Source: AJC
Green's is going green.
Green's Beverage Store, a leading seller of beer, wine, and liquor in metro Atlanta, is covering most of its Buford Highway store's roof with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, the company announced monday.
It expects to cut energy usage by 20 percent.
The new Solyndra PV system, 57kW, designed and installed by an Atlanta-based solar company, will produce about 86,000 kilowatt hours of power annualy, the company said.
Jeff Greenbaum, president of Green's parent, BINS Corp., said the company has been investigating ways to save energy because of its refridgeration requirements.
The Buford Highway location is also getting a reflective white roof.
Solar entrepreneurs have seen an uptick in commercial installations over the past year, spurred by tax credits and rising power costs.
This is a perfect example of how the green market can be both economical and environmental, saving a company money on bills which will hopefully translate into lower prices for consumers as well as improving environmental conditions from the adoption of clean energy sources. And it makes us happiest to see this solar project being installed ontop of a reflective white roof, presumably metal with a Kynar coating.
Showing posts with label Metal Roofing Georgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Metal Roofing Georgia. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Cool Roof $1,500 Dollar Tax Credit Scam
Do you have a cool roof such as PVC or TPO white flat roof, or metal roof not rated as “cool” by Energy Star?
Tough luck – you will not be getting that $1500 promised to you by the Economic Recovery Act, and here is why:
The energy-efficiency tax credit, so widely advertised by the government and roof manufacturers, turned out to be a scam for those homeowners who installed a truly “COOL ROOF” such as a white PVC or TPO roof, White Roof Coating, or even a Spray-Foam Roofing system. It reminds me a Bush-like patronage of the Big-Oil in terms of support which this Energy Efficiency Tax Credit Bill provides for Asphalt Shingles manufacturers, while cool roofing manufacturers and roof owners get screwed.
In the end, the tax credit applies only to Metal Roofing systems (which are cool as it is, even when you do not consider a cool-roof paint, such as Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000, and similar metal roof coatings), and – you got it – “cool” asphalt shingles, as well as other bitumen-based roofing systems which are considered “cool” by Energy Star and EPA.
Really – asphalt shingles??? Asphalt shingles would be the least energy efficient roofing system for sloped roofs. They store solar heat, and transfer it into your house even after sun goes down. An average color (not black) asphalt shingle roof goes up-to 165-170 F degrees on a 95 F degree day, and remains hot almost into the next morning.
The asphalt shingles manufacturers such as GAF, Tamko, Certain Teed and others, created a gimmick in form of Cool Roof shingles. OK – these shingles are lighter in color, and the granular surface is coated with reflective materials, but they still will be much hotter than any metal roof without Cool Roof paint / coating. And the cost a lot more than regular shingles – over $2500 extra on an average 20 squares new asphalt shingles roof. The roof prices for such “cool asphalt roofs” are very close to a metal roof such as Interlocking Steel shingles, and assuming a life span of average asphalt roof to be about 15-20 years, vs. Metal Roof life of over 50 years, it looks like a very bad deal for the homeowner. Keep in mind that both a Metal Roof and a cool asphalt shingles roof would qualify for the cool roof tax credit of up-to $1500.
Owners of true Cool Roofs are getting screwed to benefit the oil industry.
The most ironic fact in this story, is that this so called “energy efficiency tax credit” supports big roofing manufacturers, who use petroleum-based products to produce these supposedly cool roofs. And these “cool asphalt roofs” will end up in a landfill in 15-20 years, making our nation “even greener” than it already is. This reminds me of G.W. Bush era, when US was getting greener, but somehow big oil was getting more and more support form the government, while green energy and green building companies were struggling and there were minimal subsidies (if any) for any green or solar projects.
While the uncool asphalt shingles roofs do qualify for energy tax credit, the truly cool roofs are out of luck. Consider these facts:
A white PVC (and TPO) roofing membrane such as IB Flat Roof, reflects over 95% of solar heat. On a 95 F degree day, this white PVC roof will barely reach 100 F degrees. You can put your bare knees on this roof and it won’t burn your skin. Try doing that on a black surface roof such as rubber roof. You will jump up almost immediately, as your skin will start to “burn” when in contact with a 170 F degrees surface. Try to be in a room under such black rubber roof. Unless you crank your AC to maximum power, you will be sweating as if you were in a sauna.
There are some Metal Roofs, which do not have a cool roof coating, or are made from unpainted metals – so called mill finish metal roof. These metal roofs are still very energy efficient, even though they do not have a “Cool Roof” label.These roofs will be in fact much cooler that the “coolest” asphalt shingle roofs, or a cool modified bitumen roof, but its not cool enough to get you $1500 tax credit.
