Materials · 4 min read
Thinking About Solar? Deal With Your Roof First.
Published
Solar arrays last 25 to 30 years. If your roof has twelve years left, you're planning to pay to remove and reinstall the array halfway through its life.
The age rule
If the roof has fewer than fifteen years of remaining life, replace it before the array goes on. Removal and reinstallation of a residential array typically costs thousands, and it's entirely avoidable.
Mounting penetrations
Every mount is a hole in your roof. Proper installations use flashed mounts integrated into the shingle courses, not lag bolts sealed with caulk. Ask specifically which flashing system the installer uses.
Warranty interactions
Adding an array can affect both your roofing workmanship warranty and manufacturer coverage. Coordinate between the roofer and the solar installer before work begins so responsibility is clear.
Ventilation and shading
Panels shade the roof surface, which modestly extends shingle life. They also complicate future repairs, so any known flashing issues should be resolved beforehand.
If any of this applies to your own home, our roof replacement crews handle it every week, and you can see how we work in your area on our Troy, Ohio roofing page. Inspections and written estimates are free either way — call 937-749-7767.