Do I Need To Replace My Roof Before Installing Solar?

The Importance of a Quality Roof When Installing Solar Panels

Many homeowners eagerly start the solar installation process only to discover that a roofing problem stops the project. Don’t let roofing issues surprise you or your wallet! If your roof is damaged, aging, or not strong enough to bear the burden of your new solar system, you’ve got to deal with that problem before you can go solar!

Your roof is the foundation of solar installation. A stable foundation is of utmost importance when installing solar panels. One of the first things we evaluate is your roof condition. But in most cases, no issues require roof replacement or repair. Solar installations are lightweight and do not require a rooftop to be reinforced.

What to Consider Before You Replace Your Roof

To be clear, as long as your roof is currently functioning, replacing it is unnecessary before you get your solar panels installed. However, it may sometimes be in your best interest. Here’s how you can assess what is best for you:

Roof age: The age of your roof is the most significant factor in whether or not you should replace it now. If it is a year or two from its expected lifespan, you will save money by replacing it now. On the other hand, if the roof is only a few years old or even mid-way through its life, then there’s no sense in replacing it.

Your budget: A complete roof replacement is a high cost, especially when you’re also investing in solar panels. You can just put it off if you don’t have a total roof replacement budget. When you get the replacement, it will cost a bit more, but waiting may make more sense if you expect to have the money by then.

Solar panel coverage: The shingles beneath your solar panels will be protected from ultraviolet light. This light is a significant factor that wears down the shingles and reduces their lifespan. Shingles that may only last a few years more may last longer under the shade of the panels.

Identify roofing problems on your own

Sometimes you don’t need a professional roofer to tell you something’s wrong with your roof. Here are a few roof problems that are easy to identify.

• Missing shingles: This is easy to spot and a common problem. Severe wind can lift roofing material away, leaving a gap in coverage.
• Damaged shingles or tiles: Curling shingles and cracked roofing tiles are easy to spot from the ground. Asphalt shingles that have lost too many granules will start to degrade quickly from UV exposure and curl around the edges. If you see this, it’s time for a replacement.
• Lots of shingle granules washing away: If you see a lot of shingle granules washing out of your downspouts or caught in your gutters, that’s a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their life. Granules will start to separate more easily from the shingle as the asphalt dries out and degrades, so if you see a lot of granules at the base of your downspout, that’s a sign that you need a roofer to take a closer look.
• Damp spots in the attic roof: If you don’t have a cathedral ceiling (one where the underside is finished), go to your attic and thoroughly examine the bottom of the roof sheathing. If you see any rot or water stains, that’s a sure sign that you have an issue.

Installing a solar energy system can result in significant cost savings, but needing to remove the panels a year or two after the installation to replace the roof would decrease your solar investment return. So the bottom line with solar panels is that it’s more cost-effective in the long run if you make an upfront investment in getting a higher-quality roof.

Thanks for reading!

Brian McKay
aka The Solar Guy 😎