Solar panels have become popular over the past few years as more people have started thinking about reducing their carbon footprints by shifting to renewable energy. Installing solar panels means that as long as your area receives sufficient sunshine, you can generate most or all of the power you need yourself. Since the panels are typically installed on the roof, you also need to think about how installing them will affect it.
Do You Need a Roof Repair Beforehand?
Depending on the age of your roof, you might or might not need to have it repaired before installing the solar panels. The roof should be able to hold the weight of the solar panels and all associated accessories. Additionally, there should not be underlying issues that will necessitate the removal and reinstallation of the solar panels before they have served you adequately.
Some of the best ways to know whether you need a roof repair beforehand are confirming the roof’s age, doing a visual inspection yourself, and getting a contractor to inspect the roof for you. If you or the contractor notice any issues, you can schedule to have the roof repaired before the panels come in.
When getting the roof repaired or replaced, talk to the contractor about the different residential roofing options that are available. Ideally, you want an option that outlasts the solar panels while being affordable enough because this will be a significant project.
Roof Repairs or Replacement with Solar Panels Installed
Depending on the rated life of the solar panels and how old the roof was when they were installed, you might need to replace the roof before replacing the solar panels. This can be a complicated process if you have a lot of panels or a complicated installation.
Additionally, you have to think about the costs associated with removing the panels and putting them back. There are so many factors that determine how much this process will cost, so it is always best to get in touch with a contractor to get a proper estimate.
Working With the Contractor
Many solar companies will inspect the roof or contract a roof inspector to ensure it is suitable for installation. They will then recommend a replacement or necessary repairs. Most solar companies will not do these replacements or repairs, but they do work with companies that do them.
You can ask the company doing the solar installation to recommend a good roofing company so you can have everything done simultaneously.
The reverse is also true. Many roofing contractors work with solar installation companies. If you are getting the roof replaced or repaired and are thinking of getting solar in the future, it is a good idea to ask the roofing contractor to recommend a contractor for the solar panel installation part of the project.
If you are thinking of switching to reusable energy by getting solar panels installed, it is a good idea to also think about getting your roof repaired or replaced at the same time. The latter might be costly, but it is something you would have done anyway. It is better to have it done before or as the panels are being installed to save yourself some labor costs down the road.
