How Do You Replace a Roof With Solar Panels in Falls Church?

Rooftop solar panels are becoming more common among houses and businesses in Falls Church, Virginia. Property owners can greatly benefit from relying on solar energy. However, the addition of solar panels can make roofing projects more challenging. 

This begs the question: how do you replace a roof with solar panels? Discover the answer to this question, along with helpful tips regarding roof replacement, in this brief guide from the team at LCR Exteriors. Don't hesitate to contact them when you need a reliable roofer in Falls Church. 

Enlist Professional Contractors

This is one home improvement project that requires professional assistance. Not only will you need to find a qualified roofing company to replace your roof, but you'll also need a separate contractor to handle solar panel removal. Most roofers will not begin a roof replacement project if solar panels are still on the structure because they don't have the proper training to remove them. 

How To Select a Solar Panel Contractor

Contact your solar panel installer if you need to remove the panels before a roofing project. These contractors have the skills and equipment to remove solar panels as well as re-install them when ready. If your original installer is unavailable, reach out to other local companies that supply homes and businesses with state-of-the-art solar panels. 

Ideally, both your roofers and solar contractors will work together to complete the project quickly. 

Prepare for Changes in Energy Costs

If you're wondering, "How do you replace a roof with solar panels?" the only possible way to install a new roof is to remove the large paneling. Roof replacements in Falls Church can take a few days depending on the outdoor conditions and scope of the project. Until your solar panels are atop your new roof, you'll have to rely on electricity from the grid. 

Your energy costs may go up as a result. Work with your roofing and solar contractors to determine the project's timeline so you can minimize the impact of this temporary loss of solar energy. 

Research Your Roofing Material

Ask any roofer, "How do you replace a roof with solar panels?" and they'll tell you that the material you choose plays an important role in the process. Roof replacements usually involve the same steps regardless of the materials. The process includes:

• Tearing off existing materials
• Repairing any damage to the structure
• Adding a new underlayment
• Installing new roofing materials

If you don't have solar panels on your roof, you can usually install a different material without issue. However, property owners with solar panels need to consider the bracket hardware that attaches the paneling to the roof. Not all roofing materials support the same bracket and therefore might require you to replace the hardware. 

For example, say you have solar panels on your asphalt shingle roof but decide to switch to a metal roofing system because of its durability. The bracket that's on your solar panels may not be suitable for metal roofs. Ask your solar installer if it's possible to change your roofing material.

Consider Replacing Your Roof Before You Install Solar Panels

If you don't already have solar panels but feel that the benefits of solar energy are too good to pass up, reach out to a licensed roofing contractor in Falls Church before making your decision. Industry experts agree that roof replacement before solar panel installation is ideal. Instead of asking, "How do you replace a roof with solar panels?" you should ask a roofer, "When will I need a new roof?"  

You can get the most out of your solar panels by installing them on a brand-new roof. Have a roofer inspect your structure and determine if it's in good condition. They might find areas in need of repair or recommend replacing the roof if it's nearing the end of its lifespan. 

Tackle these roofing projects before adding solar panels to your property. This way, you won't have to worry about removing and re-installing the panels or the type of bracket they use. 

Contact Falls Church's Trusted Roofers — LCR Exteriors

After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, "How do you replace a roof with solar panels?" The roofers at LCR Exteriors tackle this project using the best roofing materials on the market and can replace your roof without damaging your solar panels. Reach out to LCR Exteriors to learn more about the process and receive a quote for a roof replacement with solar panels. Get more information now.