Uncle Sam has renewed the federal tax credits for ENERGY STAR® certified metal roof products on primary residences, which means in addition to saving 40% on energy costs, your certified metal roof will put cash back in your wallet. The credit applies to purchases made in 2016 for retrofit roofing materials, and is also retroactive for 2015 purchases. Here are the details:
Tax credit amount: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50-$300
Expires: December 31, 2016
Restrictions: Must be an existing home and your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not apply.
To claim your credit, install an ABC ENERGY STAR certified roof on your principal residence before December 31, 2016. On your tax return, include a copy of our Certification Statement to file with Tax Form 5695.
Select from these ABC ENERGY STAR Certified Metal Roofing Colors
Buckskin
Burgundy
Burnished Slate
Charcoal Gray
Clay
Coal Black
Cobalt Blue
Desert Sand
Evergreen
Gray
Hawaiian Blue
Ivy Green
Koko Brown
Light Stone
Polar White
Radiant Red
Regal White
Rustic Red
Saddle Tan
View Manufacturer’s ENERGY STAR Certification. For more information on how to apply, visit ENERGY STAR’s website.
The New Year represents new beginnings, the chance for positive change and an opportunity to achieve outstanding goals. For building owners, the New Year may be an opportunity to finally complete an overdue project or make needed renovations, like a replacing a roof. This often gets postponed because of the opportunity cost of shutting down business operations during the removal and installation process.
If replacing a roof is in your 2016 plans, know that cost-efficient retrofit options are available that minimize operations downtime, such as the Retro-R® panel. This panel eliminates the roof removal process entirely as it is installed directly over an existing R panel roof. In addition to saving this time in the project schedule and maintaining operations, the Retro-R requires fewer removal and installation accessories, thus reducing cost.
Can Retro-R be installed over any metal roof?
Manufactured with specific rib spacing and height, the Retro-R panel is made to fit on top of the Utility R or PBR metal panel. Because of this, the retrofit system can only be installed on existing buildings, rather than new construction. If your existing roof panel is rusted and not structurally sound, these issues must be fixed prior to installing Retro-R or the panel will not perform at optimal levels.
When is the ideal time of the year to install Retro-R?
Even though any metal panel can be installed throughout the year, the Retro-R panel is exceptionally convenient to install any time due to the fact that the existing roof does not need to be removed to install the new roof. The additional advantage comes from not having to expose the building’s interior to outside elements such as rain or snow.
How is the Retro-R panel installed?
Although the existing sidelap screws must be removed from the roof before the Retro-R panels are installed, the screws that attach the existing PBR or Utility R panel to the purlins do not. The Retro-R panels are attached with Long Life screws that fasten through the existing PBR panels and into the existing purlins. Once the Retro-R panels are installed, new lap screws are installed through the Retro-R ribs and the existing PBR panel sidelaps.
How is moisture controlled between the panels?
The Retro-R® panel is manufactured with DRIPSTOP technology which protects both the existing and new roof through condensation control. This innovative product creates a medium for trapping moisture in the specially designed pockets within the felt’s membrane. Holding moisture until conditions go back below the dew point, DRIPSTOP is then able to release the moisture back into the air in the form of normal humidity.
To learn more about the Retro-R product, color options and warranties, visit us online at www.ABCMetalRoofing.com.
We’ve been told that the decisions we make today will affect us tomorrow…but how many purchasing decisions will affect us in 15, 30 or 60 years? The investment made in a metal roof will last at least that long, which is why it’s important to understand the balance between quality and cost beforehand.
Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
The initial cost of a metal roof exceeds other materials, such as asphalt, slate, or tile. Industry statistics estimate that the average cost per square foot is around $3.00, compared to asphalt at $1.50. However, metal offers improved strength and durability, and lower maintenance and energy costs over time. In fact, over a metal roof’s lifespan, shingles can cost just as much, if not more.
We examine the SL-16® metal roof panel, as an example, to demonstrate how metal is a better overall investment. This snap-together roof system offers the look of traditional standing seams, with easy installation and low maintenance.
Manufactured for Durability
SL-16® panels are formed from high tensile strength, using 29 and 26 gauge steel. The panels are Class A UL Fire Rated, and UL 2218 Class 4 rated for impact resistance, ensuring durability. The metal is protected with a Galvalume coating and paint, and most ABC colors are ENERGY STAR® compliant.
Easy Installation with Concealed Fasteners
SL-16® is a concealed fastener panel, which means the likelihood of leakage is reduced compared to exposed fastener panels. No clips are needed to install; instead, the SL-16® uses pancake head fasteners which are hidden under the lap of the panel.
Less Time and Money Needed for Maintenance
Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions such as rain, heat and snow, cause erosion and fading to asphalt shingles. This often leads to mildew where there is a shortage of sunlight, and shingles must be replaced every 15 to 18 years, even with monthly inspection. Metal panels, on the other hand, outperform asphalt against changing climates and requires minimal maintenance during the 60-year life cycle.
Saves Energy
Unlike asphalt shingles, metal panels act as an insulator which keeps your home at a stable temperature all season long. The Solar Reflectivity (SR)—the ability of a material to reflect solar energy from its surface back to the atmosphere—for metal far exceeds shingles. The SR of ABC’s Signature® 200 Coal Black is .30, and according to the US Department of Energy, the SR of shingles in Black or Generic Black is .05. This reflection of heat keeps internal temperatures more stable, saving the average homeowner up to 40% in energy costs.
