Metal Roofs That Qualify for a Tax Credit
- Installing the proper metal roof may qualify you for a tax credit.abstract red metal tiled roof background and chimney image by Avesun from Fotolia.com
In 2009, as part of the stimulus package, the administration granted a $1,500 tax credit for homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient. This 30 percent tax credit includes the materials necessary to improve insulation, heating and air conditioning, windows and doors and metal roofs. The metal roofs that qualify are all Energy Star compliant and the installation costs cannot be used toward the tax credit. - Energy Star is a program of the United States government that reflects a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This program certifies energy efficient practices and products. All metal roofs that are Energy Star certified are eligible for the $1,500 tax credit. These roofs are coated in a reflective material that reflect the sun's rays and can reduce how much heat is transferred into a building (by up to 100-degrees Fahrenheit).
- Energy Star has a 263-page list of eligible roofing products that are offered by various companies. A few of these companies are 3GM Steel, Inc., ACI Building Systems, Valspar Corporation and Custom Metal Building Products. These companies distribute metal roofs of both low and steep slopes and most have a warranty between five and 40 years. The roofs come in many different colors from black and white to royal blue and sandstone. To see a full list of the products, visit the Energy Star website.
- For Energy Star to approve these roofs, they must meet certain specifications for initial solar reflectance and maintenance of solar reflectance. Solar reflectance refers to a scale between 0 and 1, where 0 is complete solar absorption and 1 is complete reflectance. A low-slope roof must have an initial solar reflectance of 0.65 or higher. Three years after installation and later, the roof must have a solar reflectance greater than or equal to 0.50. A steep-slope roof must have an initial reflectance of 0.25 and a reflectance of greater than or equal to 0.15 after three years. If these specifications are not met, a roof will not be Energy Star certified and it will not be eligible for the tax credit.
