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Roofs in Sugarhill are specifically covenant controlled. The reason for this is they make a large footprint in the visual environment. The intent from the beginning of Sugarhill was to keep our natural surroundings dominant when experiencing Sugarhill. This is different than the majority of developed areas in South Florida. We believe this is the major reason Sugarhill is so liked by and admired by most who visit us and by all of us who live here.
On December 16, 2020 a Sugarhill Community Special Meeting Election was held. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct an election to approved Amending the Protective Covenant that controls the type of roof allowed in Sugarhill to allow a board approved standing seam metal roof. The outcome of the election was 62 yes votes and 10 no votes making the change to the Architectural Controll Documents—Rules and Regulations—Item 15—A—3 Roofing Materials—adding the change "a board of directors approved standing seam metal roof" Please select the "Standing Seam Metal" tab above for information on this roof.
Sugarhill's Roof History
When the developer of Sugarhill initiated our first covenants in the late 1970's shake shingle wood roofs were the most popular style for up scale communities like Sugarhill. In the almost 45 years since that time the style is still attractive but becoming impractical. To my knowledge there are no communities remaining in Martin county that require wood shake shingle roofs. Even the last stand-out, Sugarhill, now allows a comparably priced simulated shake metal roof. Insurance companies have come to dislike the risks of shake shingles. In the first half of 2019 many homeowners have communicated huge increases in their insurance rates as it is becoming harder to find underwriters to take on the many risks of wood shake shingles. Also worthy of noting is the general consensus of knowledgable people in the roofing industry that Florida's sun downgrades the shake shingle to a much shorter life expectancy than other areas of the country. Keep in mind, the fire risk of cedar shake shingles surpasses all other roof types and they are the most expensive roof (short of copper panel) that can be put on your roof.
On December 16, 2020 a Sugarhill Special Meeting approved Amending the Protective Covenant that controls the type of roof allowed in Sugarhill to allow a board approved standing seam metal roof. Please select the "Standing Seam Metal" tab above for information on this roof.
Currently Allowed Roof Materials
From the singularly allowed cedar shake shingle in the 1970's, Sugarhill has moved through many convolutions of roof materials. Without any doubt each of these new materials were intent on solving the numerous negative issues of cedar shake shingles. First came a resin composition material, that was followed by a cement tile and finally a stamped aluminum shake look-alike was allowed in 2016. The one enveloping similarity was the controlling semantics of the covenant revision of 2004 that states in the Architectural Control Committee Rules and Regulations 15-A-(3) Roofing material. Must be cedar wood shake, wood shingle or an approved equivalent.
On December 16, 2020 a Sugarhill Special Meeting approved Amending the Protective Covenant that controls the type of roof allowed in Sugarhill to allow a board approved standing seam metal roof. Please select the "Standing Seam Metal" tab above for information on this roof.
Comparisons of the Allowed Roofs
All of the roof materials mentioned in the above sections are allowed in Sugarhill (with Board approval first). They meet the covenant wording for shake-shingle look-alike. Almost all of those roofs have pros and cons. Some have negatives serious enough to warrant review.
Cement tile roofs are very heavy. They are eight times as heavy as the original shake shingle roof. Houses built before 1988 most likely will not have roof rafters that will meet code requirements for something as heavy as cement tile. In 1988 Martin County required all roof trussing systems to be able to carry all roof weight loads. Cement Tile is about half the cost of new shake shingle or metal shake look-alike. Cement Tile gets a substantial reduction in Homeowner's Insurance rates generally. They are very good with hurricane and fire resistance. They hold heat accumulated during the hot summer day longer than any of our options. The life expectancy is 40-50 years generally. If your house can't meet the code for roof weight this won't be an option.
Cedar Shake Shingle is the most expensive to purchase and install. It may get NO reduction in Homeowner's Insurance mostly because of the significant fire hazard. That being said, the martin County code decking requirement that adds structural integrity to the roof may help reduce insurance rates some. Life expectancy in Florida is 25-30 years mostly because all new and re-roofs in Martin County are required to have the full covered decking with a water impervious membrane that does not allow the wood to breathe shortening the roof's life.
Metal Shake Shingle look-alike is very close to the cost of wood cedar shake shingle. It does, however, have a much longer life expectancy and will get a substantial insurance reduction. It can be visibly damaged when it is walked on. Cost and the not-so-realistic appearance are the big factors for this roof.
Composite Shake TileBrava Synthetic Roofs and here's the shakes page Brava Synthetic Shakes Composite shakes are made of compressed recycle plastics and other materials. The resin used is the same as that used in boat hulls. This is the best option to replace the look of shake shingles. They do, however, cost every bit as much as shake shingles. They are lighter than cement so may be able to be used on roofs prior to 1988. They are better fire rated than shake shingles but not as good as cement or metal. This roof most likely will lower your insurance. This roof lasts a long time, 50 years. It has very good hurricane rating. The only drawback to this roof is the huge cost.
Sugarhill Standing Seam Metal Roof
Requirements for Approval
This 10/26/23 document supersedes earlier resolutions.
This is extensive for approval but it has to be because of the huge range in quality of panel roofing. All re-roofing in Sugarhill must have approval. These controls maintain the quality of Sugarhill homes without compromising the aesthetic look of the community.
Here is a link to the document in PDF Board's newest requirements in pdf for Standing Seam Metal Roofs. The link also has images included on a second page. These requirements were voted into the record by the board in the 10/26/23 board meeting.
While these specific requirements have been approved by the board, circumstances may change making it very important that you communicate with us prior to getting quotes. It's very possible a change may happen beyond the scope of these approved specifications that would benefit your project.
So this is a very old expression. Dates back to the 1500s. It's literal meaning refers to how flies will get stuck in honey and stay away from you (a good thing).
The human relationship meaning refers to how you treat people. Treat them with sweetness (kindness, compassion, consideration) and you don't have as many problems (flies bothering you). Treat them nasty (vinegar) and your problems will never go away.
We believe in this motto and try to live by it.
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Amending Documents
From the 2005 Amended By-Laws
Article 13 - Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Association
These Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws of the Association may be amended or any part thereof rescinded by a majority vote of the members present or represented by proxy at any annual or special meeting provided that notice of the proposal to amend or rescind said Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Association is sent to the members in accordance with the By-Laws of the corporation.
From the Articles of Incorporation
Article XIII - Amendments
SECTION 2. Majority To Amend - These By-Laws may be amended, at a regular or special meeting of the members, by a simple majority vote of the members entitled to cast in person or of proxies entitled to cast.
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Wood Shingle PROBLEMS and RISKS
Life Expectancy in Florida
Wood roofs are designed to breathe in the north but in Florida the construction codes require sealed systems. Without proper drying, the wood roofs are exposed to premature rotting. They are beautiful when first installed but in Florida they age quickly.
Big Fire Risk (especially for Sugarhill)
Shake shingles can be treated with fire retardant chemicals but just as the sun's rays strip them of their life extending oils, the sun will take these chemicals away in a much shorter time frame. The life expectancy for shakes is 30 years plus in the northern states but is much reduced here in Florida due in part to the sun’s UV radiation and the continued dampness of our environment.
Living next to the Savannas Preserve State Park where controlled burns are conducted regularly and often not as controlled as they should be puts an enormous fire risk on our older shake roofs. Floating embers can travel well beyond the fire.
More Fire Risk
On July 4th 2015 pop-bottle rockets burned down a shake shingle roofed upscale waterfront home in Seawall's Point that was occupied only in the winter months. Here's the news story.