If you have a black roof (e.g. a rubber roof, tar roof or bitumen roof), and decided to either be “green”, or reduce your HVAC operation costs, or both, and hired a roofing contractor specializing in spray-roof coatings to install this liquid-applied white roof. Well, you too are out of luck…
So it does not matter if you have an “actually cool” roofing type on the roof of your home or business – you will not be getting your Energy Efficiency Tax Credit if you have any of the above mentioned roofing material types. Keep in mind that Energy Star actually recognizes white (and some other colors) PVC and TPO Roofing systems, as well as spray-roof coatings as Cool Roofs. They just did not include these roofing materials into the Cool Roof Tax Credit program.
It is unfortunate and a shame that real cool roofs and homeowners who invest in these premium priced roofing systems, get screwed, while an imitation products like cool asphalt shingles qualify for this $1500 tax credit.
*From: http://www.roofingcalculator.org/cool-roof-tax-credit-scam.php
Tough luck – you will not be getting that $1500 promised to you by the Economic Recovery Act, and here is why:
The energy-efficiency tax credit, so widely advertised by the government and roof manufacturers, turned out to be a scam for those homeowners who installed a truly “COOL ROOF” such as a white PVC or TPO roof, White Roof Coating, or even a Spray-Foam Roofing system. It reminds me a Bush-like patronage of the Big-Oil in terms of support which this Energy Efficiency Tax Credit Bill provides for Asphalt Shingles manufacturers, while cool roofing manufacturers and roof owners get screwed.
In the end, the tax credit applies only to Metal Roofing systems (which are cool as it is, even when you do not consider a cool-roof paint, such as Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000, and similar metal roof coatings), and – you got it – “cool” asphalt shingles, as well as other bitumen-based roofing systems which are considered “cool” by Energy Star and EPA.
Really – asphalt shingles??? Asphalt shingles would be the least energy efficient roofing system for sloped roofs. They store solar heat, and transfer it into your house even after sun goes down. An average color (not black) asphalt shingle roof goes up-to 165-170 F degrees on a 95 F degree day, and remains hot almost into the next morning.
The asphalt shingles manufacturers such as GAF, Tamko, Certain Teed and others, created a gimmick in form of Cool Roof shingles. OK – these shingles are lighter in color, and the granular surface is coated with reflective materials, but they still will be much hotter than any metal roof without Cool Roof paint / coating. And the cost a lot more than regular shingles – over $2500 extra on an average 20 squares new asphalt shingles roof. The roof prices for such “cool asphalt roofs” are very close to a metal roof such as Interlocking Steel shingles, and assuming a life span of average asphalt roof to be about 15-20 years, vs. Metal Roof life of over 50 years, it looks like a very bad deal for the homeowner. Keep in mind that both a Metal Roof and a cool asphalt shingles roof would qualify for the cool roof tax credit of up-to $1500.
Owners of true Cool Roofs are getting screwed to benefit the oil industry.
The most ironic fact in this story, is that this so called “energy efficiency tax credit” supports big roofing manufacturers, who use petroleum-based products to produce these supposedly cool roofs. And these “cool asphalt roofs” will end up in a landfill in 15-20 years, making our nation “even greener” than it already is. This reminds me of G.W. Bush era, when US was getting greener, but somehow big oil was getting more and more support form the government, while green energy and green building companies were struggling and there were minimal subsidies (if any) for any green or solar projects.
While the uncool asphalt shingles roofs do qualify for energy tax credit, the truly cool roofs are out of luck. Consider these facts:
A white PVC (and TPO) roofing membrane such as IB Flat Roof, reflects over 95% of solar heat. On a 95 F degree day, this white PVC roof will barely reach 100 F degrees. You can put your bare knees on this roof and it won’t burn your skin. Try doing that on a black surface roof such as rubber roof. You will jump up almost immediately, as your skin will start to “burn” when in contact with a 170 F degrees surface. Try to be in a room under such black rubber roof. Unless you crank your AC to maximum power, you will be sweating as if you were in a sauna.
There are some Metal Roofs, which do not have a cool roof coating, or are made from unpainted metals – so called mill finish metal roof. These metal roofs are still very energy efficient, even though they do not have a “Cool Roof” label.These roofs will be in fact much cooler that the “coolest” asphalt shingle roofs, or a cool modified bitumen roof, but its not cool enough to get you $1500 tax credit.
