Solar power was once a luxury that few could afford, but these days, not only are solar panels less expensive than they used to be, but homeowners can take advantage of numerous incentives, such as tax breaks, by investing in solar panels. Not to mention that you can save a decent chunk of change on your energy bills over the long term.
However, one thing that you might be concerned about is whether you will need to replace your roof if you plan on installing solar panels.
How Will Solar Panels Affect Your Roof?
Solar panels will do nothing but help preserve the condition of your roof. First of all, they are built to last. Most solar panels come with warranties that last up to 25 years, which means you won’t have to worry about having to remove and reinstall solar panels on a regular basis. Secondly, solar panels will reduce your roof’s wear and tear since they block harmful UV rays and help to prevent snow and ice from damaging it.
Las but not least, they don’t weigh very much, which means you’re not going to have to worry about replacing your roof so that it can withstand the weight. Solar panels tend to weigh roughly four pounds per square foot, which a roof in good condition should have no problem holding up. However, there are a few cases in which you might need to replace your roof.
When Is A Roof Replacement Required?
A roof that is in poor shape may have some issues holding up the solar panels – and even if it doesn’t, do you really want to risk having a roof that probably needs extensive repairs be what holds up your solar panels, which although not as expensive as they once were – are still a substantial investment? Besides, if your roof is damaged and needs repairs, then it’s only going to grow worse.
If you install solar panels on a damaged roof, you’re eventually going to have to remove those solar panels so that you can replace the roof – after which you’ll have to reinstall them. Not only is this more work – it will cost more money. The general rule of thumb is that if your roof is more than 12 years old, you may want to replace it because it’s not worth the risk or the potential costs of replacing it in the future.
You should also schedule a roofing company to come inspect your roof. You’ll want to make sure that the roof is in good shape and ready for solar panels. A good roofing company will tell you whether you should replace your roof before installing solar panels.
Installing solar panels is beneficial to both the environment and your energy usage. If your roof is in good condition and relatively new, you won’t have to worry about replacing it first. Be sure to schedule a roof inspection by contacting us at Park Heights Roofing to ensure your roof is in good condition.