The demand for solar energy is increasing as many household owners are now converting to green energy. However, one point that often needs to be addressed before installing solar panels is getting the roof ready.
It would not be worth waiting for problems with your roof and solar panels to appear if they are not resolved early on.
Improving the roof before getting solar panels makes sense, as the investment in roof replacement can make both systems better functional, stronger, and lasting longer.
Let’s discuss why a roof replacement should be the first thought when installing solar panels. This article will also look at how to assess the roof’s condition, the best time to install the roof and solar, and how Solar Medix’s roof experts can help you with our comprehensive solutions.
What Is Roof Replacement, and Why Is It Important for Solar Installations?
Roof replacement involves removing and replacing the existing roofing layer, slapping on a new layer, and ensuring the layers below are sturdy enough to withstand decades of brutal weather.
This is very important for homeowners considering solar systems because the roof’s strength determines the solar system’s success and endurance. Without a sound roof structure, using solar panels wouldn’t be wise because they would cause potential structural damage, leaks, or energy inefficiency.
Solar panels run 25-30 years, so they should be installed in a house with a strong roof that is expected to run the same lifespan.
When the lifespan of the roof and the solar panels are set to the same, there will be no need for expensive solar panel removals and re-installations in the future, which would make the investment inefficient.
- Fact: It has been studied that homeowners replacing old roofs before solar panel installation can avoid the costs of $1,500 to $6,000 in removal and re-installation because an older roof will not be suitable for the solar panels (EnergySage).
For additional tips on preparing your roofs for solar panels, read our blog, “Solar Panels Roof Requirements – How to Get Your Roof Ready for Solar Panels Re-Installation.”
How to Assess if Your Roof Needs Replacement
Evaluating your current roof is very important before proceeding with solar panel installation.
The following factors can help you decide on roof replacement:
- Age of the Roof: The lifespan of roofs made of asphalt shingles is at most 20 to 30 years; other materials, e.g., metals, last longer. If it is near the end of its lifespan, replacement is better.
- Signs of Damage: Indicators of some serious damages include missing shingles, leakages, rust, or water stains. A complete inspection can help identify weak areas.
- Material Type: Some roofing materials, like metal, are more suited for solar installations due to their durability. However, other types, like wood shingles, may require extra support.
- Professional Inspection: A roofing expert or solar maintenance technician like Solar Medix can extensively examine your roof and how it stands before installing the solar panels.
If your roof shows wear and tear, a replacement may be the best route before installing your solar system.
For further insights, please refer to our article, “What You Need to Know About Roofing and Removing Solar Panels.”
5 Key Reasons to Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels are a one-time investment that can easily last you a lifetime. Therefore, removing and replacing the roof will only lead to additional costs. The roof must first be replaced to ensure this never becomes a nuisance.
Below are five key reasons why this step is essential for anyone considering solar installation,
- Ensure Roof Longevity to Match Solar Panel Lifespan
- Prevent Leak Issues and Avoid Costly Repairs
- Maximize Energy Efficiency and Home Value
- Reduce Potential Installation Delays
- Protect Your Solar Warranty
1. Ensure Roof Longevity to Match Solar Panel Lifespan
To ensure solar panels do not outlive the roofs, the roofs must be replaced before solar installation. Solar panels are built to last approximately 25-30 years. Installing them on roofs that need replacing may lead to additional bothersome and expensive work.
- With a new roof, one would not have to be concerned with frequent maintenance of the solar panels.
- It makes the lifespan of the whole structure equal, further reducing future maintenance needs.
- The chances that the solar panels will have to be removed and reinstalled are minimized.
- Reduces the chances of loss of solar energy that was supposed to be produced coming from the solar panels
A roof replacement can enhance the structural integrity of your roof, providing a secure foundation that can comfortably support solar panels for decades.
2. Prevent Leak Issues and Avoid Costly Repairs
One of the most typical issues resulting from damaged and old roofs during solar installations is leakages. When a roof is unsuitable, installing solar panels may create small gaps, cracks, or other damage, resulting in water leakage.
- Preserves the structural integrity of both roofs and inside ceilings.
- It saves the cost of unnecessary regular maintenance visits.
- It prevents harmful animals from nesting and harming roof substrates.
- Lessens the chances of water-inflicted damages leading to mold formation.
- Fact: As per the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), a staggering 30% of roofing issues are due to water leakage, which encourages the need to carry out repairs.
Replacing your roof before installation allows you to avoid these common pitfalls and maintain a watertight seal for your solar energy system.
3. Maximize Energy Efficiency and Home Value
A roof in good shape carries solar panels and increases the house’s energy efficiency. New roofing materials bring better insulation, which decreases heat losses in winter and makes the house cooler during summer.
It also reduces costs related to energy consumption while improving the performance of the solar panels.
- Enhances the energy efficiency of your home by up to 15%.
- Offers added value to your home through the integration of new roofing.
- Improves home heating and air conditioning performance in tandem with solar panels.
- Increases potential clients’ interest in a home resale in the future.
A roof replacement can make your home more appealing and energy-efficient, providing more significant long-term savings and maximizing the returns on your solar investment.
4. Reduce Potential Installation Delays
Trying to schedule a roof replacement with the installation of solar panels can be a nightmare most of the time during busy months. Doing roofing first helps to manage issues like implementing last-minute fixes, which tend to lead to delays.
- Eases the coordination of different contractors while dealing with a project.
- Enables faster and easier fittings of the solar units in the house.
- There are lower chances of fittings being postponed due to issues with the roofing.
- Less chances of a delay in fitting caused by the weather changes that are likely to expose the roof.
5. Protect Your Solar Warranty
Many warranties are provided for solar panel installation, but these warranties are voided when installed on an old, worn, or damaged roof.
After a solar panel installation, if roof repairs or a replacement is required, it could risk voiding the warranty because removing them to fix the roof could breach the warranty terms.
Therefore, avoiding unnecessary solar panel removal is the best way to keep your solar warranty safe.
- The risk of accidentally damaging a panel when reinstalling it and potentially impacting a warranty is greatly minimized.
- This, in turn, allows the solar panel system to perform at its peak throughout its lifespan.
- Plus, it gives satisfaction that the money spent on the solar panels will not go to waste due to negligence.
Roof Replacement and Solar Installation: The Best Timing for Both
To ensure maximum efficiency and durability of both systems, it is essential to time the replacement of a roof and the installation of solar panels correctly.
Good practice dictates that if a roof is old or has started to deteriorate, it must be replaced before solar panels are put on it.
In this way, not only do the solar system and roof have the potential to last longer, but it also prevents the power source in your home from being interrupted more than needed.
Solar Medix’s Roofing and Solar Solutions
We know the delicate process of getting a roof ready for solar installation at Solar Medix. Our services continue beyond regular solar maintenance; we also offer high-quality roof removal and re-installation of solar panels.
From total roof replacements to minor leaks and other issues, we work with the best roofing professionals who ensure that your roof will be firm, long-lasting, and suitable for solar energy systems.
With Solar Medix, you have a reliable team that has the experience necessary to help you make the most of your solar energy system.
