It?s tax season again, and while ASAP ROOFING has been very busy attending to the needs of customers with damage from last year?s hail storms, they also recognize that many people have questions regarding what, if any, part of their home repairs are tax deductible.

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According to the Energy Star website, insulation, roofs, water heaters, biomass stoves, windows and doors, and heating and air conditioning systems are all deductible. When it comes to insulations, here is what Energy Star had to say:

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Tax Credit Amount: 10% of the cost, up to $500

Requirements:

Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place.

Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including:

• Weather stripping
• Spray foam in a can, designed to air seal
• Caulk designed to air seal
• House wrap

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Beyond applying for the tax credit, however, Energy Star recommends sealing and insulating the ?envelope? or ?shell? of your home ? its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors, and that doing so can save a homeowner as much as 20% on energy bills. To Seal and Insulate, ENERGY STAR recommends three things: sealing leaks, adding insulations and sealing ducts.

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In terms of the type of insulation advised, the important component is the R-value ? or the ability of insulation to resist heat flow. While higher R-values mean more insulating power, and different R-values are recommended for different areas of the home such as walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces, typical recommended R-values for Denver, Colorado range from .39-.48.

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So as long as the R-value is within this range, and the insulation product meets the criteria listed above, you are ready to claim your insulation tax credit. The next step is to file your taxes.

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The following excerpt from the Energy Star website will walk you through the process:

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For productsa?placed in service?ain 2012, you need to file thea2012 version of IRS Form 5695aand submit it with your 2012 taxes (byaApril 15, 2013).

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On thea1040 formayou enter this tax credit from Form 5695 (the residential energy tax credit) on line 52.

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Save your receipts and theaManufacturer?s Certification Statementafor your records.

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Submit Form 5695 with your 2012 taxes.

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As always, ASAP ROOFING is here to not only assist you in restoring your roof, but alsoa installing the best quality insulation that meets the Energy Star criteria to ensure that you get your 2012 home insulation tax credit. For more information about ASAP ROOFING, just visitawww.asaproofing.com

Written by Nick Dorotik

nick@asaproofing.com

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For more information about ASAP ROOFING, visit http://asaproofing.com/

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References:

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http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index

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From it?s inception, ASAP ROOFING, a Denver-based roofing company, with offices in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Dallas, Texas, has always included sustainability as part of it?s mission, and followed the principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). As concern for the environment in the building industry is a growing trend, this innovative company is always excited to see new developments when it comes to sustainability.

This is, of course, why ASAP ROOFING is very pleased to share the U.S. Green Building Council?s news that the first ever LEED-certified orphanage is to be built in Haiti.

Here is the announcement from the U.S. Green Building Council?s website:

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?Immediately following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, the U.S. Green Building Council appealed to our members to support the rescue and relief efforts of the William J. Clinton Foundation. Later, heeding President Clinton?s call to not only restore Haiti but also to assist it in becoming a strong, secure nation, USGBC stepped up to design and construct the first LEED-certified orphanage in Haiti.

Design

At Greenbuild 2010, a 35-person all-star design team gathered to conceptualize the design of the orphanage. In the summer of 2011, the international architectural firm of HOK stepped in to offer its services pro-bono to turn conceptual designs into architectural blueprints.

Construction

The Haiti Orphanage and Children?s Center will replace a previously successful orphanage in Port au Prince that was destroyed in the earthquake. Following construction of the orphanage and children?s center, the Foundation Enfant Jesus ? a nongovernment, nondenominational, apolitical charitable organization that operated the original orphanage on the building site ? will operate the center.

With the land secured and the charitable organization designated, USGBC and project partner Lend Lease Corp. are now engaged in a full-fledged capital campaign to support the construction of theaHaiti Orphanageaand Children?s Center. The center?s mission is to provide for the immediate health and emotional needs of orphaned children and provide a pathway to adoption.?

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LEED is a voluntary, market driven program that, through a rating system, offers certification for new home construction, existing homes, commercial buildings, and neighborhoods. ForaLEED certification, a project must satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum 40 points on a 110-point LEED rating system scale. Homes must earn a minimum of 45 points on a 136-point scale. The rating areas include: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, location and linkage, awareness and education, green infrastructure and building, innovation in design, neighborhood pattern and design, and regional priority credits.

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Thanks to the U.S. Green Building Council, sustainability has certainly come a long way,a and the LEED certification offers strong incentive to continue environmental development. Recognizing that each company must do their part to continue the movement, ASAP ROOFING always pursue the most energy efficient options available in the roofing industry. For more information on ASAP ROOFING, or to schedule a roof inspection, visitawww.asaproofing.com

References:

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http://new.usgbc.org

Written by Nick Dorotik

nick@asaproofing.com

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Don?t underestimate the potential power of a leaky roof. The existence of water can cause damage to chimneys or even cause a roof to collapse. The roof is the highest part of a building. During the rainy or winter season, water can penetrate the roofing material and leak into the roof. Eventually, it can be the cause of damage to other parts of the building. The solution is pretty obvious: repair that leak! How can this be accomplished ? what steps would a Houston roofing repair company use?

Find the Pesky Leak

The first step in solving a leaking roof problem is to locate and determine the extent of the difficulty. When searching for the location of water leakage, the preferred method is to go on the roof and methodically search each foot of the roof. Binoculars can also be used if it is too difficult to conduct a physical inspection. It is important either way to check for areas with tiny cracks, tears, and any further imperfections. Then mark the identified spot with a marker or a heavy object.

