AboutDan Merrill Expertise We are a "green" roofing company. We offer information and advice on metal and synthetic cedar, tile, and slate roofing products.
We also address good, sound installation practices for lifetime and slate roof installations.
Generally speaking, we are experienced with any materials that have 50 year or longer, expected lifespan, such as copper, terne coated steels, Kynar painted Steel, Aluminum, etc.
We do extensive Infrared scans of homes with water leaks, moisture damage, air leakage, etc. So we have a good practical knowledge of what works and what does not work in the long term.
We offer no advice on asphalt or fiberglass roofing products.
Experience Was a hobbyist/home remodeler for over 30 years. Restored over 30 homes.
After retiring from engineering (27 years), I studied materials and installation practices of high-end roofing materials. This information was tempered by my engineering experience.
We have developed and sell roofing "kits" to roofing contractors who do not have the time to research rarely used roofing products. We ensure that they have all the required materials, tools and information to offer their customers a solid 50 year installation.
Organizations National Association of Home Builders
Fox Valley Builders Assoc.
Illinois Association of Home Builders
Remodelers Council of NAHB
Metal Roofing Alliance
EnergyStar provider
U.S. Green Builder Council
Better Business Bureau
Publications Our websites www.ecowiseinc.com and www.chicagometalroofing.com,
Fox Tails, publication of the Fox Valley Builders Association
Education/Credentials Tech certificate in Mechanical Drafting, 1978.
Self-taught Engineer.
Many certificates held.
Have achieved NAHB "Certified Graduate Remodeler" designation.
Graduate of Green Builder College.
Licensed, insured & Bonded Roofer in Illinois.
Awards and Honors Holder of many Patents,
Member of Mensa
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.
