All shook up about shake alternatives

After I wrote a column (April 7) decrying homeowner associations' shake-roof-replacement requirements, I was buried in comments. Check them out:

Fast-food roof

"Last month we had our 12-year-old shake replaced with a standing seam steel roof. ... We were warned people would drive up to our front window and ask for a burger and fries. We chose a subdued color, and so far nobody has stopped for a Happy Meal. The neighbors feared change, but have complimented the steel roof. They ask, 'Is it noisy when it rains?' No. It sounds different, but if anything is quieter. The water rushing off is relaxing after years of thinking about that pile of rotting wood over my head."

Hot topic

"You did not focus on the flammability of these things. Seattle may be a wet climate, but we have had our dry spells and fire outbreaks. So, to require a known fire hazard would be like forcing people to drive Pintos in a bumper-car ride."

Right you are, I did not harp on the fire risk. I think you made the point, however. Fire-treated cedar roofs are available, but roofers I have spoken with do not like to install them in this climate, as they may turn an unattractive color.

Vanity fair

"As members of an architectural-control committee, we have wrestled with this challenge. The issue is not always what the best product is, but what best preserves the architectural qualities of our neighborhood. Clearly some asphalt products are far superior when it comes to longevity, and one might even argue aesthetic appeal. But when it comes to maintaining the architectural homogeny of a heavily treed suburban neighborhood, I disagree. Our committee members agree that cedar best fits our community. We do so acknowledging its shortcomings, and also with the hope that an attractive, affordable cedar alternative will come to the market soon."

Is absolute architectural homogeny necessarily a good thing? Military bases and apartment complexes are architecturally homogenous. The neighborhoods with the highest property values and greatest character are the ones that have variation in style: Broadmoor, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne and so forth. Will Klahanie or Fairwood ever have that kind of character or value? Not with Roof Controllers keeping a lid on choice.

Property values are held up by the quality of the building, not necessarily homogeny. Newer expensive developments equipped with various roof types do not have these onerous requirements, as the owners see firsthand that diversity is good.

Having specific guidelines in place can prevent undesirable roof types. Keep reading:

Setting standards

"Our covenants allowed shake or tile only. The shake roofs of many homes were deteriorating badly. To add a tile roof would mean extra reinforcement to handle the weight. So, we formed a committee to explore other options," wrote Linda Malanchuk-Finnan, former president of the Castlewood Neighborhood Association.

"The committee put together a proposal. ... We needed 75 percent to approve, and got it. The covenant now reads: 'Roofing material must be cedar shingle, shake, tile or composition shingles of at least 30-year, 300 pounds per square, designer/architectural grade of subdued color tones compatible with the character of the neighborhood.' Since then, several homes have switched to new roofing, which looks very high-quality and gives better fire-insurance rates."

Cedar choices

Phillip Cady with Legacy Roofing wanted me to remind people that not all new cedar-shake roofs are poor quality. And he is right. There are high-quality rot-treated cedar roofs available, but they do come with a price premium. You get what you pay for.

Darrell Hay answers readers' questions. Call 206-464-8514 to record your question, or e-mail dhay@seattletimes.com. Sorry, no personal replies. More columns and a message board at www.seattletimes.com/columnists.