Did you know that there are government grants that can help replace or repair your old roof for free? Find out how much you can save and how you might be eligible to get a new roof for free.

A roof is a serviceable, functional part of any home. It keeps you and your family safe from harsh weather and also improves your home's appearance.

Nonetheless, your roof can be damaged by factors such as hail, fallen tree branches, extreme weather, and U.V. rays. Roofs can be expensive to repair, renovate or replace, especially for low-income families. Fortunately, there are specific roof replacement grants that you can take advantage of. Keep reading to learn more about some of the ways you can replace your old roof for no cost!

The Housing Preservation Grant

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a Housing Preservation Grant to low-income families? To be eligible, your income must be under a certain threshold, and you must live in a rural area. The House Preservation Grant is typically administered via a local non-profit organization that focuses on assisting low-income families in the community. 

You can use such assistance to reduce the cost of repair or replacement of your roof, for example, if it is a health or safety hazard. If you're interested in this grant; you should contact your local USDA Rural Development field office to learn more. 

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program is administered by the United States Department of Energy, and it is one of the most well-known grant programs for roof repair and replacement. If you're a low-income family, the weatherization assistance program could help you reduce your home's heating and cooling expenses and improve the general habitability and health and safety of your home. Up to $5 billion in grants are distributed each year by state and local governments to help low-income families improve their homes.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have income under a certain threshold
• Have a disability
• Be a senior citizens
• Be a low-income family with dependent children
• Be a low-income single parent

You are also automatically eligible if your family receives either Supplemental Insurance Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. 

Single-Family Housing Repair Grants and Loans

Similar to the Housing Preservation Grant, Single-Family Housing Repair Grants and Loans are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These grants finance low-income families to enable them to make needed home repairs — including roof repair and replacement.  

Also referred to as the Section 504 Home Repair Program, these government grants cover home renovations such as roof replacement and other improvements that affect the habitability of a property. These grants and loans aim to improve the safety, health, and quality of life of low-income, disadvantaged people. To be eligible for the loan, you must be an existing homeowner with an income lower than 50% of your area's median income.

Handicapped Accessibility Improvement Program (HAIP)

The Handicapped Accessibility Improvement Program (HAIP) is an amazing grant that offers up to $75,000 per household for families and individuals who require better accessibility in their homes. This grant can be used to make your home safer and more comfortable to live in, especially if you have mobility issues or are a senior.

You may qualify for this grant if you meet any of the following:

• You have owned and lived in your home for at least three years
• You have no outstanding local, state, or federal taxes
• You have homeowners insurance 
• You meet the required income-based criteria 

Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP) 

Do you have mobility issues or another physical impairment? The Single-Family Residental Rehabilitation Program could help you. SFRRP offers support for roof repairs or renovations to those with mobility or other physical challenges. 

The grant can be used to address home repairs, such as roofing, gutter work, and even windows replacement. The aim of SFRRP is to provide safe, habitable homes that are accessible for the physically impaired. It also gives homeowners an opportunity to ensure their home meets the building code. 

SFRRP offers up to $20,000 in roof repair grants to repair or replace your roof or gutters. This plan is a great option for homeowners who are living with a disability and who cannot afford to have their roofs replaced.

Solar Project

If you're passionate about the environment and want to save yourself some money, consider combining your new roof with a grid-tied solar project. There are many programs available for homeowners who want to finance their new roof and make use of a solar project. The best part is that many homeowners are able to offset the cost of their new roof with the income generated. 

Another alternative to consider is leasing your roof out to a third-party solar system for a monthly rental fee. This can help substantially lower your costs for a completely new roof and enable you to generate solar energy for up to 25 years! However, it's important to remember that depending on your location and your type of roof, your options for leasing or taking advantage of a solar project may vary. It's important to research your options thoroughly before making a commitment.  

Find Affordable Roof Replacement Options

If you're living with an old or damaged roof that needs replacing, you have options! Start your search online today and find out which roof replacement grants you're eligible for. With a little research, you could save thousands of dollars on your new roof.