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4 Ways To Save Money And Energy

An outdated roof at the end of its lifespan can cause energy bills to rise. Here in Virginia, we experience the four seasons consisting of blizzards, cold winters, stormy springs, windy falls, and scorching summers that can cost you money & energy.  Let us maximize your investment (build home value AKA more money in your pocket.) Want to know how much? Scroll down and check out  How Much Does a New Roof Increase Home Value?

1. Insulation

Insulation creates a barrier that reduces the amount of thermal transfer between a toasty attic (or a frigid one, depending on the season) and the temperature-controlled air in the living portion of the house. You can add insulation to your attic at any time making this energy-saving improvement.

2. Ventilation

It may seem counterproductive to go to the trouble of improving attic insulation only to then add vents that admit outside air into the attic. Fresh air plays a vital role in roof health. While insulation serves as a thermal barrier between the living space and the roof, the attic itself can become extremely hot during summer months. Without some sort of ventilation, excessive attic heat can warp roof decking and shorten the useful life of the shingles. It can even pass through the insulation to the rest of the house, forcing your air-conditioning system to work harder. With proper attic ventilation, the roof will last longer and help keep home cooling costs down.

3. Shingle Color

If you’ve ever put your hand on a black car that’s been sitting in the sun on a hot day, you know how blistering hot its surface can become. A similar thing happens to dark roofs—they absorb more heat from the sun than light-colored roofs, and as a result, more heat is transferred to the underside of the roof deck and to the attic below. Energy-efficient shingles in solar-reflecting colors that help reduce heat transfer to the attic (and the rest of the house).

4. A Radiant Barrier

Another energy-saving option that can help reduce heat transfer from the roof to the attic is the use of a radiant barrier. The result? Less solar heat gain. A radiant barrier is usually applied during a reroofing project that requires the replacement of the roof’s deck, or sheathing. Used in tandem with any or all of the other practices listed here, a radiant barrier can help your roof play a part in lowering heating and cooling costs and reducing your energy footprint..

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How Much Does A New Roof Increase Home Value?

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New Roof = Tax Credit?

There are unique benefits to owning your home and property. For instance, if you plan on replacing your roof, you may be eligible for tax credits. It all depends on your area, the type of roof, and the energy efficiency ratings. These tax credits are known as home improvement tax credits.

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What is a Home Improvement Tax Credit?

As an additional incentive for owning property and creating an energy-efficient home, the federal government offers numerous tax credits to offset the cost of repairs/renovations.  You do not receive this tax credit as if it were a rebate. Instead, you can make a sizable deduction on your annual tax return. Depending on your other deductions for the year, this tax credit may reduce the amount of federal taxes you pay. It’s important to note that federal tax credits can change over time. A tax credit available today, for example, may not be available to you next year.

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Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

Is there a tax credit for replacing your roof? Absolutely! If you are replacing or adding on to your existing roof, you may qualify for an energy-efficient home improvement tax credit through Energy Star. This tax credit amounts to 10% of the total cost. But, in order to qualify, your new roof must include certified metal or asphalt with pigmented coatings or cooling granules that are specifically designed to reduce heat gain within the home.Furthermore, the tax credit does not cover labor costs. You’re completely on the hook for those costs, which is normal.