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Recently the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law in January of 2013. This provision extends energy tax credits, up to $500, on selected energy efficient roofing materials. Title IV of the provision extends IRS tax credit for those individuals that choose to retrofit their homes with energy efficient components. Owners of existing homes can receive 10% of the components’ cost, up to the $500 limit. However, in order to receive tax incentives, roofing material must meet certain guidelines. Energy Start Qualified Roofs Criteria Energy Star guidelines do differ based on the degree of slope. Low slope roofs are considered to be surfaces with a slope of 2:12 inches or less. Steep slope roofs are those with slopes greater than 2:12 inches. Both slope types must include solar reflectance and the maintenance of that solar reflectance. For low slope roofs must have a solar reflectance greater or equal to .65. The maintenance of the solar reflectance on low slope roofs must be greater or equal to .50 three years after the original installation of the roof. Steep slope roofs must have a solar reflectance equal to or greater to .25. The maintenance on steep slope roofs must be greater or equal to .15 three years after the original installation. For both steep and low slope roofs, there are also guidelines on manufacturer warranties. Each manufacturer’s product warranty must be equal to the warranty for comparable non-reflective roofing products. International Energy Conservation Code The International Energy Conservation Code was original based on the Model Energy Code from the Council of American Building Officials in 1995. Updates to the code are made every three years to ensure relevancy to current building standards and energy demands. The design of the International Energy Conservation Code was to provide a consistently safe process to roofing repair and reroofing. Code guidelines are in place to cover important issues like seismic forces and wind resistance. For example according to Dallas building code requires parapet bracing and wall anchors to be installed at the roof line whenever a roofing permit is issued. It also states that if roofing materials are removed from more than 50% of the roof’s main wind-resisting the integrity of the roof diaphragm must be inspected and if found deficient, must be replaced. Energy Star Roof Types Energy star roofing products reflect more of the sun’s rays, reducing roof surface temperature and decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building. While energy star roofs are still most commonly seen on commercial installations, many other roof types are covered as well: - Metal Roofs
- Tile Roofs
- Asphalt Shingles
- Roof Coatings
- Foam Roofing Systems
Tax Credit Details Energy star has very specific guidelines when claiming the tax credit. The credit maxes out at $500 or 10% of the materials cost. Labor is not included in the discount. The roofing materials must be installed on your principle residence between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2013. Because metal roofs are required to have appropriate pigmented coatings and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules, roofs must be reflective roofs. Be sure to consult with your tax professional on the best way to apply your tax savings to your financial goals. David Schulte is the president of Schulte Roofing and has served Bryan-College Station, Houston, Brenham and the surrounding areas for over 18 years. To learn more about Bryan roofers, visit their site at: http://www.schulteroofing.com
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Bryan Roofer, Tax Savings, Energy Star, Schulte Roofing,
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