Are metal roofs worth the extra cost and how do they conserve energy?
Metal roofs do qualify for up to a $500 energy tax credit. Use IRS form 5695 to apply for the tax credit. If you plan to live in your house for a long time, the increased initial cost of installing a metal roof is generally a good home improvement investment even without the tax credit. Metal roofs keep your house cooler during summer. This can dramatically improve your family’s comfort and reduce your electric bills if you air-condition. During the winter, they have a negligible impact on the energy efficiency of your house. Most metal roofs reflect away more of the sun’s heat than do asphalt shingle roofs, particularly black shingles. This keeps the roofing materials cooler so less heat is radiated down through the ceilings to the living area. Also, the underside of the metal surface has lower emissivity than shingles, so even less heat radiates down to the ceiling below. The final energy advantage is, the metal is relatively thin and has a contour stamped into it to simulate other s
