Bauer Roofing Blog - Engergy Tax Credit

Is Metal Roofing the Right Choice for My House?

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:52:00 -0400

More often than not, when I am meeting with a homeowner to look at their house, I am asked whether a metal roof would be a good option. Metal roofing is gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds and will continue to do so, with no end in sight. But whether or not a metal roof is a good option for you, depends on a few things.

There are some questions you need to consider when making the choice for a new roof system.

How long do you plan on staying in the house?
If not for very long, then is re-sale value important to you?
Do you want the roof to be energy efficient? Are you scared of what energy bills are going to be in a couple of years. At current inflation rates, energy costs are on the rise. Imagine if rate hikes go into effect and inflation goes up.
If you want the roof to cool the house off, then how much?There is a big difference between an aluminum roof and a white asphalt shingle. Both are energy star rated but the efficiency ratings aren't even close. The Energy Star Rating is simply a bare-minimum standard.
Do you care about wind resistance?
Is hail an issue in your area?
Do you want a long lasting roof? Asphalt shingles, on average, where I am, last about 12-15 years. Is re-roofing the house that often okay with you?
Metal roofing can be substantially more expensive than asphalt shingles. Some of the reasons are obvious and some aren't. But keep budget in mind.

There isn't a house I can think of where a metal roof wouldn't be a good option. However, not every homeowner is in a position to take advantage of metal and it's effectiveness.

Think seriously about what you want out of the roof. If it is just a temporary covering for a couple of years and you don't care how hot the attic is, then put an asphalt roof on your home; a metal roof may not be the best option for you. But, if energy savings and long term investments are important to you, then look hard at the benefits of a metal roof system on your home. You won't regret it.

Also, if you want a copy of "A Homeowner's Guide to Roofing", click the link.

Roy Bauer

Can Asphalt Shingles Qualify for the Energy Tax Credit?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:26:00 -0400

Yes, but...

Let me explain.

I’ve contacted the three major asphalt shingle manufacturers that we see used here in South Carolina: Certainteed, GAF/Elk and Owens Corning. I’ll list the shingles and colors that I’ve been told are Energy Star Rated, and if they are available to us here in the south.

Certainteed

Their “cool shingle” line is called Landmark Solaris. It is an architectural shingle that comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty but isn’t available in any other warranty length at this time. The problem with this shingle is that it is currently made only in the Northwest. But I’ve been told, by a distributor, it could possibly be shipped here to South Carolina –I’m still waiting on a cost. It is available in these four colors: Burnt Sienna, Weathered Wood, Resawn Shake and Heather Blend.

I was told that, as of this week, the colors Mist White and Silver Birch have passed the tests and are now energy star rated in the regular Landmark Series. However, only those two colors.

In the 3-tab shingle arena, their Star White is energy star rated in the XT-25 shingle.

The Star White, Mist White and Silver Birch are readily available to us here in South Carolina, but the verdict is still out on the Landmark Solaris.

GAF/Elk

The “cool shingle” line by GAF-Elk is called the Timberline Prestique 40 HD Cool Color Series. This shingle is energy star rated in three colors and comes with a 40 Year Limited Warranty. It is not available in a 30 year, 50 year or Lifetime warranted shingle. It is currently only stocked in two places in California and, like the Certainteed Solaris, I am waiting on confirmation about availability and pricing. The colors available are: Cool Weatheredwood, Cool Barkwood and Cool Antique Slate.

GAF-Elk does have a regular 3-tab shingle, Royal Sovereign, that is energy star rated if you get the color White, and is available here in the south at anytime.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning has come out with their “cool shingle” and it is called Duration Premium Cool Shingles. I talked with Owens Corning this morning and this shingle has met the initial requirements for energy star rating but hasn’t received the Energy Star designation. The Duration Premium Cool Shingle won’t be fully Energy Star rated until August of 2010 (it takes three years for the certification). This shingle is offered in four colors and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. But again, for us South Carolinians, it is currently only made in California and parts of Nevada. The four colors are: Frosted Oak, Harbor Fog, Sage and Sunrise.

Owens Corning does have a 3-tab shingle available that is energy star rated. Shasta white, in both the Classic (20 Year) and Supreme (25 year) line of shingles, is readily available for us here in the south.

Ventilation

I have been asked recently if the ventilation that is installed in a home can be used towards the Energy Tax Credit. Homeowners have asked if Ridge Vents, Soffit Vents and Baffle Vents qualify for the tax credit. So, I called the manufacturers of the ventilation we use, AirVent, and asked them. They said that only the Solar Fans qualify, not any other product.

