Expert: Dan Merrill - 5/3/2009

Question
I have a customer who is buying a 1300 square foot brick home with asphalt roof.  It is a gentle sloping roof.  The shingles are 30 years old and need replacing.  Is there a replacement roof that takes advantage of the 30% tax credit?  Can a metal roof be installed over the old shingles that might qualify for the tax credit?  What would be the cost comparison to simply replacing the existing roof?  
thank you


Answer
In order to ensure your customers can get their Tax Credit you should install a product with an EnergyStar approval. These have been officially tested and approved.
These are most often metal shingles or panels with "cool roof" paints made with Kynar, a very long lasting polymer. So far, none of the other paints can come close to the life span of Kynar.

Most metal shingles are rated down to a 3/12 roof slope if you do not live in a snow zone and 4/12 if you do.
If your slope is higher than these limits, you have many options. Metal shingles that simulate Cedar, Slate, Tile, etc are all available and all look great when installed properly.
If your slope is below the slope guidelines mentioned above you will be limited to a standing seam type panel. There are many available that are easy to install like a 5V style or AG style. These are inexpensive and can usually be installed for a little more cost than asphalt roofing. If you want hidden fasteners you will want a snap down panel or a locking panel. Some double-locking panels can be installed down to a 1/2 in 12 slope!
Stick to a USA manufactured product.
Do a quick Internet search on the brand name you are looking into along with keywords like "lawsuit", "warranty issues", etc.
Like most all building materials there are a couple bad companies out there that you need to be wary of.

You can start at metalroofing.com it is the website of the Metal Roofing Alliance. That is a very good informational website.

Good luck,

Dan