What to Know for Roof Replacement and Solar Installation Compatibility

After you purchase a home one of the first things you should do is schedule a free roof inspection even if one was done during the sale process. This information is important to determine the overall condition of this necessary feature, whether it needs repairs or if it has exceeded its life span and needs to be replaced. Another reason you may want to have this feature re-done is if it looks outdated, worn or just plain ugly.

For homeowners considering solar panel installation, roof repair and replacement is best done prior to adding solar because of cost and efficiency reasons. Also, knowing that solar panels are a future enhancement is important when choosing a new roof design and material so it can be a consideration in the decisions made. Below are a few features to keep in mind when working with the best roofing companies in Bakersfield that incorporate aesthetics and functionality together.

One of the first decisions you have to make is the type of material you want to use for your new roof as there are plenty of available options to choose from that differ in price, energy efficiency and usability. Slate and tiles are typically more expensive and not necessarily compatible with solar panels. Wood shingles are treated to withstand the weather elements but are time-consuming and not allowed in certain areas because of how they are manufactured. Metal and asphalt roofs are affordable, beautiful to look at, available in different colors and work great with any type of solar panel installation. Second, keep the lines simple and avoid valleys and unnecessary ‘holes’ in the roof such as skylights and dormers. This gives the roof a clean appearance and provides a solid platform for solar panel placement to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.

Another reason to reduce the number of curves and angles in a roof is weather accumulation which will damage it over time. Ledges and valleys are ideal places for rain, snow and leaves to build up which create a damp environment where mold and bacteria can grow and eat away at the roofing material. Another feature that has more of a functional purpose is venting which should be done closer to the ridge area than the lower eaves. This is because it is better supported higher up and is not damaged as easily while also not getting in the way of the panels that will eventually cover the roof. An experienced roofing contractor can work around this but as with any major project, identifying ‘best practices’ upfront saves time and money rather than developing a workaround.

Roof replacement does not always happen with the best timing and it is challenging to think of all the scenarios you need to consider (i.e. solar installation) during the process. However, if you are thinking about an energy efficient system for your home, check with the best commercial solar in Fresno and discuss your need for a new roof combined with the desire to purchase panels for installation at the same time.

Making the decision to invest in a solar energy system for your home or business is based on several factors like cost, savings, environment effects and convenience.