Metal Roofing
1. Tax Credits
Metal roofing tax credits, available through the federal government, have encouraged homeowners to consider metal roofing. The tax credits are still available through December 31, 2010. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost (up to $1500) for Energy Star metal roofs with pigmented coatings.
2. Reduction in Homeowners Insurance
Many homeowners insurance agencies are willing to reduce premium costs for homes with metal roofing. The reductions are being given because insurance companies recognize that metal roofing can prevent damage to homes occuring from severe weather. In states that experience severe weather, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, metal roofing is known to hold up better than any other roofing type.
3. Excellent Investment
More and more homeowners have realized the long term investment that metal roofing provides. Most metal roofs come with a 50-year warranty and can last that long without major repairs or replacement. Asphalt roofs, the current leader in re-roofing, need repairing and maintenance every few years and don’t last more than 25-30 years. While metal roofing costs about double what asphalt roofs do, you’ll be saving in the long run by avoiding the need to replace your roof.
4. Staying Put
According to an article in the August 2009 issue of Professional Remodeler magazine, homeowners are less transient than a few decades ago. More and more homeowners in their 30s and 40s are choosing to stay in their homes as they age. For this group of homeowners, metal roofing is a great option as they will have the peace of mind knowing that they won’t have to replace their roof again.
5. Energy-Savings
The current economic challenge in the US has made homeowners more aware of the financial savings associated with energy savings. Metal roofing reduces energy output in two ways. First, the metal works as an insulator, which helps to keep the warm air in and the cold air out during the winter and the cool air in and the hot air out during the summer. This will enable you to save energy by allowing you to run your a/c and heating unit less. Second, most metal roofs contain a reflective pigment coating. The coating works to reflect the sun and keep a cooler home.
6. Environmentally Sound
Going green isn’t just for the environmentalists anymore. Green building has become mainstream as the significance in doing do is greater understood by the general public. Metal roofing is good for the environment. Interest in green roofing options has risen, thus metal roofing installations have risen. Metal roofing is environmentally friendly for a number of reasons. First, most metal roofs can be installed over an existing roof. This avoids the need for a roof tear-off, which yields waste that ultimately ends up in a landfill. Second, most metal roofs are made from recycled scrap metal. Third, metal in itself is a recyclable product.
7. Low Maintenance
Time is money and one of the most dreaded home repairs is fixing a leaky roof. Nowadays, people are looking to reclaim their time and less maintenance is a welcome perk of metal roofing for many. Additionally, there is no need for roof cleaning to remove the roof from moss and algae growth (as there is with asphalt roofing).
If you are in the market for a new roof, explore the advantages of installing a metal roof on your home, as it could really benefit you. As with many home improvement projects, it’s often better to invest in a good-quality, long-lasting product than in a product that will need replacing.
###
Marcy Tate is a home improvement blogger at Networx. She recently worked with roofers learning about eco-friendly roofing options.
Trackbacks /
Pingbacks