Receive a $500 Tax Credit on Your Metal Roof

Uncle Sam has renewed the federal tax credits for ENERGY STAR® certified metal roof products on primary residences, which means in addition to saving 40% on energy costs, your certified metal roof will put cash back in your wallet. The credit applies to purchases made in 2016 for retrofit roofing materials, and is also retroactive for 2015 purchases.  Here are the details:

  • Tax credit amount: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50-$300
  • Expires: December 31, 2016
  • Restrictions: Must be an existing home and your principal residence.  New construction and rentals do not apply.

To claim your credit, install an ABC ENERGY STAR certified roof on your principal residence before December 31, 2016. On your tax return, include a copy of our Certification Statement to file with Tax Form 5695.

Select from these ABC ENERGY STAR Certified Metal Roofing Colors

  • Buckskin
  • Burgundy
  • Burnished Slate
  • Charcoal Gray
  • Clay
  • Coal Black
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Desert Sand
  • Evergreen
  • Gray
  • Hawaiian Blue
  • Ivy Green
  • Koko Brown
  • Light Stone
  • Polar White
  • Radiant Red
  • Regal White
  • Rustic Red
  • Saddle Tan

View Manufacturer’s ENERGY STAR Certification. For more information on how to apply, visit ENERGY STAR’s website.

4 Things to Know About Retro-R® This New Year

The New Year represents new beginnings, the chance for positive change and an opportunity to achieve outstanding goals. For building owners, the New Year may be an opportunity to finally complete an overdue project or make needed renovations, like a replacing a roof.  This often gets postponed because of the opportunity cost of shutting down business operations during the removal and installation process.

If replacing a roof is in your 2016 plans, know that cost-efficient retrofit options are available that minimize operations downtime, such as the Retro-R® panel. This panel eliminates the roof removal process entirely as it is installed directly over an existing R panel roof. In addition to saving this time in the project schedule and maintaining operations, the Retro-R requires fewer removal and installation accessories, thus reducing cost.

Can Retro-R be installed over any metal roof?

Manufactured with specific rib spacing and height, the Retro-R panel is made to fit on top of the Utility R or PBR metal panel. Because of this, the retrofit system can only be installed on existing buildings, rather than new construction. If your existing roof panel is rusted and not structurally sound, these issues must be fixed prior to installing Retro-R or the panel will not perform at optimal levels.

When is the ideal time of the year to install Retro-R?

Even though any metal panel can be installed throughout the year, the Retro-R panel is exceptionally convenient to install any time due to the fact that the existing roof does not need to be removed to install the new roof. The additional advantage comes from not having to expose the building’s interior to outside elements such as rain or snow.

How is the Retro-R panel installed?

Although the existing sidelap screws must be removed from the roof before the Retro-R panels are installed, the screws that attach the existing PBR or Utility R panel to the purlins do not. The Retro-R panels are attached with Long Life screws that fasten through the existing PBR panels and into the existing purlins. Once the Retro-R panels are installed, new lap screws are installed through the Retro-R ribs and the existing PBR panel sidelaps.

How is moisture controlled between the panels?

The Retro-R® panel is manufactured with DRIPSTOP technology which protects both the existing and new roof through condensation control. This innovative product creates a medium for trapping moisture in the specially designed pockets within the felt’s membrane. Holding moisture until conditions go back below the dew point, DRIPSTOP is then able to release the moisture back into the air in the form of normal humidity.

To learn more about the Retro-R product, color options and warranties, visit us online at www.ABCMetalRoofing.com.

Which Metal Roof System Is Right For You?

Once you choose to invest in a metal roof, selecting the right system for your home can be a difficult decision. What are the major differences between different metal panel products? How can different panel profiles change the aesthetics of the roof on your home? What performance attributes do each have?

Best Metal Roofing Systems for Homes

The three main metal panel roof systems are standing seam, concealed fastening and exposed fastening. Each provides a unique appearance and benefits.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Systems

As one of the most durable and weather-tight roof systems available, standing seam roofs (SSR) offer a unique look with high seams that are raised above the metal panel to give it a sleek continuous design. The different types of standing seam metal roof systems are installed by either snapping the panels together or mechanically seaming with a machine, both of which eliminate penetration and allow for fewer places for leaks to occur. These beautiful profiles are common in the residential metal roofing market.

