Smart Roofs
Spend $2,000 now and SAVE $300 each year... ROI = 15%
Highlights
Reflective roofs are a great option. If you need to replace your roof or add a new one for an addition, consider lighter colored 'smart' shingles to prevent increased heat transfer in the attic. You may also consider innovative new metal roofing shingles or the classic American vertical panel 'standing seam' like farm houses.
Metal roofing can save your between 20- 40% in summer energy costs. Metal roofs last about 3 times longer than asphalt shingles (50 yrs vs. 17 yrs), and they resist harsh weather, wind and fire.
You may qualify for a discount of up to 35% on your homeowners insurance. Metal roofs typically have between 25-50% recycled materials, and they are 100% recyclable at end of their life. A regular roof costs about $4 to $6 a square foot installed with materials accounting for about half of the cost. Asphalt shingle cost about $2.50 / sq. ft. vs. reflective systems at $3.00 / sq. ft.
The ROI Calculation is based on a 2,500 sq. ft. house with a 4,000 sq. ft. of pitched roof and a summer season AC cost of $800. There are also greater savings if you buy a model that meets the criteria for tax credits.
TAX CREDITS: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides you with a 30% Tax Credit for Smart Roofs that are put into service by the end of 2010. This tax credit item is only for existing homes, not new construction, that is your primary residence and it includes ONLY the cost of materials and NOT installation. (3 KEY POINTS - #1: The tax credit cap is $1,500 on collective home improvement elements other than Geo-Thermal 'Ground Source' Heat Pumps, Solar Hot Water Heating, Solar Photovoltaic, and Fuel Cell systems - which each have no cap and are eligible through 2016. #2: The tax credits for exterior 'weatherization' improvements like windows, doors and insulation do not include the cost of installation! #3: If you reach the $1,500 cap in 2009, you are not eligible for additional tax credits in 2010.) Choose Smart Roofs that meet these criteria to get the Tax Credit; and check products carefully, because in many cases an ENERGY STAR certification does not necessarily meet the tax credit requirements below:Metal and AsphaltRoofs:
• All Energy Star labeled metal and asphalt roofs qualify for the tax credit.
• Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2-year warranty.
Why assume that asphalt roofs
are the best way to go, just because so many homes have them? The ‘smart’ shingled roofing industry now offers an incredible range of choices. |
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