Do Solar Panels Cause Roof Damage or Leaks?
Rooftop solar installations are gaining more popularity by the day, but there’s still a common concern regarding the solar installation process. Both roof and solar installations are expensive, so it’s not crazy that homeowners want to do their due diligence before committing to a solar installation. With so much misinformation online, It’s hard to find real answers for such a crucial topic.
The truth is solar panels will NOT damage your roof or cause any leaks, as long as you’re working with a qualified installer—emphasis on qualified installer.
How Are Solar Panels Installed
We’ll discuss how solar panels are meant to be installed and the many precautions installers take to maintain your roof’s condition.
Putting up a racking system is the first step in any installation. This is where the panels are secured so they can sit safely on your roof. The standard installation method typically requires your installer to drill small holes in your roof to affix the racking system. Please be assured we seal every hole carefully, so there are no openings when the installation is complete.
To see how we install our racking system, please check out this video for a complete installation guide. Flashing, which is a waterproof barrier, is what’s typically used for solar installations to prevent any leaks or damage.
If you’re concerned about damages during or after the installation, we have a 2-year $5 million workmanship warranty for all the work done to your roof. At Polaron, we believe in the quality of our work and we only hire the most experienced and professional installers we trust for every job.
We know that’s a lot of talk, but how do we walk the walk? You can see it first-hand through our process, including our one-of-a-kind Site Assessment Report (SAR). Before the installation, we conduct a thorough site assessment to inspect the structural integrity and overall condition of your roof. We then have our engineers go through an in-depth study to check if your roof is suitable and 100% ready for a solar installation.
If anything comes up, we let you know the problems and possible solutions beforehand so you can make the best-informed decision moving forward. We wholeheartedly believe that full transparency is of the utmost importance when it comes to our relationship with our customers.
Will My Roof Be Able to Handle the Weight of Solar Panels?
Another common concern homeowners have is the extra weight on their roofs. Don’t worry, your roof is actually much stronger than it looks. Most roofs are built to sustain weight far greater than the average solar system. Even the added weight of heavy snow during the winter won’t compromise the structure of your roof. Our engineers will also double-check that everything is structurally sound, so you don’t have to worry.
For reference, solar panels only weigh about 2-3 pounds per square foot, while an average residential roof holds a minimum of 20 pounds per square foot, maxing out at up to 100 pounds per square foot. As you can see, there’s a lot of room to work with here.
What Red Flags to Look Out For
Every industry has a few horror stories, and solar is unfortunately no exception. We want you to know of some red flags you should look out for.
Although rooftop installations are 100% safe, there are still some things you should consider to protect yourself. If you are working with a reputable solar company, they should also discuss these important factors with you beforehand.
Roof Age
If your roof is leaning toward the end of its lifespan, we recommend replacing it before the installation. This also helps avoid the extra cost of removing and re-installing the panels if you need a new roof soon after your solar installation.
Roof Type
Certain materials work better for a solar installation. Generally, asphalt shingles and most metal roofs will work perfectly fine. However, we don’t personally install on brittle material, such as wood.
Warranties
As mentioned, we carry a $5 million workmanship for all the work done to your roof. We strongly suggest confirming that your installer has a warranty in place before allowing them to perform any work on your property.
Site Assessment
We recommend having a professional come on-site to check out your property, especially your roof.
For more information, check out our How To Know if Your Roof is Right for Solar blog
Benefits of Solar Panels on Your Roof
Solar panels will actually protect your roof more than harm it. Having solar panels installed adds an extra layer of protection, especially against harsh weather conditions such as snow and hail. The shading from the panels also helps cool your roof, improving the longevity of your shingles.
Go Solar with Absolute Peace of Mind
Solar installations don’t have to be scary or stressful with the right company. The best way to protect your roof from damage during a solar installation is to pick a reputable solar company that knows what they’re doing. With a decade of experience in the industry, we promise to always have your back. From our innovative site assessment report to our quality workmanship, we have you covered every step of the way.
Contact Polaron today for a free consultation and quote to start your solar journey off right!
