Understanding New Jersey Roofing Codes for Solar Shingle Installation

Are you considering solar shingles for your New Jersey home? GAF — one of the leading solar shingle manufacturers in the world right now — sums the benefits up nicely: “A beautiful roof. With solar energy. It’s that simple.”

We hate to contradict them as a proud GAF Master Elite certified roofing company, but it’s not actually quite that simple. After all, any roof replacement comes with red tape, but solar shingles are a special case. 

What are you actually installing — a solar thermal energy system or a roof?

If your web sleuthing hasn’t explained how New Jersey solar roofing codes work, it’s not because you’re looking in the wrong places. It’s because NJ residential solar roofing guidelines are complicated. Let’s take a closer look. 

What Do You Need to Know About Building Codes for Solar Roofs in NJ?

The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code is heavily based on two other sets of regulations — the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. Every NJ construction project has to be compliant, but where does your new solar roof fit in? The construction code has a section about roofing and a section about solar thermal energy systems, but it doesn’t explicitly cover solar shingles. 

If that’s left you scratching your head, the situation on the ground is actually quite simple. Compliance for solar roofing in New Jersey means your new roof has to tick all the right regulatory boxes for solar systems and for roofing — separately. 

Does that sound daunting? In practice, it doesn’t have to be. The way New Jersey solar roofing codes are set up, your roof has to comply with two sets of code, including solar panel roofing laws in NJ related to:

• Roof load — to make sure your property can handle the weight of the solar shingles. 
• Wind resistance — so the next storm that hits your New Jersey home won’t damage the beautiful roof you just invested in. 
• Waterproofing — because what good is your new roof if it leaks?
• Fire safety — to protect your home. 

There’s a third point, too. Because solar shingles generate electricity for your household, they also have wiring — and NJ solar shingle regulations include adherence to the National Electrical Code. 

The bottom line? Building and energy codes for New Jersey roofs with solar shingles are quite complex, but that’s to make sure your new roof/energy generator is the safest it can possibly be. If you choose GAF’s Timberline Solar shingles, we’ll install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions — and we’ll make sure your roof is up to code.

Permit Requirements for Solar Shingles in NJ

You’ll need a construction permit to start your solar roof project in New Jersey. In that sense, the process is no different than any other roof replacement. Take a peek at the Department of Community Affairs and look for a web page titled Construction Permit Application Packet & Related Forms. You’ll find all the forms you need to submit right there. 

Don’t worry, though — if you choose Fortified Roofing for your solar shingles installation, we will handle the entire permitting process for you. Our team has installed many beautiful solar roofs in New Jersey, and we’re intimately familiar with the process of applying for a construction permit. We’re happy to help you sail through it!

After we finish our final inspection to make sure your solar roof is ready to protect your home and generate power for it, your local building department will want to carry out its own inspection. 

Roofing code enforcement in New Jersey is strict, so a building inspector will come to check that your solar roof complies with solar shingle installation standards for NJ. With your new roof double and triple checked, you’ll have the peace of mind you need to know that your roof can serve you well for decades to come. 

Got Questions About Solar Shingle Installations in New Jersey?

Solar roofing is the future — and we completely understand how excited you are about swapping your current roof for one that generates most or even all of the power that your home needs to run! 

Whether you’ve got more questions about New Jersey solar roofing codes or you’d like a detailed look at how to install solar shingles, we’re never too busy to help you make the right choice. 

Ready to take the plunge? Fortified Roofing offers free consultations and estimates for solar roofing in NJ, so take advantage of the opportunity to pick our brains anytime!.