Inspect vents, chimneys and flashing for any gaps and broken cement seals. Be sure to also examine the attic or area directly under the roof using a flashlight and look for water stains. If any are found, continue the search to find the area causing the damage.

Repairing the Leak

After identifying the location and the source of water leakage, it is time to make any necessary repairs to prevent further water damage.

Begin the process by fixing leaks that originate from chimneys, vents or flashing. Remove the roofing fixtures by unscrewing them and removing any cement or tar. Use a metal brush to scrape off all dirt and dust. If there is water present, use a dry cloth to soak up the water. Replace the detached roofing fixture and cement any gaps or cracks by a few inches.

If blisters, bubbles or wrapping are noted on the roof sheathing, remove the flaps on the affected area and applying roofing cement under it. Then return the flaps, put on the roofing cement and flatten it thoroughly. Another layer of fabric can also be added and then finish that portion of the repairs with roofing cement.

The next step is to repair any leaking shingles. This can be done by flaking off the edge of the shingle, removing rusty nails and replacing them with new galvanized roofing nails. Apply roofing cement on top of the nails and the source of the leakage and put the shingle back in place.

Costs for Houston Roofing Repair

The typical cost to DIY a roof leak is between $100 ? $350 for the parts mentioned above, primarily the roofing cement glue. Any parts needing to be replaced would add to that figure. When the damage is relatively minor, especially just a loose roofing shingle or other fixture, it is very possible to do the job yourself. Anything more extensive should involve the services of a professional Houston roofing repair contractor. Avoid higher repair costs or even replacing an entire roof by conducting semi-annual inspections of the roof ? a little work now will save a lot of money in the future!

Many facility managers are told that the only solution for a leaky, problematic commercial roof is a complete tear off and replacement. Therefore, its common for companies to have replaced their roof when there are years of useful life still remaining in it. Needless to say, its imperative to have all the facts before making such a costly decision.

If your car wont start, will you rely more on the inspection and recommendation of a mechanic who just walks around the car and gives you his opinion on what needs fixed or the mechanic who opens the hood, runs diagnostics and shows you the testing results and analysis? Pretty obvious, right?┬a Well, its time to look at roof inspections in the same manner.

In todays world of commercial roofing, there is science and technology available that not only increases the validity of evaluations and recommendations, but also removes the human error factor that comes with relying solely on subjective visual inspections. After all, its safe to say that a technician with 6 months commercial roofing experience probably will not have the same findings as a technician with 15 years of experience.

Relying on data driven inspections helps to assure you take the proper action at the proper time to get the most useful life possible out of your roof.┬a And once you have the results, you may find that a roof restoration is a viable solution.

A roof restoration can save as much as half the cost of a complete tear off and replacement. This not only saves you time and limits disruption to your business, but lets not forget the sustainability benefits of eliminating the landfill waste created from a tear off. Many times, a restoration can also extend the life of your commercial roof and add years of warranty protection.

Now that you know the benefits of a commercial roof restoration, take this quiz to see if your commercial roof might be a candidate for a restoration.

When deciding on the right color for a roof to make it really stand out, it is important to know all available options as choosing the correct shade can make quite a difference. Shingles can be painted with a special coating to prolongs their life as well as help in the reflectivity, or absorption, of light. Since applying such a coating or installing a new roof is rather expensive, all important aspects should be learned to choose the right hue. Most professionals look at three factors: material type; color matching to the building design; and a light or dark scheme.

Material

One of the most common pitfalls made in choosing materials is only considering how much money will be saved. Less expensive materials are often purchased, leading to frustration with the outcome as it either looks wrong or does not properly protect the structure. The most commonly used materials include wood shakes, asphalt, slate, shingles, and metal, all of which have varying aspects such as durability and price. It can be helpful to cut out pictures from brochures and magazines to compare all available options.

Color Matching

It is often thought that there are limited roofing options, which is not true as there is a wide variety of colors available to match any building style. First determine a color theme. If a roof will be placed on an existing structure, work to match main and secondary colors using a tone for the top that will blend well with any existing shades. Print a picture of the structure and use the clippings obtained from brochures and magazines to compare how it all looks, playing close attention to textures and tones. Then select the most complimentary one that will make the entire structure stand out while properly protecting it from all outside elements.

Look at the types of material and coating shades most commonly used nearby. Select a coating that blends with the horizon for a unique look. This creates an appearance when viewed from a distance of a structure appearing to be part of the sky. Don?t overlook the importance of the roof being both practical and functional.

Color Scheme

Whichever choice is made, different schemes have different benefits. If the roof is low or with a shallow pitch, using a lighter tone will make it appear taller; if the structure is already very tall, coating it with something dark will make it appear less overwhelming.

Consider also that a lighter shade generally reflects more of the sun than a darker tone which helps lower a building?s internal temperature. Darker tones usually absorb more of the sun?s rays and can contribute to an increase in room temperature. A lighter scheme is good in areas with more sun exposure, while a darker scheme is perfect for areas that are colder or with less exposure to the sun throughout the year.

Take the time to discuss all above concerns with a nearby contractor to ensure that any roofing material is properly chosen for both the structure and the area in which located. Getting a professional opinion ensures that a home will look great while saving energy costs as well ? so color that roof correctly!

Call Schulte Roofing When Needing A Roofer Houston Company With Superior Roofing Knowledge!

Do you want to find a great roofer Houston firm to help with your roof? Call Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 to find professionals ready, willing, and able to help all Houston area customers with any roofing needs!