Does my roof qualify for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Tax
Credit?
With the recent signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the tax credits for
energy-efficient home improvements that were originally part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 have been
reinstated, extended and increased.
Tax Credit: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2/17/2009 enables homeowners to receive up to a
$1,500 tax credit if they install specific energy efficient products (asphalt roofing products) which carry an Energy
Star rating.
Energy Star®: Energy Star guidelines for residential roofing products require that products have a minimum solar
reflectivity (SR value) of .25.
Additional Details:
•Tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient products up to a lifetime cap of $1,500.
•The tax credit applies to the cost of materials only (not installation costs).
•At the present time, this credit is available for 2009 and 2010.
•Homeowner must save receipts and provide a Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
•IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) is the form the homeowner will use to apply for the tax credit.
What can I expect during the reroofing process?
Click Here to download the Homeowners Guide to Reroofing
Is it always necessary to tear off existing shingles before reroofing?
There are two options available for reroofing installations. One would be to tear off the old roof before applying
the new one (tear off). The second would be to lay new shingles over the existing roof (lay over). While the
second choice is the less expensive of the two options, it is not necessarily always the best choice.
There are advantages to tearing off the old roof before installing a new one. For example:
•If there are any defects in the roof deck, they will be revealed when the roof is torn off. These defects should be
repaired before applying the new roof.
•If condensation problems exist in the attic, they too will be revealed when the roof is torn off. Properly designed
attic ventilation can then be installed in order to help eliminate such problems.
•When the old roof is torn off, waterproofing shingle underlayment can be installed before applying the new roof.
This will help protect against leaks created by cyclical ice damage and wind-driven rain.
•Tearing off the old roof and starting with a clean deck before reroofing may result in a smoother finished roof
system.
Although there is added cost to these advantages, each lessens the likelihood that the validity of the
manufacturer’s shingle warranty will be impaired.
How do I know if it is time to replace my roof?
Research indicates that the aging process for a roof begins soon after the shingles are installed and progresses
rapidly during the initial curing phase of its life cycle. During this stage, granule loss may occur, small blisters may
develop, or the shingles may curl slightly at their edges. You may even notice that this curling is more pronounced
during cold weather and the shingles may life flat as temperatures rise. The good news, however, is that after this
curing stage the shingles enter a long period of slow aging, which lasts for the major portion of the shingle's
natural life. Click here to download the Homeowners Guide to The Life Cycle of Your Roof.
Wind can drive rain under shingles that
are aged, cracked, and buckled. This
picture shows how the rain will seep into
the decking below your shingles and into
your house.
As shingles age, they crack and buckle.
The edges will curl upward and bubbles
will appear from underneath. Water will
then seep in and damage decking, fascia
boards, and drip onto the insulation and
ceiling. We will examine your roof to find
any defects which includes damage from
hail and strong winds.
Credit?
With the recent signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the tax credits for
energy-efficient home improvements that were originally part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 have been
reinstated, extended and increased.
Tax Credit: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2/17/2009 enables homeowners to receive up to a
$1,500 tax credit if they install specific energy efficient products (asphalt roofing products) which carry an Energy
Star rating.
Energy Star®: Energy Star guidelines for residential roofing products require that products have a minimum solar
reflectivity (SR value) of .25.
Additional Details:
•Tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient products up to a lifetime cap of $1,500.
•The tax credit applies to the cost of materials only (not installation costs).
•At the present time, this credit is available for 2009 and 2010.
•Homeowner must save receipts and provide a Manufacturer's Certification Statement.
•IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) is the form the homeowner will use to apply for the tax credit.
What can I expect during the reroofing process?
Click Here to download the Homeowners Guide to Reroofing
Is it always necessary to tear off existing shingles before reroofing?
There are two options available for reroofing installations. One would be to tear off the old roof before applying
the new one (tear off). The second would be to lay new shingles over the existing roof (lay over). While the
second choice is the less expensive of the two options, it is not necessarily always the best choice.
There are advantages to tearing off the old roof before installing a new one. For example:
•If there are any defects in the roof deck, they will be revealed when the roof is torn off. These defects should be
repaired before applying the new roof.
•If condensation problems exist in the attic, they too will be revealed when the roof is torn off. Properly designed
attic ventilation can then be installed in order to help eliminate such problems.
•When the old roof is torn off, waterproofing shingle underlayment can be installed before applying the new roof.
This will help protect against leaks created by cyclical ice damage and wind-driven rain.
•Tearing off the old roof and starting with a clean deck before reroofing may result in a smoother finished roof
system.
Although there is added cost to these advantages, each lessens the likelihood that the validity of the
manufacturer’s shingle warranty will be impaired.
How do I know if it is time to replace my roof?
Research indicates that the aging process for a roof begins soon after the shingles are installed and progresses
rapidly during the initial curing phase of its life cycle. During this stage, granule loss may occur, small blisters may
develop, or the shingles may curl slightly at their edges. You may even notice that this curling is more pronounced
during cold weather and the shingles may life flat as temperatures rise. The good news, however, is that after this
curing stage the shingles enter a long period of slow aging, which lasts for the major portion of the shingle's
natural life. Click here to download the Homeowners Guide to The Life Cycle of Your Roof.
Wind can drive rain under shingles that
are aged, cracked, and buckled. This
picture shows how the rain will seep into
the decking below your shingles and into
your house.
As shingles age, they crack and buckle.
The edges will curl upward and bubbles
will appear from underneath. Water will
then seep in and damage decking, fascia
boards, and drip onto the insulation and
ceiling. We will examine your roof to find
any defects which includes damage from
hail and strong winds.
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| Additional Information Roofing by Petty |