Are you thinking about installing solar panels? If so, you’re probably making a wise decision that could help you save money in the long run. However, it’s important to be mindful and make sure your current roof is in good condition before installing solar panels by contacting a good roofing company Austin.
If you’re going to need roof replacement from a skilled roofing company Austin within the next couple of years, you may want to rethink your timing. The last thing you want to do is install solar panels on a roof that’s already in bad condition and needs repairs. Removing and reinstalling solar panels is an extra expense you don’t want to incur if you don’t have to.
How Do You Know If Your Roof Needs Replacement
Different types of roofing materials have different serviceable years. This means that you’ll need to consider how old your current roof is. Then you can determine whether it needs replacement before you install your solar panels.
Here’s what you should know about the different lifespans of various roofs:
Tile Roofs: Tile roofs can be concrete, clay, slate, or some other material. Unlike some other roofing materials, tile roofing has a reputation for extreme durability. Some tile roofs can last an entire lifetime and come even come with 50-year warranties. However, the lifespan of tile roofs is largely affected by the quality and weight of the underlayment. A heavy-duty underlayment can last up to 50 years. If you have a tile roof that isn’t very old, you should be able to install solar panels with no worries. If your tile roof is old, consider asking a roofing company Austin TX to come out and inspect it before installing your solar panels.
Metal Roofs: Metal roofs tend to be more durable than asphalt shingles, and they frequently come with long warranties. If your metal roof is still in good shape, you can install solar panels with minimal worries.
Asphalt Shingles: If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, you’ll need to take a bit more care when deciding whether or not to install solar panels. Asphalt shingles vary in quality, and some may only last ten years, while others may last up to 50 years. If your asphalt shingles are more than eight years old, you may want to consider replacing them before you install solar panels. Otherwise, you might end up having to replace your roof within the next few years. That means you’ll have to pay to have your solar panels removed and reinstalled.
Generally, you want to make sure you have at least 15 years of roof life before switching to solar. This means that even if your roof has an estimated five years of life left in it, you should still replace it before you have solar panels installed. Alternatively, you can put off solar panel installation for five years if you don’t want to replace your roof earlier than necessary.
Roofing Problems That Require Immediate Replacement
Sometimes roofs don’t last as long as they’re estimated to last. Even if your roof should have several years of useful life left, in reality, it may not last that long. You should always hire a roofing Austin TX company to replace your roof if you notice any of the following signs of damage:
Cracked or Curling Shingles: Do your shingles look cracked, or are they curling around the edges? If so, they need a replacement right away. Shingles start to curl around the edges when they’ve lost most of their protective granules due to UV exposure over the years.
Missing Shingles: Does your roof have bald spots where shingles used to be? If so, you need to schedule roof repairs or replacements as soon as possible.
Water Damage: Take a look at your roof. Do you notice any signs of water stains or rot underneath the roof sheathing? This is a common problem that can lead to expensive damage if you don’t take care of it soon.
If you’re thinking about getting solar panels, timing is important. If you have any questions about whether or not you need to replace your roof, contact Bluebonnet Custom Roofing. We’ll come out and perform a thorough roof inspection to let you know how many years of useful life your roof has left.
Should I Have a Roofing Company Austin Replace My Roof Before Installing Solar Panels? | Bluebonnet Roofing – Austin, TX