Having solar panels installed on your roofs provides many benefits. They last for many years, about 20 to 25 years, and save a lot on electricity bills. Solar panels may sometimes live more than the roof they are installed on. In some cases, the roof may not be able to stand for a long time and may need replacement.
This situation worries homeowners, bringing many questions to their minds. They worry about their roof replacement and repair, thinking that it may not be very easy. But, a professional guide can make your task easy. This article will discuss how a roof can be replaced or repaired with solar panels installed on it.
Solar panels last for decades and can save you a lot of money. Since they are such a long-time investment, you need to check your roof before installing solar panels. If you think that your roof will require a repair or complete replacement in a few years, then you should get it done before installing solar panels.
Some signs that can help you to determine whether the roof requires replacement or repair are:
Head up to your attic and see if the light is shining through them to see if there are any holes in your roof. You can check for leaks by examining your walls. If you see any stains or streaks on ceilings and walls, it is an indication of moisture residing there.
Shingles are designed to lay flat on your roof. If they get curled upwards or get cracked and buckled, they may lose their effectiveness.
The most dangerous sign that tells your roof needs replacement is sagging. Usually, the roof gets sagged by the moisture trapped inside them, causing significant and visible damage to your roof.
You should check your roof for damages and determine if it needs replacement or not. This needs to be done before installing the solar panels. But if your roof gets damaged after the installation, then you don’t need to worry. It can still be replaced by strictly following the steps stated below.
You should contact the rooftop solar installer experts who have installed your solar panels. They can assist you and let you know whether the roof needs to be replaced or not. Their professional guide helps determine your roof's situation and the requirement for its replacement.
Once your rooftop solar installers confirm that your roof needs replacement, the next step is to get your solar panels removed. It is better to remove your solar panels from the company that installed them. It is because they know better how to handle your solar panels without damaging them. But, if the company that installed your solar panels is not available, you can choose another professional and reputed company. They’ll get your solar panels removed accurately.
Once your solar panels are removed, you may think about where they need to be placed. Which place is safe to keep them without causing damage? So, securing your solar panels is important to avoid any inconvenience. Usually, it is recommended to secure them in a shed or garage. You should not leave them lying on your porch or front areas. These areas get used frequently, so placing them there can be dangerous.
Once your solar panels are removed and secured, the next step is to remove your old roof. Removing the roof causes a lot of debris, so you should be careful. Anything you think may get damaged should be kept in a safe place.
Once your old roof is removed, the next step is re-roofing. The re-roofing process’s duration varies depending on the size of the roof and the material of your roof. The roofing company can tell you about the duration of roof replacement depending on your situation.
Once your roof gets replaced, almost all the work has been completed. Only the last step of the re-installation of solar panels is left. Once your roof gets replaced, the installers you’ve hired re-install the solar panels. The re-installation process includes the installation of solar panels on the roof and re-connecting them with the grid and the batteries.
Flat Roof replacement is a hectic task. It becomes a little more difficult with solar panels installed on it. But, following the safety measures can make it look easy. You should first be careful to get your solar panels removed and secure.
Once the roof replacement process is finished, you can get them re-installed by the company you’ve hired. It is usually recommended to check if your roof requires a replacement or not before installing solar panels. But, if it gets damaged afterwards, you can also get it replaced by following the steps mentioned above.