings that also have a soft, low-gloss, muted appearance. If you use the MRA website to choose a product or products that interest you, you can then contact the manufacturer(s) direct and they'll be glad to discuss these issues and even help you make a good presentation to your ARB. A quality metal roof serves to enhance any home's value and beauty. Metal roofing is quickly becoming a product of choice for all types of homes, including upscale homes, across the country. Thank you very much. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

8/8/2001
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Guest User

2/11/2002
Maybe your board ought to look into restricting the sun during daylight hours so that there is no reflection into neighbors homes!! Sheez, aesthetically pleasing is a very subjective measure at best. You might want to mention to your board about the fire hazzards of cedar shakes, the potential chemical and environmental hazzards associated with fire retardant treatments, the allowance of metal as past practice, and the potential for restraint of trade law suites. I've dealt with this type of objections in my own community boards and typcially I find that their preference for a particular building material is the result of a manufacturer, or contractor having an un-due influence in the rule making bodies (talk about conflict of interest). Your other option is to become a member of the board so that there is a balanced opinion to the decisions. Personally, I think an attractive metal roof is much better looking than old, grey, cracked cedar shingles any day !
Guest User

2/11/2002
Just heard a report on NPR this morning regarding the many issues of fighting and preventing building damage resulting from the wild fires currently occuring. With the Feds new policy of letting naturally occuring fires run thier coarse comes the problem of property damage. One of the Federal Forest Fire Managers indicated that the new regs are encouraging the use of metal roofs for structures that are on the "wilderness/urban interface" as it was reffered to.
Guest User

6/27/2002