April 2023

Solar roof shingles are all the rage these days regarding renewable energy and creating a greener home. But do they live up to the hype? With other solar options on the market longer, it’s hard to know if these shingles are a flash-in-the-pan or if they’re here to stay. While deciding, find out what the pros think. We’ve gathered some pros and cons from roofing professionals regarding solar roof shingles to help you decide if they’re right for you.

Pros of Solar Roof Shingles

Solar power has many benefits, especially when you integrate it into your home’s power grid. Unlike the bulky solar panels we’re used to seeing, solar shingles have different structure, installation, and benefits. Here are the pros from the pros.

Money savings and energy efficiency – the only reasons to install any renewable energy product are to save money and use less energy. Solar shingles do just that – they capture energy from the sun and transfer it to your home to reduce your use of costly electricity from the energy company and reduce your reliance on and use of planet-damaging fossil fuels.
Installation – solar shingle installation is quite different than solar panel installation. Where solar panels require mounting on top of your roof by drilling into the roofing material itself to secure them, solar shingles integrate into the roof material. They replace traditional shingles and often take up only a portion of your roof. Solar roof installers will tell you that shingles are safer for the structure of your roof.
Curb appeal – Because they sit next to the other shingles on your roof, solar shingles are less pronounced than panels. They have a more pleasing aesthetic and cleaner lines to help maintain the architectural appearance of your home. A roofing company’s goal is to protect your home and ensure it retains its beauty in the process.
Durability – roofing professionals will tell you that durability is critical regarding roofing materials, and solar options are no exception. The solar shingles shed water better than most asphalt shingles, and can withstand extreme weather, including 130 mph winds, and most come with a class-3 hail rating.
Extended warranty – most solar shingle manufacturers work with roofing companies to certify them for this type of roofing material installation. Additionally, they provide an extended warranty so you can feel confident in your investment, and your roofing company can feel comfortable selling you a reliable product.

Cons of Solar Roof Shingles

Any trustworthy roofing professional will share the bad news with the good regarding a product they sell and support. That includes solar products. Here are the cons of solar shingles:

Cost – most solar products are more expensive than their traditional counterparts, and shingles are no exception. The initial cost is often why some homeowners back away from solar energy. The good news with solar shingles is you can save on installation costs by having them installed at the same time as the rest of a new roof. They also significantly lower your energy bills and you can even sell energy back to the power company, which will help them pay for themselves over time.
Efficiency – because of smaller shingles with less surface area to absorb energy, they yield approximately 23% less energy than panels. With solar shingles, you would sacrifice some efficiency for a more appealing appearance and easier installation.

Solar energy is an incredible way to save money, use less fossil fuel, and help make a cleaner planet. To learn more about solar shingles directly from the pros, contact the experts at Premiere Roofing.

Spring Roof Maintenance

It’s easy to neglect the roof when the weather warms up, and we start planning our annual spring-cleaning to-do list. But it’s as important, if not more important, than clearing out the garage or airing out the rugs. As your home’s primary protector, your roof should get attention every spring to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. An essential checklist for your roof maintenance should include the following:

Clear the debris – winter weather can bring heavy winds that can blow dirt and debris onto your roof. Clearing away branches, sticks, leaves, and dirt can help retain the strength of the roofing materials while allowing you to see them clearly to check for damage.

Examine the materials – checking for loose shingles is the first step in inspecting for damage. Ice, rain, and wind can take a toll on the shingles. Check for curling, tearing, separation, and damage.

Wash the roof – mold and mildew are common in the south, including on your roof, especially if it’s been a particularly wet winter. Cleaning any mold and mildew from the roof is critical for spring maintenance.

Check the flashing – the metal that protects the seam between the shingles and your chimney and vents is the flashing. It can pull away where it’s attached, leaving gaps for leaks. Check to ensure the flashing is secure to avoid water damage.

Spring Gutter Care

When checking your roof, don’t forget to take care of the gutters. They’re a vital part of the system that protects your home and foundation from water damage. The gutter care checklist should include:

Clean the gutters – clear any dirt and debris from your gutters first. After a long winter, there will probably be leaves, sticks, and maybe even nests in the gutters. Clearing that out will allow water to flow freely from your roof down and away from your home.

Check the fascia – the gutter system under your roof attaches to a fascia board. Check the integrity of the fascia every spring. Ensure no water damage, rot, cracks, bowing, or sagging. If the fascia board fails, your gutter won’t be in the right place to funnel water.

Check trees around your roof – trimming branches close to your roof and gutter system will help protect them during the summer months when they get heavy with leaves and throughout the year during stormy weather. Ensure there aren’t any branches touching the roof or gutters.

The best way to ensure your home is safe and protected is to call in the experts for help. Professional gutter cleaning and roof inspection by a roofing professional saves you time and helps prevent potential injury from climbing on the roof. It also allows for careful inspection and assessment. Contact the team at Premiere Roofing for all your gutter and roofing needs, including cleaning, inspection, repair, and installation.