If your roof is in bad shape, solar panels in NJ may not even be an option for your home. While there have been many technological advancements in the design and construction of solar systems for both residential and commercial properties, they are still heavy and need sufficient support to operate for the long term.
How Old Is Your Existing Roof?
The average lifespan of a residential shingle roof is about 15 to 20 years. A roof replacement will depend on the type of roofing material you have, general maintenance, and things like severe weather or fallen branches over the years. Roofing is not only about the structure but also about the aesthetics. It can add value to your home and help with resale value. This is why homeowners should consider having their roof inspected every 10 years or when there are problems found with parts related to the roof such as flashing or gutters. All these decisions and timelines change a bit when you first start to think about having a complete solar energy generation system installed.
A new roof option should not be overlooked just because your existing roof has not reached the limit of its lifespan yet. If your roof has sustained any damage from storms or debris, it may make sense to replace everything even if you could get another five or ten years out of it. This can extend the life of your home by protecting the wooden parts underneath the shingles or other roofing material. A new roof will help prevent leaks and water damage, which can lead to mold infestation or even structural damage over time. Another good reason to replace your roof is to improve insulation that keeps more of your energy inside. This can also help you save on your heating, cooling, and electric bills.
Roofs and Solar Panels On the Same Timeline
It makes no sense to put solar panels on a roof that will need replacement in five or six years. The energy producing installation will last twenty years or more. If you need to hire a company to take it off in order to replace the roof and then put it back on again, you are looking at additional expenses down the road. This holds true especially for standard shingles. If you have a metal roof, for example, it can last forty years or more. High-quality tile works may last even longer. The chance of your solar panels outliving that type of timeline is slim, so unless your metal or tile roof is already exceptionally old, you should have no problem going forward with the installation.
Why not replace everything at the same time instead? The average twenty-year lifespan of most shingles and solar panels will save you a lot of headaches and money over your lifetime. Of course, this is mostly useful if you intend to stay in the same house for that long. If you do want to sell your property and move, aligning the replacement timelines of both things can make it easier for potential buyers to make a profitable decision for you.
Solar Energy Savings Can Offset New Roof Replacement
If you worry about the cost to install solar panels in NJ already, you may have additional concerns about the budget to replace your entire roof. However, there is another way to think of the financial situation. When it comes to reducing your energy bills or even earning money through the unique payback program, the money you save on your monthly bills can help offset the cost of roof work. While this does not give you extra money up front for a sizable expense, it can balance the budget for home repairs, maintenance, and upgrades considerably.
Ultimately, it depends on how you intend to get the solar system too. You can either purchase one outright and have it installed, lease the panels from a company for a set monthly charge, or agree to and installation owned by the solar company through which you can purchase inexpensive electric power. NJ solar panel tax credit and federal tax incentives can help you make up your mind. These have much different levels of upfront expense, so it is important to look at both immediate budget and long-term expenses.
Many people are interested in installing solar panels on their homes but are deterred by the idea that they will have to pay for roof repair or replacement first. It may not be necessary in many cases. However, in order to minimize risk of damage, increase efficiency, and save costs in the long run, replacing the roof prior to solar installation may be your best bet.
Roof replacement may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including old age or damage from storms or other natural disasters. It may also be necessary because your home's roof is incompatible with your state and local codes and building ordinances. While roofing work increases overall solar panel installation cost in NJ, it also provides peace of mind knowing you will not have to pay extra to have the panels removed in order to repair or replace the roof before they wear out themselves. Work closely with the top solar power company and roofing contractor – Steve Whitman Roofing and Solar – to determine the best options for a successful outcome.
Always choose roof repair miami specialists for the installation, replacement, or repairing of roofs because they have experienced staff, who have the proper knowledge to deal with all types of roofs.