If you have a black roof (e.g. a rubber roof, tar roof or bitumen roof), and decided to either be “green”, or reduce your HVAC operation costs, or both, and hired a roofing contractor specializing in spray-roof coatings to install this liquid-applied white roof. Well, you too are out of luck…
So it does not matter if you have an “actually cool” roofing type on the roof of your home or business – you will not be getting your Energy Efficiency Tax Credit if you have any of the above mentioned roofing material types. Keep in mind that Energy Star actually recognizes white (and some other colors) PVC and TPO Roofing systems, as well as spray-roof coatings as Cool Roofs. They just did not include these roofing materials into the Cool Roof Tax Credit program.
It is unfortunate and a shame that real cool roofs and homeowners who invest in these premium priced roofing systems, get screwed, while an imitation products like cool asphalt shingles qualify for this $1500 tax credit.
*From: http://www.roofingcalculator.org/cool-roof-tax-credit-scam.php
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Advice When Choosing A Roofer
The following post contains some really great information from the Better Business Bureau about the importance of choosing a roofing company that is fully insured. It is very expensive for roofing companies to stay in business right now with the high costs associated with keeping insurance. Many will let their insurance lapse to save a few bucks so be sure to ask your roofer to provide up to date proof of insurance.
From the Better Business Bureau:
From the Better Business Bureau:
Industry Tips
General Advice When Choosing a Roofer
General Advice When Choosing a Roofer
A legitimate roofing company should be able to provide the following:
* Local references and roofing testimonials
* Business License
* Roofing credentials
* Workers compensation insurance
* General liability insurance
* Written manufacturer warranties
* Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Verify the track record of any roofer, builder or contractor you're thinking of hiring. Ask for a list of recent customers and call them.
* Get recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, insurance agents or claims adjusters. Also check with your local BBB and Home Builders Association to see if complaints have been lodged against any contractor you're considering.
* Take your time about signing a contract. Get a written estimate that includes any oral promises the contractor made. But remember to ask if there's a charge for an estimate before allowing anyone into your home. Ask for explanations for price variations, and don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. Get a copy of the final, signed contract before the job begins.
* Resist dealing with any contractor who asks you to pay for the entire job up-front. A deposit of one-third of the total price is standard procedure. Pay only by check or credit card - and pay the final amount only after the work is completed to your satisfaction. Don't pay cash.
* Be skeptical of contractors who encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs. Make sure there's enough money for permanent repairs.
* Ask a knowledgeable friend, relative or attorney to review a home repair contract before you sign. If you get a loan to pay for the work, be cautious about using your home as security: If you don't repay the loan as agreed, you could lose your home. Consider asking an attorney to review the loan documents, as well.
* Be careful of any company that uses door-to-door sales or leaves a flier on your doorknob or in your mailbox, promising insurance compensation for repairs.
* Phrases to watch out for: "insurance companies are compensating" and "most homeowners are unaware of the storm damage on their roof."
* Make sure to get verification of a hailstorm in your neighborhood. The National Weather Service or your neighbors are good independent sources.
* If there was a storm, find out how large the hailstones were. It usually takes hail at least 1¼ inches in diameter to cause damage, with golf ball size or larger causing serious damage.
* The homeowner should be aware of which way the storm was moving. Many Georgia homes have roofs with various angles or pitches, which means that the angles facing the storm would receive the most damage.
* Hail damage is random. Unscrupulous repair companies may use a teaspoon, small rocks or hammers to fabricate damage.
After a storm:
* Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
* Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
* Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
* Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.
We at Energy Roofing Systems are proud to announce we have an A- rating with the BBB! We will happily provide a free estimate on a new, energy efficient metal roof for your home as well as references from previous customers.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Protect your home from Hurricane Earl
Worried East Coast residents brace for what is expected to be a Category 4 hurricane that goes by the name of Earl. The Federal Emergency Management Agency warned people along the Eastern Seaboard to prepare for possible evacuations on Tuesday, as Earl whirled across the Caribbean with winds of 135 mph. The hurricane is expected to remain over the open ocean before turning north and running parallel to the East Coast, bringing high winds and heavy rain to parts of North Carolina. Forecasters are cautioning that it is still too early to tell how close Earl might come to land. Dennis Feltgen, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center, said that not since 1991 with Hurricane Bob has such a powerful storm had such a large swatch of the East Coast in its sights. “A slight shift of that track to the west is going to impact a great deal of real estate with potential hurricane force winds,” Feltgen said.
On Monday, Earl delivered a glancing blow to several small Caribbean islands, tearing roofs off homes and knocking out electricity to people in Anguilla, Antigua and St. Maarten. In Puerto Rico, nearly 187,000 people were without power and 60,000 without water. Gov. Luis Fortuno said cruise ships were diverted and flights cancelled across the region. On Tuesday, strong winds from Earl’s outer fringes whipped palm fronds and whistled through doors in the Turks and Caicos Islands as tied-down boats seesawed on white-crested surf.
