Our Monair roof, which my dad purchased 35 years ago, required decking (CDX plywood and waterproof underlayment) before solar panels (PV) could be installed. Monair tiles are supposed to last a lifetime (I've got a couple more decades to go) and were still in good condition (the tiles that is). I was told that it was time-consuming and labor-intensive to take the tiles off and put them back after the decking was installed. Plus, there would a height gap because the decking would put the new tiles higher than the old ones. Alternatives were to put shingles on the entire roof (about $34,000) or put shingles on only the part of the roof where the PV would be housed. Then I was told about Johnny from JoyAce.
He happened to be nearby when I called, so he came over, explained the process, walked and measured the roof, and gave me a quote (resulting in a savings of $22,000 over the cost of re-roofing). Factors that affect price include # of stories, gables and valleys, amount of decking needed, replacement tiles. Knowledgeable and professional, he has an engaging personality and is very easy to talk to. Most of all he doesn't mind explaining the process more than once (which he did in my case several times). After signing the contract and paying a deposit, his crew started removing tiles and installing the decking within a week. Because they got the job done, the PV installation phase could begin in earnest.
Pros
1. Worked closely with the PV company to coordinate sequence of events. As soon as the PV company did their thing, JoyAce came to do the next step. (A list of their steps is below). Despite the weather and the number of clients wanting to get their projects completed before year-end, the PV was turned on in 20 days (actually JoyAce finished on the 15th day).
2. Offered ideas (e.g., most effective area to place the panels, where to place the solar hot water heater panel, suggested moving an exhaust pipe to create more space for the PV and then had his crew move it). He walked the roof and showed me where the panels would be if I did a U or L configuration. I picked his brain a lot and he was very open and helpful.
3. Inspected the rest of the roof to assess its condition and replace any broken tiles
4. Reliable, prompt and hard-working crew. It was quite something to see them move the heavy tiles around the roof. These men are strong and agile. There was a rhythm to their work.
Cons
What cons? They addressed any concerns right away.
Here's what they did:
1. Removed the cemented Monair tiles (ridge caps, rakes, field tiles) and distributed them in stacks around the unaffected portion of the roof
2. Installed CDX plywood along with waterproofed underlayment
3. Installed wood battens if needed
4. After the solar company put in the PV attachments, JoyAce re-installed tiles
5. After the solar panels were installed, JoyAce re-cemented the ridge caps and rakes, and replaced any broken tiles. [A hint for those who have colored tiles: Replacement tiles may not be the right color, but JoyAce painted the tile and grout to match as close as possible.]
True to Johnny's word, they were the first and last persons on the roof. JoyAce Roofing lives up to their name. They are a JOY to work with and do an excellent job. read more