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Frequently Asked Questions
As a professional residential roofing contractor, we, at Summit Roofing and Renovations Inc constantly hear questions about roofing. Our goal is to educate homeowners throughout Rancho Cucamonga, CA and the surrounding areas about everything there is to know about our roof services, and especially roof replacement. These are some of the most common questions we hear from our clients. Feel free to call our team at (909) 372-0516 if you wish to learn more.
Q: When is it time to replace my roof?
A: There are several key signs that indicate a roof replacement is in order. Those include buckling and curling shingles, algae growth, missing granules, missing shingles, mold in the attic, and leaks. These are only a few of the signs, and if you suspect that you might be in need of a replacement soon, call our team in Rancho Cucamonga, CA for an inspection and professional advice.
Q: Should I replace the shingles or the entire roof?
A: A roof system consists of much more than a layer of shingles. Replacing the entire roof, which includes the materials below, is the best route to enhance the roof's performance and adding curb appeal to your home. When you replace your system, you need to make sure the reliable roofing company you work with changes the leak-barrier protection, synthetic roof deck protection, and other materials.
Q: Should I also replace the ventilation?
A: Ventilation is essential to the health of a roofing system. Without adequate airflow, your energy bills will skyrocket. Not only that. Your roof materials will get damaged during the hot weather. If you have old ventilation, count on our quality roofing company to assist you to fix it.
Q: Can I replace my roof in the winter?
A: Although the most popular time of the year for roof replacement projects is spring and late fall, wintertime also works. Our experienced specialists know how to install new systems without them getting damaged from cold temperatures.
Q: Will a new roof lower my energy bills?
A: If your system is old and underperforming, investing in our affordable roofing services is a smart move. If the attic remains close to the outside temperature and you have a well-performing ventilation system, then your new roof will definitely lower your bills. It will also prevent excess drafts and water leaks.
Q: Is new roofing a good investment?
A: Quality roofing is one of the top return on investment projects in the area. According to real estate agencies, the benefits of new roof installation include increased curb appeal and improved home value with 70% ROI. In addition, a new system means potential energy savings, ice dam prevention, and long-lasting results.
Q: How do I pay for a new system?
A: Summit Roofing and Renovations Inc offers professional assistance in finding reasonably-priced solutions. We also always suggest roof replacement services that are within our customers' budgets. We are not here to make you buy something you do not need. After inspecting your system, we will honestly tell you what can be done about it. If re-roofing must be done, we will point you to a partner who can help you with sorting out the finances.
Q: How do I know if a Loan/ Purchase or a Lease/ PPA is the better option for me to go solar?
A: A) Loan/ Purchase:
Typically is a greater return on investment if you plan on living in the house for 3 years or more, because the solar system will increase the value of the home. There are no upfront costs. You can directly receive tax credits and deductions for the ownership of the system.
Some solar loans place a lien on your property, which can make it more difficult to sell your home or refinance. In recent years, most loans are unsecured loans, just like a credit card, so this is not the case. If you do not pay, they will simply come take their panels, and your credit score will drop.
In the past, solar buyers were responsible for their own maintenance and repairs. Due to demand and enhanced technology that is now available, we now cover 25 years of maintenance, monitoring and insurance on the solar system.
B) Lease/ PPA (Power Purchase Agreement):
This is usually a better option for people who will not be living in their homes more than 2-3 years longer. You can take advantage of cheaper electricity during the time you will still be in the house, but there will typically not be any increase in the value of the home.
There are little or no upfront costs. The Solar Provider is responsible for all monitoring, maintenance and repairs, and a minimum energy production is often guaranteed.
Selling the home may be more complicated than with a purchased system. Options typically are: the new owner must agree to take on the lease/agreement, you continue making payments, or you buy out the lease/agreement, which could be thousands of dollars.
Typically is a greater return on investment if you plan on living in the house for 3 years or more, because the solar system will increase the value of the home. There are no upfront costs. You can directly receive tax credits and deductions for the ownership of the system.
Some solar loans place a lien on your property, which can make it more difficult to sell your home or refinance. In recent years, most loans are unsecured loans, just like a credit card, so this is not the case. If you do not pay, they will simply come take their panels, and your credit score will drop.
In the past, solar buyers were responsible for their own maintenance and repairs. Due to demand and enhanced technology that is now available, we now cover 25 years of maintenance, monitoring and insurance on the solar system.
B) Lease/ PPA (Power Purchase Agreement):
This is usually a better option for people who will not be living in their homes more than 2-3 years longer. You can take advantage of cheaper electricity during the time you will still be in the house, but there will typically not be any increase in the value of the home.