Conclusion

A few miscellaneous notes. The Energy Tax Credit is not per occurrence. Meaning, you can’t get a $1500 tax credit for your roof + $1500 credit for new windows + $1500 tax credit for new insulation. Also, you can only apply it once during the next two years. Meaning, you can’t get $1500 this year for the roof and $1500 next year for new windows or insulation. However, you can combine different projects. Meaning, you can get $700 credit for windows + $800 credit for insulation. The Energy Tax Credit is 30% of material up to $1500.

If you live in South Carolina and have any questions or would like for someone to look at your house, please give us a call at 803-955-0374 or fill out our simple Request an Estimate Form and a representative will call you back.

Energy Efficient RoofingWhat a Great Idea!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:39:00 -0400

Homeowner’s who invest in the energy efficiency of their house could receive a federal tax credit of up to $1500!

—This is the second of a two part post. Add Bauer Roofing to your RSS feed to learn more about how the 2009 stimulus act could you a federal tax credit.—

To Read Part I Click Here

The Old Way

South Carolinians have come to expect their temporary asphalt shingles to streak, curl, lose granules and fail to the point of needing replaced every 12-15 years. That’s because asphalt shingles—regardless of the quality—begin to lose their effectiveness and life the moment they are installed. Homeowner’s have also seen their energy bills creep higher and higher never realizing it was their asphalt roof drawing the sun’s energy into their home. The result were overworked air conditioners and higher cooling costs.

An Energy Efficient, Lifetime Alternative

Bauer Roofing installs Classic Metal Roofing Systems to give homeowner’s a lifetime of cooler homes and lower energy bills.

Along with a federal tax credit, a Classic roof—

Accentuates the beauty of your home with intricate designs and vibrant colors that will last
Reflects the sun’s energy and reduces your summer utility costs by up to 25%
Is made from 98% recycled aluminum and not foreign petroleum like asphalt shingles
Is 100% Made In America
Comes with a lifetime/40 year limited warranty for your long-lasting peace of mind
Is an Energy-Star Partner*
Is a “Certified Roofing Panel” by the Metal Construction Association. That means only the highest quality metal, paints and coatings were used to manufacture your lifetime roof
Has a 50 year track record of protecting homes around the world
Ask Yourself

Before you install any roof on your home, ask yourself some important questions—

What am I paying in summer cooling costs? Does my home feel hot even though the air conditioner seems to be running all the time?
Do I want a roof that will hold up against extreme weather?
Do I want a product made from 98% recycled material or one that fills the earth after 12-15 years of usefulness?
Do I want a roof that will curl, streak and curl or one that will retain its beauty and color for decades?

Call Bauer Roofing today at (803) 955-0374 to learn more about the federal tax credit for energy efficient, environmentally friendly roofing. Visit us at www.bauerroofs.com.

(*Tax credit and Energy Star partner applies to most but not all of our products. Go to the Classic Metal Roofing Systems website or contact Bauer Roofing for more information)

royb

Learn How You Could Receive a Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500!

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:06:00 -0400

Homeowner’s who invest in the energy efficiency of their house could receive a federal tax credit of up to $1500!

—This is the first of a two part post. Add Bauer Roofing to your RSS feed to learn more about how the 2009 stimulus act could earn you a federal tax credit.—

To Read Part II Click Here

America’s current financial crisis is looming large in the lives of South Carolinians. Stocks, mutual funds, 401-K’s, savings and nest eggs have all taken a major hit with the economic downturn. It seems like even safe investments have all but disappeared.

There is hope

Investing in your home is the safest and best way to plan for the future. A home that is designed for maximum efficiency with minimum work will be an investment that pays dividends in the coming future.

As a part of the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners who choose an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly lifetime aluminum roof from Bauer Roofing can qualify for a federal tax credit. Unlike a tax deduction, a tax credit means an immediate deduction from your taxes—It is an instant savings to you and a lifetime investment in your home!

Call Bauer Roofing today at (803) 955-0374 to learn more about the federal tax credit for energy efficient, environmentally friendly roofing. Visit us at www.bauerroofs.com.

Bauer Roofing Blog - Engergy Tax Credit

Is Metal Roofing the Right Choice for My House?

Can Asphalt Shingles Qualify for the Energy Tax Credit?

Energy Efficient RoofingWhat a Great Idea!

Learn How You Could Receive a Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500!

Energy Efficient RoofingWhat a Great Idea!