One of the greatest investments you can make in your home is installing solar panels on your roof. Not only do they help drastically lower your energy bill, but they will also increase the resale value of your home, should you decide to sell down the line.
If you are worried about the type of roof that is most suitable to install solar panels or if you need to replace your roof, then we are here to help. Most roofs are fine, as long as they are sturdy and fairly new.
Best Types of Roofs for Solar Panels
This is actually a very important question. You do need to plan ahead before getting your solar panels. While the types of material your roof is made from will matter, so will a few other aspects.
Besides the age of your roof, the slope of your roof will also need to be considered. Where does the roof receive the most sunlight, if it does at all, and the actual hours of sunlight, shade, and how much blockage there is. Blockage from trees, neighboring buildings, or other obstructions.
Tiles
Tiles can be made out of many different materials, but the installation for the solar panels will be the same. It involves moving some of the tiles and attaching them to brackets that rest below the tiles.
Clay, ceramic, concrete, metal, polymeric, and more. Depending on where you live and your climate will dictate what type of tiles your roof will be best suited with.
Metal
A metal roof is already going to last you a long time. They are light, durable, and often made of eco-friendly recycled materials. They are also much easier to mount solar panels on to a metal roof.
Metal roofs can withstand high winds and with a protective paint, keep the home cooler under the sun. The combination of metal roofs and solar panels means you get higher levels of energy efficiency and the attendant cost savings.
Composite
Composite roofing is becoming popular because it is less expensive to manufacture. These roofs are made of recycled or recyclable materials, which makes them eco-friendly and better for when they need replacing.
Much like other types of tile roofs, they are generally pretty simple to work around when installing mounting hardware. They may require a bit of alteration to get the panels on properly.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are also great for mounting solar panels. They are attached by making a small hole so they can install the mounting brackets. Shingles can be of various thicknesses and there is also the water drainage to consider. These types of roofs are adequate, but not the best for installing solar panels.
Wood
Wood shingles or roofs are not the most popular for installing solar panels. You may need to have the covered or replaced with something more substantial.
Roofs and Solar Panels
Before you install solar panels, you need to have your roof inspected. A professional will know if your roof will be able to withstand the extra weight. The good news is, solar panels actually add an extra bit of protection to your roof.
Your roof does need to be in great shape before you install your panels, but luckily, most roofing materials and structures are meant to last as long, if not longer than your solar panels.
Contact the experts at Live Smart Construction to find out more about getting your solar panels installed. Let them inspect your roof and help you decide what type of solar panels are going to be the best for your home.