Do I Need HOA Approval for a Roof Replacement?

By: FL Specialty Team

The roof is the most important part of your home. When it gets damaged, it becomes susceptible to the elements and leaves you and your family unprotected to a certain degree. For most, replacing it is relatively easy; call a company, choose your material, and get the job done. The process isn’t so simple for those living in an HOA, where exterior work requests must go through an approval process.

When you live in an HOA, you agree to abide by their rules and regulations. This means they often have a say in the exterior appearance of your home. While they won’t deny you a new roof, you must follow their guidelines to maintain the neighborhood’s aesthetics.

Here is what you should know about the HOA roof replacement process, how Florida Speciality Roofing can help, and why you should never replace a roof without HOA approval.

When Should You Replace Your Roof?

First, you need to understand the signs that indicate you need a new roof. A roof’s lifespan varies by material, but most tile roofs will last 20 to 40 years on average. If your roof is older than that, or you are suffering from leaks, colors fading, or other issues it is worth replacing. Even if your tile roof appears in good condition and free from broken or cracked tiles, you may have an aging underlayment system that could lead to waterproofing failure down the road. Keep in mind the tiles on your roof here in Florida are not just decorative but performan an important function to both shed water and protect the underlayment system from damaging UV rays.Some other signs you want to watch for include:

Tiles that have slipped, fallen, or come loose from their original placement
Cracked, broken, or split tiles
Excessive fading, color loss, and loss of protective seal
Mortar is cracking, failing, or missing in several areas

Why is HOA Approval Necessary?

Securing HOA approval not only ensures compliance but can also save time and prevent unnecessary complications during home improvement projects.

Maintain Uniformity

HOA communities work to maintain the appearance of the neighborhood. They want homes to have a consistent, uniform look because it helps to maintain the real estate value.

Avoid Fines and Lawsuits

In Florida, failing to obtain HOA approval for major home changes, such as roof replacements, can lead to significant penalties. HOAs are known for strictly enforcing their rules, and violations can result in hefty fines that accumulate daily until the issue is resolved.

In more serious cases, the HOA may take legal action, potentially resulting in lawsuits that could cost homeowners thousands of dollars in legal fees and even require them to undo the unapproved changes. It’s crucial to follow HOA guidelines to avoid these costly outcomes.

Make the Process Faster

Failure to get HOA approval can slow down your roof replacement or cause the project to be postponed entirely.

Can a HOA Make You Replace Your Roof?

As mentioned above, HOAs are concerned with appearances. They want everyone to have similar exteriors by using the same siding and roofing materials with select color options.

If they feel your roof is in bad shape and is negatively affecting the home values in the neighborhood or reflecting poorly on the HOA, they can ask that you repair or replace your roof.

These requests typically come with deadlines, which isn’t something to ignore. You will still need to maintain open communication with the HOA to pass on the roofing contractor’s recommendations and get their approval before beginning any work.

The Process for Replacing a Roof in HOAs

There are only a few extra steps to replacing a roof in an HOA community. The process for residents of these communities breaks down as follows:

1. Review the HOA Guidelines

When you first move into an HOA community, you are sent information regarding the rules, guidelines, and all other pertinent information for the community. This is where you will find the information regarding work requests. This is where you will find your approved roof tile colors and manufactures for your association or neighborhood.

2. Submit Your Request

Approvals aren’t approved automatically; it is something that takes time. HOA committee members have lives and jobs outside of their HOA duties; they need time to get together to review requests. Submit your request promptly, and then be patient while you wait to hear back.

Here at FL Specialty Roofing we can assist in pulling together the documentation or roof tile samples you need in order to submit your request. You will want to review the guidelines and necessary items to submit to ensure your roof product and color selection is approved in a timely manner so you don’t encounter any delays.

3. Find a Licensed Contractor

Once your request is submitted and approved, you need to find a licensed, insured, and certified roofing contractor that is reputable and experienced. Roofing contractors are generally well-versed in asphalt shingle installation, but that doesn’t mean they can install all roofing materials. If your HOA uses a more premium material, like concrete or clay tiles or shake or slate tiles, you will need a contractor who is experienced in using those materials. Otherwise, you will be at risk of having a poorly installed roof. The right contractor will be able to help you with the HOA board.

Florida Speciality Roofing is a licensed and insured roofing company that works with many premium roofing materials. We specialize in composite and tile roofing and with familiarity across clay tile, slate, shake, metal, and flat roofing systems as well. We commonly work with HOA communities throughout Florida and are extremely familiar with the work request process. We can help homeowners navigate it with ease.

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