Installing solar panels on your home is a good idea for many homeowners. The cost of the solar panel installation could pay for itself over time and you’re being eco-friendly as well. However, what most homeowners don’t realize is solar panel installers are typically not professional roofers. This means if your roof is damaged during the solar panel installation, you’ll have additional costs to deal with. Or even worse, the solar panel installers will try to patch up your roof and lead to issues later on.
So how can you ensure your solar panels are installed correctly without damaging your roof? Start by asking the installer questions about their experience, what challenges they see with your roof specifically, and what type of roof damage could occur. And if damage happens, ask them what their next steps are. It may also be a good idea to reach out to a residential roofing contractor before the installation to ensure your roof is in good shape.
Before you begin the process of solar panel installation, consider these four points.
Should You Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels?
Evaluating Roof Age and Condition in Western MA & CT
The first thing to consider before solar panel installation is getting a roof inspection. If your roof is several years old and starting to show signs of wear and tear, it might be worth it to get a new roof installation. It’s likely the last thing you want to think about considering the high cost of solar panel installation already, but consider the long term. It would be even more expensive to have solar panels installed and then need your roof to be replaced a short time later.
This highlights the importance of working with a residential roofing contractor. Tell them your plan for installing solar panels so they can inspect your roof thoroughly to ensure it’s healthy enough to support them. If your roof is fairly new, then they might just suggest a few repairs to get ahead of any problems. But if you have an older roof, then it could be a worthy investment to replace it before your solar panel installation.
Can Solar Panels Be Installed Without Damaging Your Roof?
The quality of the solar panel installer you choose is essential when it comes to protecting your roof. With proper installation on your roof type, you could avoid damage to your roof. It’s still ideal to schedule a roof inspection with a qualified residential roofing contractor, though, since the solar panel installer likely isn’t a roofing expert.
The Risks of Heavy Foot Traffic and Equipment
There are several things you want to make sure the solar panel installation expert does before and during the process. Roofs are not designed for heavy foot traffic, so proper preparation by the installer is critical. Dropping heavy tools or dragging the panels on the roof can cause damage and premature roof failure. If your residential roofing contractor has any specific concerns about the installation, ask if they would speak to the installers to ensure they know about them.
Verifying the Quality of the Solar Installation
Checking for Proper Anchoring and Electrical Sealants
Most of the time solar panels look great on the surface of the roof. However, it might not be until the first heavy storm that you realize there are issues with your roof. One of the most common issues homeowners experience is a leaky roof. Roof penetrations are possible during solar panel installation and it’s not always evident until it rains and you notice the leak. You can get ahead of this issue by scheduling a roof inspection with a residential roofing contractor after the solar panel installation.
Solar panels must be anchored to the roof properly or they can cause significant damage to your roof. The electrical work must also be perfect with sufficient insulation to prevent a fire risk.
Handling Leaks and Winter Weather Challenges
One of the most common reasons why roofs leak after solar panel installation is due to poor installation or the sealant on the bracket fasteners failing over time. In a perfect world, if you work with the best installer, then you won’t deal with any roof leaks for as long as you have solar panels. The installation company should use footings and bracket covers to prevent roof leaks for many years. But if you do suspect or notice a leak, call your solar panel installers right away. Then follow up with a roofer to ensure the problem is fixed.
Why Partner with a Local Roofer and Solar Installer Together
When you’re ready to take the next step with solar panel installation, reach out to Beaulieu Home Improvement. We will work with your solar panel installer to ensure they understand the ins and outs of your roof to help them install the solar panels properly. Most solar panel installers are not roofers, so they usually appreciate the guidance and expertise to help make their installation successful.
Contact Beaulieu Home Improvement for a Pre-Solar Inspection
Solar panels should not be a headache for homeowners. When installed correctly, you should reap the benefits without having to deal with major maintenance issues. The key is to cover all bases before and during the installation and top it off with a professional roof inspection. Beaulieu Home Improvement is here for you from the very beginning, so contact us today when you’re considering installing solar panels on your roof.
