Did you know a roof replacement can return nearly three-quarters of its cost when the home is sold? Homeowners can reap even more benefits by completing other roof work simultaneously, say the experts at VeluxUSA.com. If you’re planning to reroof your home, consider installing new — or replacing existing — skylights. This energy-efficient measure can not only increase natural light inside the home, but lead to serious savings come tax season.
If you have older skylights, the flashing around them may have deteriorated over time, making them susceptible to leaks and less energy-efficient. Modern fresh air skylights can improve indoor air quality through passive ventilation. At the same time, they reduce dependence on expensive artificial light sources and mechanical ventilation.
Adding blinds further increases energy efficiency to reduce power bills. A blackout blind can improve the energy performance rating of the skylight as much as 45 percent, a light filtering blind by as much as 39 percent, and a Venetian blind by as much as 34 percent.
Both products, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. (Because of this, skylights and blinds with rain sensors and programmable touchpad remote control can be less expensive than an entry-level fixed skylight in some cases.)
Most building codes require that skylights installed out-of-reach utilize laminated glass for safety.
Combining reroofing work with other improvements saves installation or replacement time and allows the synchronization of warranty coverage for all the products. It also assures roofing materials will coordinate with new features.
