Dear Jim: I need to replace my roof, and I read a previous column that indicated metal roofs qualify for an energy tax credit. Are metal roofs worth the extra cost, and how do they conserve energy?

-- Robert K.

J.D.: Metal roofs do qualify for up to a $500 energy tax credit. Use IRS form 5695 to apply for the credit. If you plan to live in your house for a long time, the increased initial cost of installing a metal roof is generally a good home-improvement investment, even without the tax credit.

Metal roofs keep your house cooler during summer. This can dramatically improve your family's comfort and reduce your electric bills if you air-condition. During the winter, they have a negligible effect on the energy efficiency of your house.

Most metal roofs reflect away more of the sun's heat than do asphalt shingle roofs, particularly black shingles. That keeps the roofing materials cooler so less heat is radiated down through the ceilings to the living area. Also, the underside of the metal surface has lower emissivity than shingles, so even less heat radiates down to the ceiling below.

The final energy advantage is that the metal is relatively thin and has a contour stamped into it to simulate other styles of shingles. That contour creates an air gap between most of the roofing and the roof sheathing below it. With a sloped roof, outdoor air naturally circulates up under the metal roof to keep it cooler.

Installing a metal roof can cost significantly more than standard or even decorative architectural fiberglass shingles. You can expect a metal roof to last at least 50 years, and some have lifetime warranties. You also may get a reduction in your homeowner's insurance premiums, because hot embers from a nearby fire will not ignite a metal roof.

There are many residential metal roofing materials from which to select. Aluminum is the most lightweight, and much of it is made from recycled beverage cans. That, along with the energy savings and reduced landfill waste from replacing shingles every 20 years, makes it Earth-friendly.

Simulated cedar shake aluminum roofing is particularly attractive. Copper and stainless steel are also very attractive, but their cost is often outside the budgets of most homeowners.

Steel roofing is also becoming more popular on homes. Painted standing seam or tile steel roofing is very durable.

Instead of trying to simulate some type of standard roofing material, the bright colors and unique appearance are signatures of upscale homes. Powder coating with Kynar, in a multistep process, is durable and commonly used on both steel and aluminum.

The following companies offer metal roofs: Classic Products, 800-543-8938,; Conklin Metal, 800-282-7386,; Englert, 800-364-5378,; Follansbee Steel, 800-624-6906,; and Zappone Mfg., 800-285-2677,

Underground lines

Dear Jim: I am planning to do some landscaping at my house. I am concerned about hitting underground power lines and then having to pay to repair them. How can I tell where the underground lines are located?

-- Ned G.

J.D.: The cost of repairing a damaged underground power line can be substantial, but that is the least of your concerns.

Those lines can be carrying 240 volts and can cause serious injury or death if you hit one.

There is a new telephone number to call: 811. There also is a Web site: If you contact 811, someone will contact a utility company representative to go to your home and mark the line locations with flags or paint.