Before starting the process of a solar installation, let’s take a look at your roof. Your roof is one of the most important aspects when it comes to solar. If your roof is aging, damaged, or unable to support the weight of the solar panels, it’s wise to get a roof replacement or repair.
In the long run, inspecting your roof and seeing if you need to replace it will save you the hassle of having to replace it after your solar has already been installed – this will also save you from the cost of other potential damages.
Why is your roof so important?
Although there are other places around your home where solar can be installed, like the ground or carports. However, the majority of the time, solar is installed on your roof.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that there is more that goes into a roof than tiles and shingles. A standard roof consists of a roof truss, decking, insulation, ice and water barrier, underlayment, wood frame, and shingles or tiles. A lot more than you probably thought.
With just one of these many layers damaged, it puts a strain on your entire system. Making it a bad idea for solar installation. if this is the case, you may need a roof replacement.
Identifying roof damage
One of the easiest things to identify in a damaged roof is loose or broken tiles.
This is something that Is eventually going to happen to your roof, it’s just normal wear and tear with age. When a roof component breaks down, it exposes parts of your roof to potential water damage, additionally, standing water can cause further damage.
A roof is designed to shunt water off of its surface so if you notice any standing water on your roof, this probably means that something on your roof isn’t properly working. Punctures and cracks are another type of damage that can occur, this can happen with any type of trauma or force to your roof.
Lastly, structural damage. This only happens on rare occasions. This change in your roof structure can lead to a collapse, putting you and your family at risk.
Why roof age matters
By Installing solar panels on an older roof, your cost will increase. If you go ahead with the installation, you’ll likely have to pay the contractor, even more, to remove the panels later on. The average life span for a roof is about 20 years old, this doesn’t mean push it to the limit and install solar on your 20-year-old roof. Solar panels should never be installed on a roof that is older than 15 years old, some signs to look for in an aging roof is:
- Curling shingles
- Missing shingles
- Rotting roof
- Excessive growth on the roof
- Streaks and decolorization
Since the solar panel lifespan will outweigh your roof, the most ideal situation is to install a new roof prior to installation.
Benefits of Roof Replacement
Replacing your roof means improving your solar panel security. When you get things like high winds and natural disasters – this is where the newly replaced roof will come in handy. Your roof is responsible for protecting your panels, so installing on an older roof is just setting your solar system up for failure. Newly replaced roofs can withstand storms and other movement much better than older, worn-down roofs.
With today’s new roofing materials and designs, it can increase the energy efficiency of your home. The current shingles on the market outperform older materials and designs by keeping your home dry, repelling heat, and withsanding harsh weather conditions.
A new roof that repels heat can help prevent excess heat from reaching your HVAC system. Having extra heat on your HVAC puts a lot of stress on your PV device. Installing a new roof will help you meet your residential energy demands and limit how much you rely on your grid, essentially saving you money over time.
Stability is important when it comes to your roof and its safety. You’ll need a stable roof due to the weight of solar panels. Additionally, having that new roof can withstand excess weight, and prevent leaks, mold, and pests.
Roof replacement vs repairing
Make sure you’re truly in need of a full replacement rather than a repair. if your roof is younger than 15 years old and is in good condition, you might only need a minor repair. However, if your roof is nearing the 20-25-year mark and requires a significant repair, consider a full replacement. A replacement can be costly but it will increase your home’s value and prepare you for a successful solar installation.
In conclusion, your roof Is a very important part of your home especially if you want solar. Roof replacement is not only good for the production of your PV panels but for your and your family’s safety as well. Be sure to identify any damage that your roof may have before considering installing solar. Consider the age of your roof before piling on all of the weight that comes with solar installation. A roof replacement can be very beneficial to your home and solar system. Before jumping right into a full replacement, be sure to check out if you just need a replacement. This can end up saving you a lot of money.
