No other way to say it, so...
1) It'd be crazy/stupid to install solar on a 25-year-old asphalt roof, so don't do that whatever you do.
2) Metal roofs are awesome. Will never, ever install or have installed another asphalt shingle roof. Heck, I think asphalt shingles should be banned, after owning both types on multiple buildings.
3) Metal roofs vary in complexity and difficulty of install. Corrugated panel type, cut to length required by a local shop, then installed by a skilled handyman? Just had it done a year or so ago on an expensive post-and-beam tractor shed, ajd I'm very happy with it. But raised seam metal? MUCH better for solar (THE best surface for a roof mount, in my view) but I'd want that done by an experienced roofing company with a really good reputation (and yes, they're usually booked a bit in advance).
4) If you're talking corrugated metal, it all comes down to your son and his buddy's skill level, aptitude for construction as a true trade, patience, and common sense. Are they the type of guys that have built other things (well) and will take the time to learn before doing, think things through, and take pride in their work? Are they doing it to help Dad more than they're doing it just to earn a quick buck? Then they can likely install a corrugated metal roof. On the other hand, are they more "available" than skilled? Would you classify them more as unskilled labor than a tradesperson? Well, then they wouldn't be learning (or more likely earning a quick buck) on my roof, even if I had to wait to install solar! Frankly, the boys are the big variable here.You know 'em way better than we do.
1) It'd be crazy/stupid to install solar on a 25-year-old asphalt roof, so don't do that whatever you do.
2) Metal roofs are awesome. Will never, ever install or have installed another asphalt shingle roof. Heck, I think asphalt shingles should be banned, after owning both types on multiple buildings.
3) Metal roofs vary in complexity and difficulty of install. Corrugated panel type, cut to length required by a local shop, then installed by a skilled handyman? Just had it done a year or so ago on an expensive post-and-beam tractor shed, ajd I'm very happy with it. But raised seam metal? MUCH better for solar (THE best surface for a roof mount, in my view) but I'd want that done by an experienced roofing company with a really good reputation (and yes, they're usually booked a bit in advance).
4) If you're talking corrugated metal, it all comes down to your son and his buddy's skill level, aptitude for construction as a true trade, patience, and common sense. Are they the type of guys that have built other things (well) and will take the time to learn before doing, think things through, and take pride in their work? Are they doing it to help Dad more than they're doing it just to earn a quick buck? Then they can likely install a corrugated metal roof. On the other hand, are they more "available" than skilled? Would you classify them more as unskilled labor than a tradesperson? Well, then they wouldn't be learning (or more likely earning a quick buck) on my roof, even if I had to wait to install solar! Frankly, the boys are the big variable here.You know 'em way better than we do.