Concealed Fastening Metal Roof Systems

Great for reducing the weathering that naturally occurs with roofs, this system presents the same protection and budget friendly cost of the exposed panel system. Because the concealed fasteners are hidden below the panel, they are not exposed to normal weather conditions, which allow the panels to last longer. The concealed fastening metal roof is typically a snap-on batten option that has strong lines to create a clean, aesthetic appearance, giving your home great curb appeal.

Exposed Fastening Metal Roof Systems

This system, also known as through-fastened, is installed using screws of fasteners that penetrate the panels, leaving the screw heads exposed. As the traditional choice in the metal roofing industry, exposed fastening panels are most likely what you think of when you hear metal roofing or metal walls. This has led to them receiving a tainted reputation, often because of improper installation, which allows for leaks and premature rusting. But recently, exposed fasteners have made a comeback with watertight, neoprene washers which provide protection for the full life of the metal roof of your home.

Given the many roofing options in today’s market, it is imperative that you understand your choices before making a decision. If you’re having trouble deciding or want to learn more about the individual systems, contact a manufacturer’s representative to provide assistance. Their knowledge of the product is sure to guide you in the right direction.

ABC Launches New Customer-Centric Website

Welcome to our new and innovative website that focuses on our customers and end users. With quicker access to product documents and resources, contractors and distributors can focus on increasing business and minimizing loss, while homeowners, farmers and business owners can easily find the right product for their needs.

New website features:

Upcoming Events & News | Check the Upcoming Events page to see what show or contractor event we will be at next and browse our News articles for company updates and product news.

Blog | The new blog is your greatest asset for insight into the metal roofing industry, tips for metal roofing installation and maintenance and all of the innovations at ABC.

Color & Product Resources | Instantly download color charts, product data sheets, installation manuals and more with the new Resource Center and create your next project with our color visualizer.

Streamlined Widgets | No matter what page you are on, you can easily access what you need with the addition of interactive widgets which direct you to related projects, your nearest sales representative and much more.

Improved Project Gallery | With the addition of multiple projects, the Project Gallery gives you expanded project details and the option to save and share project photos through social media and email.

In addition to the new and improved features, the new site is mobile-friendly so you can utilize on the go. ABC products and information are now available at your fingertips. We are proud and eager for this next chapter in our company and as we continue to move forward, we promise to keep you, the customer, as our main focus.

What your customers need to know when considering a metal roof for their home

metal roofing for homes & houses

Your customers have a wide variety of options when choosing roofing materials for their home. One of those options is metal. When considering whether to use metal roof panels, there are a variety of factors any homeowner should consider.

Is Metal Roofing Right for Residential Use?

When considering metal roofing for residential applications, here are common questions your customers may have:

Will a metal roof match the style of their home?

With a wide variety of styles, profiles and colors, metal roofs compliment any residential design. Manufactured and produced to provide a higher quality option, metal roofs give your customers the beautiful appeal they want and the durability they need.

What is the life span of a metal roof?

According to a recent study by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), metal roofs are projected to last longer than the buildings they cover, up to 60 years or more. For customers considering a metal roof for their home, it’s a decision they’ll only need to make once.

How will metal roofing stand up to extreme weather?

Metal roofs are recognized for their durability and resistance to inclement weather with intense testing for high winds that can withstand gusts up to 140 miles per hour. (This is dependent upon the metal roofing profile selected. Your customers should contact the metal roofing manufacturer to assure they have the correct roof panel for their weatherability needs.) In addition to standing up to wind, metal roofs are known for withstanding decades of harsh weather like heavy snow, hailstorms and even fires. For homeowners who see a lot of heavy snowfall, metal roofs are an ideal option as they are able to shed snow fast and eliminate ice damming.

What are the environmental benefits of a metal roof?

Since up to 28 percent of the panel is recycled material, choosing a metal roof is beneficial for the environment. Metal roof are also nearly 100 percent recyclable. Additionally, they are energy efficient, absorbing up to 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles. This keeps your customer’s home cool in the summer and warm in the winter—reducing their energy costs.

What does a metal roof cost in comparison to traditional roofing?

As a premium home product, your customers can expect their new metal roof to cost roughly twice as much as a traditional roof. However, there are many benefits that make this a cost-efficient solution for you customers including lower energy costs, moderate maintenance and increased resale value of your customer’s home. With metal roofing, your customers can be assured that they are investing in a long-term solution that more than makes up for the initial cost savings associated with traditional roofing materials. Read our blog post on metal roofing and shingles to learn more about pricing and benefits.

For more information about residential roof panels, contact your local ABC sales representative today.