a steel roof saves money on insurance and taxes

A Steel Roof Saves Money on Insurance and Taxes

When it comes to building materials, steel roofing is the MVP! Durable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly – a metal roof almost never needs replacing. Steel roofing is also attractive, able to mimic any material in a variety of textures and colors. But best of all, a steel roof saves money on insurance and taxes! In this post, we’ll break down the homeowners’ insurance discounts and income tax credits you might receive for protecting your home or business with a steel roof!

DISCOUNTS

New Roof

Regardless of material, almost all insurance companies offer a new roof discount. Insurance agencies LOVE metal roofs, however, and often provide premium discounts for slapping on some steel! Moisture repellent — and resistant to bugs, fire, and wind — insurance companies know a metal roof is less likely to leak or suffer damage in severe weather. When it comes to the structural integrity of the building, steel wins here too. Insurers know that metal weighs less than standard roofing, so it’s less likely to damage the structure. Something else to keep in mind if you’re in the market for a new house or office, many companies give discounts for metal, even if the roof isn’t new!

Impact Resistance

Impact resistance discounts are based on how well your roofing material does in the UL test standard 2218. Essentially, testers take steel balls and drop them on various roofing materials to simulate damage caused by hail. How well the roof stands up in the test determines its roofing classification. Any material that passes the test is considered impact-resistant, though there is a scale from one to four, with four being the highest level of resistance.

Metal roofs almost always receive a class four rating and qualify for the largest discounts. And unlike other materials that degrade over time, steel stays at level four for the life of the roof. Depending on the type of insurance you carry, your metal roof could net you an impact resistance discount of 35-46%!

Fire Resistance

Your steel roof may not only result in a fire resistance discount, it could possibly save your home, your business, or even your life.

Much like impact ratings, fire ratings are assigned by test performance and designated by class. Classes range from A to C, with A being the most fire resistant. Per the test results, each class has been proven to:

Class A

  • Allow a maximum flame-spread of six feet
  • Withstand a burning brand that is 12” X 12” and weighs 2000 grams
  • Last two to four hours without catching on fire
  • Resist 15 on/off cycles of a gas flame

Class B

  • Allow a maximum flame-spread of eight feet
  • Withstand a burning brand that is 6” X 6” and weighs 500 grams
  • Last one hour without catching on fire
  • Resist eight on/off cycles of a gas flame

Class C

  • Allow a maximum flame-spread of 13 feet
  • Withstand a burning brand that is 1.5” X 1.5” and weighs 9.25 grams
  • Last 20 minutes before it catches fire
  • Resist three on/off cycles of a gas flame

With proper underlayment, metal roofs are almost always rated Class A. And since steel roofs are non-combustible, they typically only have to undergo the test for flame spread.

With a Class A rating, burning debris landing on the roof isn’t going to start a fire. But even if a fire starts in the house itself, the metal roof may keep you safe. Because steel is lighter than asphalt, slate, tile, and other materials – the roof is less likely to collapse, even if the structure is ablaze. This extra time gives firefighters a better chance of saving you, your family, your pets, and even your possessions. 

CREDIT

Energy Star

The homeowner tax credits for energy-efficient roofs are extended through December 2020. This means your new steel roof could cut $500 off your tax bill while saving you money on power! In fact, research by the Metal Roofing Alliance shows an annual energy savings of about 40% for homeowners with steel roofs.

The choice seems pretty clear. Putting a metal roof on your home or office will increase property value, keep you safe, and save you money on insurance and taxes.

WBS

At Western Building Supply, we domestically source and manufacture an extensive range of steel products in a variety of styles, colors, and design choices. And while most roofing companies take two to four weeks to deliver, we do so in half the time with the proper equipment, vehicles, and professionals. From expert handling to the careful loading and unloading of your steel roofing materials, you can trust our team.

We know you rely on correctly filled orders and prompt delivery to complete your jobs, which is exactly what you can expect with Western Building Supply. Contact us to learn more.

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