You might not have to pay for your roof repair wholly by yourself.
Repairing or replacing a roof can be a costly endeavor. It can be so expensive that you can't afford it. A roof in disrepair leads to water damage inside the home -- sometimes to a point beyond repair. Roofs are also a source of air leakage, which reduces the energy efficiency in the home. If you can't afford to repair or replace your roof but must, one of several roofing cost assistance programs may be available to you. Does this Spark an idea?
Local Government Assistance Programs
Contact your local housing office or emergency assistance program. Many cities have programs that help cover the cost of repairing or replacing an existing roof in disrepair. There are several qualifications a prospective aid recipient must meet. For example, the taxes and insurance on the home must be current, or certain income limits might be in place. You will likely need to reside in the home for a specified amount of time after the work is complete. Otherwise you will need to pay back a portion of the allotted amount.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided roofing assistance to areas that have fallen under a federal state of emergency. Assistance may include roofing materials and contact information to volunteer organizations that can aid you in installing new roofing. Contact a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in your community for more information.
Federal Tax Credit
You may qualify to receive a federal tax credit for roof work done during a previous tax year. The roof must meet clearly established federal Energy Star conservation certification requirements. Obtain a certificate from your roofing material manufacturer and keep it in a safe file. Use IRS form 5695 to apply for the credit.
Other Options
The Federal government gives out loans and grants for low-incoming families or individuals to help pay for home repairs. Contact the rural development field office for your county to obtain an application. You can also contact a branch of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps to build homes, which may be in a position to provide manpower and know-help you repair or replace your roof at no cost. If you don't qualify for any other programs, try getting together with neighbors who also need roof work for a group rate.
Tags: your roof, Emergency Management, Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency, Federal Emergency Management
