If you are considering installing solar panels, you will need to think about the connection between solar panels and roof replacement. Solar panels often last for decades, and installing them on a roof already experiencing wear and tear may make your residential roofing restoration quite costly.

Before you install solar panels on your roof, find out if your roof needs replacement. But how would you know if your roof requires replacement before installing those solar panels?

When is re-roofing necessary?

You will need to re-roof your house before installing solar panels if:

The roof is old: Solar panels may outlast your roof if it’s older than 10 years. This means that if you will need to replace the roof at a later date, you will incur more expenses because you’ll have to remove the solar panels first. Also, your old roof is likely to get damaged in the process of setting up solar panels on it.
The cost of re-roofing is lower: You may also need to compare the cost of re-roofing, and the cost of removing the solar panels, repairing the roof, and re-installing the solar panels on the same roof. It may be cheaper to replace your roof before installing the solar panels and have peace of mind for the next 10 to 15 years than install the panels on an old roof and pull them down in a few years’ time.
Solar installation warranty doesn’t cover roof repairs: Solar installation companies give a warranty that covers their solar products, but not the damage it may cause to your weak roof. In case the roof breaks, or caves in during or after the installation – you’ll be on your own. It would be much better to replace the roof before the solar installation if you know it won’t hold.

You’ll know your roof needs a replacement if you take a good look at it. If you notice the development of mold and mildew or wet patches on the ceiling, missing or broken shingles, and higher than normal energy bills, your roof is due for replacement. The solar panels and roof replacement would go together in this case.

When is re-roofing not necessary?

While it appears that you may have to replace your roof before going solar, there may be a few cases when re-roofing may not be necessary. They are as follows:

New roof: If your roof is still new, you may not need to replace it because it will last as long as the solar panels.
No signs of wear and tear: You may not need to re-roof if your roof still shows no signs of wear and tear, that is, all the shingles are in place, no leaking patches, and no sign of molds or mildew. But you will have to check and counter-check just to be sure your roof will last for the next two or three decades.

If you are planning to install solar panels, you need to be sure your roof can last as long as the solar panels to prevent costly repairs in the near future. If you need more information, Solar Optimum is your roofing expert. Please contact us today or visit our website to learn more.