Each year, hail causes about 1.6 billion dollars worth of damage to residential roofs in the United States. In general, hailstone damage can be categorized into two types: aesthetic damage and functional damage. Aesthetic damage is simply damage that has an adverse effect on appearance, but does not affect the performance of the roof. Functional damage results in diminished water-shedding ability and a reduction in the expected service life of the roof.
The most effective way to reduce hail damage is to use impact resistant materials for roofing applications. Underwriters Laboratory has developed a test, UL 2218, to evaluate the impact resistance of roofing material. This test evaluates materials by dropping a steel ball onto the roofing panel twice at the same location. The material must show no evidence of fracture, cracking, splitting or any other failure, which would result in an opening of the roofing material. The sizes of the steel balls are from 1.25 inches to 2.00 inches.
There are many different types of materials available for roofing applications, and metal is one of them. While metal roofing is primarily used for commercial applications, it has become an attractive alternative for residential roofing because its relatively lightweight, meets UL2218 Class 3 or 4 specifications, and may have a Class A or B fire resistant rating.
Metal roofs have good impact resistance and are very likely to survive hailstones without functional damage, but can be vulnerable to aesthetic damage since hail can cause permanent indentations in the roofing panels.
Protect yourself and your home from Hurricane Earl with a SmarterRoof from Energy Roofing Systems that is wind tunnel tested up to 200 mph and rated to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. The metal is made from Galvalume substrates which combine the proven corrosion protection of zinc with the barrier protection of aluminum. The end result is a superior substrate that will provide years of service life for most applications. In fact, Galvalume substrates are warranted from the steel mills against perforation due to rust. A standard shingle roof has no defense against a monstrous hurricane like Earl. The SmarterRoof is designed to be installed on top of your existing shingle roof using a 3 part metal fastener system with a full trim package to keep your roof sealed water tight. All of their roofs are tax credit eligible and Energy Star rated to reduce your energy bills 30-40%.
For more information visit www.energyroofingsystems.net or call 770-781-4267.
On Monday, Earl delivered a glancing blow to several small Caribbean islands, tearing roofs off homes and knocking out electricity to people in Anguilla, Antigua and St. Maarten. In Puerto Rico, nearly 187,000 people were without power and 60,000 without water. Gov. Luis Fortuno said cruise ships were diverted and flights cancelled across the region. On Tuesday, strong winds from Earl’s outer fringes whipped palm fronds and whistled through doors in the Turks and Caicos Islands as tied-down boats seesawed on white-crested surf.
Each year, hail causes about 1.6 billion dollars worth of damage to residential roofs in the United States. In general, hailstone damage can be categorized into two types: aesthetic damage and functional damage. Aesthetic damage is simply damage that has an adverse effect on appearance, but does not affect the performance of the roof. Functional damage results in diminished water-shedding ability and a reduction in the expected service life of the roof.
The most effective way to reduce hail damage is to use impact resistant materials for roofing applications. Underwriters Laboratory has developed a test, UL 2218, to evaluate the impact resistance of roofing material. This test evaluates materials by dropping a steel ball onto the roofing panel twice at the same location. The material must show no evidence of fracture, cracking, splitting or any other failure, which would result in an opening of the roofing material. The sizes of the steel balls are from 1.25 inches to 2.00 inches.
There are many different types of materials available for roofing applications, and metal is one of them. While metal roofing is primarily used for commercial applications, it has become an attractive alternative for residential roofing because its relatively lightweight, meets UL2218 Class 3 or 4 specifications, and may have a Class A or B fire resistant rating.
Metal roofs have good impact resistance and are very likely to survive hailstones without functional damage, but can be vulnerable to aesthetic damage since hail can cause permanent indentations in the roofing panels.
Protect yourself and your home from Hurricane Earl with a SmarterRoof from Energy Roofing Systems that is wind tunnel tested up to 200 mph and rated to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. The metal is made from Galvalume substrates which combine the proven corrosion protection of zinc with the barrier protection of aluminum. The end result is a superior substrate that will provide years of service life for most applications. In fact, Galvalume substrates are warranted from the steel mills against perforation due to rust. A standard shingle roof has no defense against a monstrous hurricane like Earl. The SmarterRoof is designed to be installed on top of your existing shingle roof using a 3 part metal fastener system with a full trim package to keep your roof sealed water tight. All of their roofs are tax credit eligible and Energy Star rated to reduce your energy bills 30-40%.
For more information visit www.energyroofingsystems.net or call 770-781-4267.
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