Are Metal Roofs Protected?

I was considering this comment made back some time ago about clotheslines and the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act.

I was considering the Act, but could not find any supporting text regarding my question, including the above statement in quotations above. I would think that metal roofs, although not a "solar collector", would be akin to energy efficient appliances, and fall under the purpose of the act (or from what I have read).

Can an Architectural Control Committee deny the installation of an energy efficient metal roof, or would this fall under the protections of the act, or any other law?

Not an incredible stretch at all! Metal roofs ARE energy efficient. Following is an interesting article.

Energy Savings with Cool Metal Roofing

Did you know white-painted metal roofing has the highest solar reflectance value of any roofing product available and can save you up to 40% of your annual energy bills?

More and more, homeowners are seeking out energy-saving building materials for their renovations and new homes, products that not only secure and improve structures but also provide long-term cost-cutting on energy bills while promoting environmental and economic sustainability in the greater community.

Among the array of possible upgrades, “cool metal roofing” easily answers this consumer demand offering a solid, attractive roofing solution available in multiple colors, textures, and profiles, for steep-slope and low-slope applications, that can save your household up to 40% of its annual energy costs, depending on your geographical region.

The Benefits of Energy Efficient Metal Roofing
As reported by the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, installation of reflective metal roofing can save your home up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs while highly emissive metal roofs can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12 ° F. Combined, these benefits mean less money out of your wallet, less dependence on energy resources and less general air pollution in your neighborhood and across the nation.

While asphalt traps heat… Metal Roofs reflect solar energy… And pigments re-emit heat.

The secret to metal roofing's energy savings is in its variety of finishes. As shown above, the basic, unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in your attic and home by an asphalt roof. But, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but also cool your home by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed.Where annual cooling loads dominate, a highly reflective and highly emissive painted or granular-coated metal roof is optimal for reducing energy consumption and can actually re-emit up to 90% of absorbed solar radiation.

Additionally, most metal roofing, including standing seam, is composed of recycled material and can be installed directly onto an existing asphalt roof, reducing landfill waste and promoting quick installation as well as decades of environmentally-sound, maintenance-free strength and beauty.

Homes upgraded with quality metal roofing typically see costs recouped at more than three quarters of the job cost!

You might even qualify for a discount of up to 35% on your homeowners insurance!

Kevin,

Go for it. My HOA where I own a villa unit will be in need of roofs in the near future. They have the barrel concrete tiles and being the mentality of a 55+ community, anything other than what they currently have is scarey, too expensive and doesn't look right. Maybe I'll help you get this going as I will fight from up here in the hill country and need a good Florida connection.

I have noticed that there have been numerous commercials down here stating that part of the 2009 stimulus package offers a tax credit on cool metal roofing... up to $1500 in tax credits.

My only problem is to convince my brothers to not go with asphalt (because it is the cheaper route), and they do not want to get embroiled in a legal conflict.

Kevin,

There is a lot to consider when replacing roofs with metal. My sister lives in a large home and her next door neighbor had a metal roof put on when remodeling. The neighbor's house burned down completely and since my sister's home was not far away her house could have gone up in smoke too. The firemen told her that if the neighbor had not had a metal roof my sister's home could have gone up as well but the metal roof contained the fire. Lots to think about. Maybe check with your insurer to see what they think.

Ellen,

Thank you for the additional information. Every application of a system needs to be considered. Our villa is a CBS structure so breaking thru a wall is not an option. Once it is shuttered with the hurrican protection, these places are literally impregnable. Metal roofing would be a plus in many ways but there might be that "if" factor in case of a fire. But I have seen our local fire departments tear thru shutters because going thru the tile roofs, which are nailed and glued, was more difficult. Geez, what's a homeowner to do.

Oh Donna - 55+ community afraid of new ideas? Our 55+ community is considering wind- or solar-powered aeration systems.

Metal roofs sounds interesting. My daughter and husband need a new roof. I'll pass along to them the information in this thread.

Marianne,

There is a difference between a 55+ community up north and in South Florida---about 30 years worth. . Good for you guys in getting on the go green bandwagon. I preach it here all of the time. My yard is up for certification on being eco, community friendly.