There are little or no upfront costs. The Solar Provider is responsible for all monitoring, maintenance and repairs, and a minimum energy production is often guaranteed.
Selling the home may be more complicated than with a purchased system. Options typically are: the new owner must agree to take on the lease/agreement, you continue making payments, or you buy out the lease/agreement, which could be thousands of dollars.
Q: What is the total cost of the solar system?
A: This depends entirely on your kilowatt hour consumption throughout the year. We base our proposals on the last 12 months of your family's usage. It can range from $10,000 up to $60,000. The systems that cost $50,000-60,000 usually have a full roof replacement included, or other home upgrades, like a battery, electric vehicle charger, or a new AC unit, included.
However, your solar payment will replace your Edison payment. You will no longer have an Edison bill - just a grid connection fee of around $11 per month - and will instead be paying for an asset that increases the equity in your house. We like to consider it a reallocation of payments. Just like your mortgage, this will eventually be paid off, and you will continue the rest of your life, energy payment FREE.
However, your solar payment will replace your Edison payment. You will no longer have an Edison bill - just a grid connection fee of around $11 per month - and will instead be paying for an asset that increases the equity in your house. We like to consider it a reallocation of payments. Just like your mortgage, this will eventually be paid off, and you will continue the rest of your life, energy payment FREE.
Q: Is there a downpayment?
A: No, the cost of solar has come down about 40% in the past 5 years, which allows us to do everything, including the installation, with no out-of-pocket upfront costs.
Q: How much will I pay per month?
A: This depends, but our goal is to have your monthly payment be less than or equal to what you are currently paying to Edison during your 12 month average. You will be locked into this payment, while Edison continues to increase 6-13% per year because of prevalent wildfires, increasing grid maintenance costs, and losing $10 million in annual revenue to customers switching to solar.
Q: If I sell my home, what are my options and what do I need to do?
A: A) Loan/ Purchase - You will be selling the solar system as part of the house. The buyer will continue with ZERO electric bills. Typically solar systems increase the value of the house at around 80% of the gross system cost. So for example, if your system costs you $30,000, you will receive an additional $24,000 in value when your house is appraised.
Let's say when you go to sell, you owe $18,000 on the solar system. That amount will be paid off from the escrow account at closing, and you will pocket the other $6,000.
B) PPA/ Lease - The solar agreement will typically transfer to the buyer, and they will continue to make the payments. Most PPAs and Leases will guarantee that the buyer will qualify and be able to simply take over the monthly payments to pay for the cheaper electricity./div>
Let's say when you go to sell, you owe $18,000 on the solar system. That amount will be paid off from the escrow account at closing, and you will pocket the other $6,000.
B) PPA/ Lease - The solar agreement will typically transfer to the buyer, and they will continue to make the payments. Most PPAs and Leases will guarantee that the buyer will qualify and be able to simply take over the monthly payments to pay for the cheaper electricity./div>
Q: Before you consider getting solar at your home, ask yourself: Am I a good candidate for rooftop solar?
A: Does my roof receive a good amount of sunlight or is it mostly shaded? What direction does the roof face? Roofs that are mostly shaded or face due north are not good candidates for solar. If you plan to replace your roof soon, you should replace it before installing a rooftop solar system.
However, we will have a site survey technician thoroughly inspect the roof before the panels are installed. If there are any areas of concern, we repair them at no cost. If a full replacement is necessary, we can sit back down and discuss what that would look like, monthly-payment wise. Once the solar is installed, there is a 10 year roof warranty, and a 25 year penetration warranty. This means if your roof leaks around any penetration, we have you covered for 25 years. Anywhere else on the roof we have worked, is covered for 10 years.
However, we will have a site survey technician thoroughly inspect the roof before the panels are installed. If there are any areas of concern, we repair them at no cost. If a full replacement is necessary, we can sit back down and discuss what that would look like, monthly-payment wise. Once the solar is installed, there is a 10 year roof warranty, and a 25 year penetration warranty. This means if your roof leaks around any penetration, we have you covered for 25 years. Anywhere else on the roof we have worked, is covered for 10 years.
Q: What steps will you take to make sure my roof won't leak?
A: We use a double-seal technique, where at each stanchion (penetration), we will flash the penetration with a metal flashing that matches your roof. Then we will use silicone caulk to make sure it does not leak, all around the penetration. Once the panels are in place, your roof under the panels will actually be maintained BETTER than the rest of your roof, as it will be exposed to less direct sunlight and wind.
Q: How do I know I can count on you?
Q: How do I know I can count on you?
A: We have years of experience in this trade and have all the necessary documents and qualifications for the job. We are trained to replace systems such as flat roofs, shingle roofs, asphalt roofs, and much more. Trust us. We guarantee your complete satisfaction!
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