Federal Tax Credit For Energy Efficiency – Save money Install Metal Roofs, White Roofs

Did you know you could save energy and have a more comfortable house with a “cool roof” ? A cool roof is one designed to reflect a high percentage of the sun’s heat, rather than absorbing it. Lower roof temperatures mean less heat transfer into the building, saving on your air conditioning and electricity during the summer.

Federal tax credit for Energy Efficiency

The new Federal Tax Credit For Energy Efficiency includes a 10%, upto $500 tax credit for installing Energy Star certified metal roofs by 12/31/2011.  Metal roofs last longer than asphalt roofs and are made of recycled steel.  You can also install them over your present roof. Contractors are also hungry for work, so their rates should be much more reasonable now.

Clearly this type of greening is only appropriate if you need to replace your roof.

Painting your roof white

White colored roofs are Energy Saving, green, and Eco Friendly because they reflect the sun’s rays and reduce the temperature inside buildings.  Black roofs absorb 80% of solar energy, while white ones can reflect 75% away.  Reduce energy costs by 20% in studies by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Steven Chu, President Obama’s Energy Secretary reiterated this fact. New dark colored pigments are now available for many cool roof roofing materials.

Over a 15 year. If all eligible flat rooms in major cities were recolored white color, that would offset the heating effect of 15,000,000,000 tons of CO2turn off the entire world’s CO2 emissions for four months.

These are also known as Cool Roofs. Because the roof will not be as hot, it will also last longer and cost less to maintain.

The next time you have to paint your roof, paint it white.

Cool roof products

• Single ply, cool roofing materials in prefabricated sheets
• Reflective tiles for steep sloped roofs are available in various colors
• Energy Star rated metal roofs
• Cool Roof Rating Council identifies qualifying products

Foam roofs

Our roof is made out of foam.  This type of material is best when you have a flat roof.  The polyurethane foam is sprayed on and lasts a long time.  We notice that our foam roof helps keep the warmth in during winter, and the house cool during summer. Occasionally divets develop in the foam from birds pecking on it. You need to fill this holes in from time to time.

Green Roof

Another alternative is to create a green roof which consists of planting on top of your roof. This living roof helps insulate during the winter and cools the interior during the summer. Homes located in snowy areas typically have strong roofs that can support a green roof. Those located in the West or South may not have roofs that can support the additional weight.

Here are some ways to create a green roof:

• Plant directly on the roof using a 4 – 6 inch soil blanket.
• Use planter boxers or raised beds. A good option if your roof might contain toxins.
• Plant using hydroponics, as this avoids the weight of soil.

These different roof choices will help you save energy, save money, and help your home be more green and eco friendly.

Related posts:

1. Federal Tax Credit For Energy Efficiency – Green Metal Roofs
2. Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency on GeoThermal Heat Pump
3. Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency – Insulation
4. Residential Wind Power Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency
5. Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency – Water Heaters
6. Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency – Fuel Cells Power Generators and Microturbine System
7. Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency on Windows, Doors, Skylights
8. Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency on Heating, Furnaces, and Boilers

Posted on February 15th, 2011
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