Solar is a great way to reduce your energy bill and make an impact on the environment. There is no better time than now to start planning for solar panels at home.
When you’re thinking about installing solar panels, you might be asking yourself “Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar panels?” It’s a good question—and the answer could save you a lot of money.
There are many reasons why you might need to replace your roof prior to solar panel installation. It’s important that you get your roof in good condition, as this will protect the solar panels and make sure they last longer. Here are some of the most common reasons people need a new roof before installing solar panels:
Your roof has been damaged by weather & storms
If you’ve experienced damage to your roof from rain, hail, wind, or snow, then there’s a possibility that this could compromise the integrity of your roofing material. If there are leaks in your home due to these issues, then it’s time for some major repairs. And if those repairs aren’t done properly, then you might end up with mold and mildew problems everywhere—and we all know how expensive those can be!
If trees have fallen on your house during a storm or other natural disaster (hurricane), then they may have caused damage to your wood shingles. When this happens, it’s important that you get an expert opinion before making any decisions about how best to proceed with repairs on top of a solar panel installation.
Your roof is too old
If your roof is in poor condition, or if it has more than one layer of shingles, then there’s a good chance you should replace it before installing solar panels. That’s because having an old roof can cause problems with the installation process and make the system less efficient. If your roof has storm damage or other damage that requires the replacement of materials, then it’s also time to get rid of those old shingles and start fresh!
A good rule of thumb for determining if your roof needs to be replaced is to check the age of the shingles. If they’re over 20 years old, it’s time for a new one. Old roofs may not provide the best protection against weather elements like hail or high winds, which means there’s an increased risk of damage and even injury during an intense storm.
This may seem like an obvious point, but it bears repeating: if the shingles on your roof are breaking or missing, cracked or curling, or if there’s excessive granular loss (where the granules of your roof are falling off), then you need to replace them before installing solar panels. If you don’t do this step first and try to install solar panels on top of an existing bad roof, you could be wasting money and making things worse for yourself.
But what if your roof is in good condition? Well… then there’s still some reason to consider replacing it! Here are some reasons why you might want to:
Improper Installation
You should be on the lookout for signs of improper installation. Things like problems with water drainage can make proper drainage of rainwater from the solar panels a problem too. Improper installation of shingles can lead to water damage inside your home—which means mold growth and other issues that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
Roof with more than 1 layer of shingles
If you have a roof with more than one layer of shingles, then you may need to replace the roof prior to solar panel installation. Having too many layers can lead to problems with leaking and wind damage. Replacing the roof will ensure your new solar system lasts as long as possible without having any problems from the elements or weather conditions that can cause damage over time.
Hopefully, the information above has given you some insight into what to expect with a new roof, and the preliminary work that goes into your solar panel installation. Note that this is just one example of a solar installation project, and each project will have slightly different requirements. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about roof replacement, roof repairs, or roof installation contact us. At Brodeur Roofing we always welcome your questions!