Finally, Answered: Do Solar Panels Damage Roofs?

Today, sustainability in buildings is becoming even more popular. One option is installing solar panels, which is gaining fast popularity as a source of renewable energy. Unfortunately, many property owners are worried about damaging their roof when installing a solar panel system. If you have no idea about these installations, we're telling you that they typically last around 30 to 35 years, so you must ensure that installing panels doesn't harm your roof.

To answer your question about whether solar panels damage roofs-- the answer is no. Luckily enough, roof damage resulting from a solar panel installation is sporadic because installers take precautionary steps while installing the panels to prevent leaks and any other damage from occurring. As a final answer, solar panels don't damage your roof when installed properly.

1. Installing your solar panels

Like any other home or building improvement project, you need to hire the right service provider because this is essential to a rooftop solar installation job. Keep in mind that installing solar panels will not result in roof damage as long as the solar panel installer you hire is a licensed and qualified professional. Also, make sure that your roof is in good condition. If roof damage occurs because of a solar installation, it's more likely because your roof was in poor condition beforehand.

The first step to ensuring you don't sustain roof damage is to make sure you're working with a reputable installation company. If your mind is still uneasy, you can ask your installer about the installation process and measures to prevent roof damage. You can also request any company about their artistry warranty and whether your roof is also covered in case damage occurs.

2. How are solar panels installed on your roofs?

Of course, it is reasonable to be concerned about roof damage when it comes to solar panel installation. If you put racking and solar panels on your roof, it may alter one of the core parts of your home's structural makeup, and there are even other parts to the installation process which can put your roof at risk if done incorrectly.

One of the biggest concerns for property owners is the holes the workers will drill in your roof to secure the rack, which will hold your panels. Workers will have to drill holes for lag bolts used to secure your boards to the ceiling and withstand extreme weather. The holes are necessary for almost all solar installation, and their size and depth will depend on the material of your roof.

We understand that holes in your roof do not sound great. However, several safety measures can be used by solar installers to make sure that your roof remains structurally sound and without leaks. For the water to prevent seeping through the drilled hole, the bolt fixture should have flashing around it-- a metal or plastic shield that fits under existing roof tiles. This flashing has tar or similar materials as a sealant. Lastly, the hole where the lag bolt is in place is also filled with a sealant to protect against water seepage in your roof.

Moreover, as an owner, another concern that you may have is the added weight that the solar will add to your roof. Fortunately, the importance of solar panels will not compromise your roof's structural integrity because tents can hold much more weight than with 20-30 solar panels added. You won't even need to worry about the snow because solar panels are typically for installation at an angle that allows snow just to slide off.

3. It's not always about holes.

If you're concerned about putting holes in your roof to mount the solar panels, we're telling you that there are other less common ways to still benefit from solar energy. One popular option is installing solar roof tiles or solar shingles, which integrate the electricity to generate the capacity of photovoltaics right into your roof shingles. It eliminates the need for mounting traditional panels and can also satisfy your desire for aesthetics. Unfortunately, while this option offers many aesthetic benefits, the costs are still high, and it isn't as efficient as traditional panels. If you have a flat roof, on the other hand, you won't need to put holes just to install solar panels. Flat roofs commonly use ballast mounting systems for installations. With such a system, the mounts weigh down sufficiently to ensure that the system remains secured to the ceiling. Another option for you to not install panels on your roof entirely is by installing a ground mount.

4. What about an old roof?

The age of your roof is one of the most important considerations when installing solar panels. If your roof is already teetering on the edge of its lifespan, it may not be right to install solar panels because you have to replace the old roof. It won't make sense to remove the newly installed panels and then only to have it reinstalled because of the roof. Moreover, installing panels on a roof that is already compromised could create even more damage.

So, if your roof is relatively new and in good condition, you won't have to worry about damage anymore. You won't even need to worry about leaks or weak spots in the roof if the panels are correctly installed.

5. How about if solar panels get hot?

Try to take a look at a solar panel installation, and you'll quickly notice that there are many shiny, dark-colored panels attached to the roof. The groups collect heat from the sun, and it's also heating your roof substantially. What you don't know is that you will find the panels are not installed flat against the roof, and there is a space between the underside of the board and the ceiling. It allows for both ventilation and water to run off, which prevents the roof from developing moisture due to trapped water or overheating, causing damage to the shingles such as mold or warping.

Parting Words

The decision to invest in solar panels is fantastic, and you should not do it quickly. For any concerns or doubts about your roof's structure and integrity, you should first address them with your installer and possibly with a contractor before the installation. In summary, when the solar panel installation is right, you won't have to worry about sustaining any damage to your roof.

Do you want easy access to your roof for the installation of solar panels? Best Access Doors has the perfect solution for that-- our roof hatches like our BA-TRH Galvannealed Roof Hatch!