Numerous homeowners are ready to install new roofs at the same time as their solar projects because they either want to or need to. Others are left wondering if they should. Do you do a roof replacement when going solar?
Here are a couple of reasons to get a new roof and solar panels.
- Both roofs and solar panels last for many years. Installing them together will align the life span without you having to worry about them for years.
- If you’re doing a roof replacement on your home, it makes sense to add solar panels because the savings from your solar panels will help pay for your new roof.
However, installing solar and roofing simultaneously doesn’t make sense in certain circumstances. Here is a run of different scenarios to help you decide.
Scenarios for Roofing & Solar
Some companies have installed thousands of solar energy systems and roof replacements. Homeowners who have both projects done at the same time fall in these categories.
- Homeowners need a new roof and decide to add solar because it will help them save money.
- Homeowners want solar and their roofs might be less than ten years old and in decent shape. However, considering harsh weather conditions your roof might need to be replaced in a couple of years.
- Homeowners want solar on a home with a roof that’s older than ten years. It is highly probable that in these cases, a roof replacement is needed, especially to sustain the weight of a solar energy system.
Causes to Install Solar & New Roof Together
Here are some benefits of going solar and doing a full roof replacement at the same time. The Savings of your solar energy can help pay for your roof replacement. It’s like getting a new roof and the sun will help you pay for it. How does that work? With solar panels, you will be saving money on your energy bill. Over time with energy rates going up you will be saving even more and it will add up quickly. Eventually, those saving will be more than what you spend on your solar, since the savings will continue, the payback is what you spend on a new roof. Combining solar and a new roof into one makes the entire process easier.
- You deal with only one contractor
- Get a special discounts
- You will have warranties
- One contract to schedule your install
Both products will last you a long time. Today solar warranties come with a 25-year warranty that includes production and craftsmanship and a roofing warranty that covers your new roof for ten years. It’s not obligatory to get both projects done together unless it makes sense. For example, if you own a vehicle that only has 30,000 miles left before it will require new tires, you won’t be getting a warranty that’s for 60,000 miles. The same applies to this situation, we don’t recommend getting a solar energy system with a 25-year warranty on a roof that will only last five or six years.
You won’t need to uninstall or reinstall your solar energy system. Homeowners who install a solar energy system on a roof that has less than eight years of life will usually call their solar installer later on to remove the entire solar energy system so the roof can be replaced. Then, the solar energy system will have to be reinstalled. It is an easy job to do, however, it takes time and you will have to pay money.
Streamline both projects with one loan. Mainly, you can finance your roof replacement and solar loans for home equity, home improvement, bank loans, and other bank loans. That means one monthly payment instead of two.
Reasons to Install a New Roof with No Solar
There aren’t many reasons to install a new roof without solar unless your roof isn’t a good candidate for solar. For example, your roof is surrounded by trees that will block the sun from reaching the panels or your roof has limited space.
A lot of people are ready to redo their roofs along with their solar. Others have questions about how it works and additional costs. However, when solar and roofing consultants explain how much savings they will receive from just solar panels and it will cover the cost of the new roof. Consider the following: You can spend $20 and get nothing back. Or spend $30 and get $3.50 per year. Eventually, you will not only get paid back for the additional $20 you spend. That’s how solar can pay for itself and a new roof.
As long as your roof can support the weight of your solar panels, and has a number of years left on your roof, there is no need to install a new roof. Where things can get shady is when installers don’t advise homeowners to get a roof. Installing an energy system on an aging roof might compromise your roof and you will have to re-install your system on a later time.
Why Do People Replace Their Roof When They Don’t Need To?
Many homeowners usually get a roof replacement when they don’t need to in cases such as renovating, remodeling, or painting the house and wanting a different color or different roof materials.
How Do You Know You Need a New Roof?
You can check your paperwork on your current roof and check its life expectancy to determine how many more years it has. Be aware that with wear and tear the lifespan of your roof can vary. For example, if your roof has tree branches that brush against your roof shingles, harsh weather can beat up your roof and compromise the lifespan of your roof over time.
The best way is to have your roof inspected by a professional. You can call your local solar company which is also a licensed roofer in your state.
The following issues will suggest you need a roof replacement:
- Broken, curling, or loose shingles
- Broken, cracked, or loose tiles
- Warping, pooling water, and buckling on a flat roof
Additionally, if you spot these issues as well, your roof might be affected and might need a repair or roof replacement:
- Debris from trees that accumulate on the roof
- Wood rot in the overhangs or eaves
- Gutters aren’t functioning properly
