Early in 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was enacted into federal law to try to stimulate the housing industry and the US economy in general. Included in the law is a tax credit of 30% of the roofing materials cost, up to a maximum of $1,500 (it does not include installation or labor costs). This tax credit is good in 2009 and 2010 to homeowners with existing homes if they choose to install Energy Star rated asphalt roofing products.

These types of products, also known as "cool roofs," will significantly help keep your home cool in the summer.

Cool Roof - A "cool" roof is one that not only reflects solar heat away from the exposed roof surface to a more-than-typical extent (thus reducing heat absorption) but also easily emits a certain amount of the solar heat that is absorbed by radiating it from the exposed surface of the roofing. The reflected and emitted heat is sent back into the Earth's atmosphere and/or out into space. A "cool" roof literally stays cooler than a non-cool roof. (CertainTeed Corporation newsletter)

Saving money is always a good idea but especially in light of our current economic situation. You'll earn a tax credit but also be saving on air conditioning costs in the summer since your home will stay cooler.

Be sure to ask your roofing estimator about the Energy Star rated products that we offer. Most roofing material manufacturer's offer an Energy Star rated product for either sloped roofs (asphalt shingles) or flat roofs (modified bitumen).

Tags: taxes| energy savings| cool roofs| asphalt shingles