Washington, DC April 13, 2009 – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) offers homeowners a tax credit for purchasing reflective asphalt shingles. Homeowners can receive as much as 30-percent tax credit on reflective shingles up to a maximum of $1,500 through 2010. Thanks to the easy installation and long-term durability of asphalt shingles as well as their relatively low initial cost, asphalt shingles historically have long offered the best value in roofing compared to other roofing materials. Now that value extends to reflective asphalt shingles as well.

“Asphalt shingles are prized for their durability, affordability, beauty and now also their energy efficiency when reflective shingles are installed as the protective top-layer of homes,” said Reed Hitchcock, Executive Director of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. “It’s not surprising that asphalt shingles remain the favorite for re-roofing. Four out of five U.S. homeowners prefer asphalt shingles.”

To qualify for the rebate, the shingles must meet the EPA ENERGY STAR ® Roofing Requirements for initial and three-year-aged solar reflectance. State and local agencies may offer additional incentives and rebates for the installation of energy-efficient roofing products. For a searchable database of offers in your state or local area, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) maintained by North Carolina State University at www.dsireusa.org.

The tax credit should be claimed on federal income tax forms. Homeowners simply need to download and complete the shingle Manufacturer’s Certification document, and keep it, along with all receipts or itemized bills from the contractor showing the amount spent on the specific reflective shingles between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.  For more information on the EPA ENERGY STAR ® Roofing Program requirements please visit www.energystar.gov.

About the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association is the North American trade association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous-based residential and commercial fiberglass and organic asphalt shingle roofing products, roll roofing, built-up (BUR) roofing systems, and modified bitumen roofing systems. For additional information, contact ARMA or www.asphaltroofing.org.