There are a few items to account for when considering if you need to replace your roof before switching to solar.
Should i replace my roof before installing solar panels.
In the long run you could save money.
My roof is damaged.
If your roof is five years away from replacement consider a new roof before installing solar panels.
As a general guide it would be a good idea to have at least 15 years of life remaining in your roof before installing solar panels.
Installing solar panels is beneficial to both the environment and your energy usage.
Why it makes sense to repair or replace your roof before getting solar panels for your home.
If you think you might need to replace the roof during the working life of the solar panels take care to specify the cost of removing and reinstalling the panels in the contract.
Do you absolutely need a new roof just because you are installing solar panels.
While you may be able to squeeze out a few extra years on an older roof the best scenario for installing solar panels is on a roof that is in good condition and will not need replacement for a while.
If your home is less than 30 years old chances are that the original roof is still in place.
Even if it s older than that it should still be fine.
This will save you from additional expenses and a more complicated process later on when your old roof needs a complete replacement.
A good roofing company will tell you whether you should replace your roof before installing solar panels.
If your roof is in good condition and relatively new you won t have to worry about replacing it first.
Otherwise you may need to pay extra for the solar panel removal and reinstallation as part of a future roof repair.
Generally speaking if your roof is less than 12 years old it should be fine.
You ll need to weigh the convenience with the cost to see if it s a better option to just replace the roof before the panels go up.
If your roof is at or nearing the end of its lifespan you will likely have to replace it before you can safely install solar panels.
So should i replace my roof.
Replace your roof if it has 5 years of life left and you want to go solar.
The last thing you want after investing in solar energy panels is to incur the cost of removing those panels in order to replace the roof.
However it s better to be safe than sorry.
It s just not worth the risk or financial costs down the road.
That said you want your roof to be in decent condition.
If your roof is already near or halfway through the 20 year mark it may be more cost effective to replace your existing roof before installing the solar panels.