In summary, the lifetime value of a roof is comprised of more than the initial cost. Other variables must be considered such as maintenance, energy costs and overall lifespan. When considering a metal roof versus asphault shingles, metal is a more expensive material, but spread over 60 years, it provides more value per year.
Patching up a leak or replacing your roof soon? During the winter months, harsh weather and changing climates can greatly affect a roof’s life span and performance. In addition to low maintenance throughout the year, metal roofing provides even more benefits during the colder months.
Metal Roofing for Cold Climates: Winter Performance
A few of the benefits metal roofing offers in the winter include:
Metal roofing reduces the snow burden.
Snow and ice can cause major damage to a structure, especially if the weight burden increases during harsh winters. Metal roof panels are manufactured to resist cold weather damage and are installed to gradually shed snow and ice. Snow guards can help ensure snow safely slides off in small amounts, reducing the chance of injury to those below.
Metal roofing cuts the cost of heating bills.
Metal acts as an insulator and allows both cool and warm air to circulate without escaping–a benefit realized year-round. This results in lower energy costs throughout the year, and helps your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Year-round installation means you don’t have to wait until spring.
The busiest times of the year for contractors is in the spring, when people are preparing for hurricane season, and in fall, when most homeowners want to fix damages before the colder months arrive. Many people assume that metal roofing can’t be installed during winter because of snow and ice, however, this assumption is false. In fact contractors are more likely to be available and to offer lower pricing during this time.
Investing in a metal roof this winter is a decision that will continuously give back financially and environmentally. With installation available throughout the year and benefits that help you instantly save, why wait? Reach out to your local ABC representative to learn more!
Once you choose to invest in a metal roof, selecting the right system for your home can be a difficult decision. What are the major differences between different metal panel products? How can different panel profiles change the aesthetics of the roof on your home? What performance attributes do each have?
Best Metal Roofing Systems for Homes
The three main metal panel roof systems are standing seam, concealed fastening and exposed fastening. Each provides a unique appearance and benefits.
As one of the most durable and weather-tight roof systems available, standing seam roofs (SSR) offer a unique look with high seams that are raised above the metal panel to give it a sleek continuous design. The different types of standing seam metal roof systems are installed by either snapping the panels together or mechanically seaming with a machine, both of which eliminate penetration and allow for fewer places for leaks to occur. These beautiful profiles are common in the residential metal roofing market.
Great for reducing the weathering that naturally occurs with roofs, this system presents the same protection and budget friendly cost of the exposed panel system. Because the concealed fasteners are hidden below the panel, they are not exposed to normal weather conditions, which allow the panels to last longer. The concealed fastening metal roof is typically a snap-on batten option that has strong lines to create a clean, aesthetic appearance, giving your home great curb appeal.
This system, also known as through-fastened, is installed using screws of fasteners that penetrate the panels, leaving the screw heads exposed. As the traditional choice in the metal roofing industry, exposed fastening panels are most likely what you think of when you hear metal roofing or metal walls. This has led to them receiving a tainted reputation, often because of improper installation, which allows for leaks and premature rusting. But recently, exposed fasteners have made a comeback with watertight, neoprene washers which provide protection for the full life of the metal roof of your home.
Given the many roofing options in today’s market, it is imperative that you understand your choices before making a decision. If you’re having trouble deciding or want to learn more about the individual systems, contact a manufacturer’s representative to provide assistance. Their knowledge of the product is sure to guide you in the right direction.
Your customers have a wide variety of options when choosing roofing materials for their home. One of those options is metal. When considering whether to use metal roof panels, there are a variety of factors any homeowner should consider.
Is Metal Roofing Right for Residential Use?
When considering metal roofing for residential applications, here are common questions your customers may have:
Will a metal roof match the style of their home?
With a wide variety of styles, profiles and colors, metal roofs compliment any residential design. Manufactured and produced to provide a higher quality option, metal roofs give your customers the beautiful appeal they want and the durability they need.
What is the life span of a metal roof?
According to a recent study by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), metal roofs are projected to last longer than the buildings they cover, up to 60 years or more. For customers considering a metal roof for their home, it’s a decision they’ll only need to make once.
How will metal roofing stand up to extreme weather?
Metal roofs are recognized for their durability and resistance to inclement weather with intense testing for high winds that can withstand gusts up to 140 miles per hour. (This is dependent upon the metal roofing profile selected. Your customers should contact the metal roofing manufacturer to assure they have the correct roof panel for their weatherability needs.) In addition to standing up to wind, metal roofs are known for withstanding decades of harsh weather like heavy snow, hailstorms and even fires. For homeowners who see a lot of heavy snowfall, metal roofs are an ideal option as they are able to shed snow fast and eliminate ice damming.
What are the environmental benefits of a metal roof?
Since up to 28 percent of the panel is recycled material, choosing a metal roof is beneficial for the environment. Metal roof are also nearly 100 percent recyclable. Additionally, they are energy efficient, absorbing up to 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles. This keeps your customer’s home cool in the summer and warm in the winter—reducing their energy costs.
What does a metal roof cost in comparison to traditional roofing?
As a premium home product, your customers can expect their new metal roof to cost roughly twice as much as a traditional roof. However, there are many benefits that make this a cost-efficient solution for you customers including lower energy costs, moderate maintenance and increased resale value of your customer’s home. With metal roofing, your customers can be assured that they are investing in a long-term solution that more than makes up for the initial cost savings associated with traditional roofing materials. Read our blog post on metal roofing and shingles to learn more about pricing and benefits.
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