This is the most frequent question homeowners ask when they consider going solar. The answer is yes in almost all cases. Solar panel roof leaks following solar panel installation are rare. Although roof leakage can occur after solar panels have been installed, it is usually detected very quickly. The majority of homeowners will see the leak within one year after it starts to rain or snow.
These roof leaks are very rare. There are ways to quickly find the source of the problem and fix it – before it causes lasting damage to your house. Here are the facts:
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Solar Panels Can Damage Your Roof
Although solar panels should not cause damage to your roof, in rare cases they may.
Most people who experience solar panel issues have problems with their wiring or panel efficiency. However, panels that leak can pose a bigger problem.
A roof that leaks from properly installed solar panels is not likely to happen. Both cases can be repaired, although it might take longer than resolving an electrical issue.
It is important to find a solar installer who offers a comprehensive warranty on their work. Sandbar offers a 10-year warranty for all of its installations, which is quite common in this industry. This warranty covers you from any possible problems and allows you to get them resolved quickly, should they arise.
Three Reasons Your Panels Could Be Leaking
Roof leaks are extremely rare. These are the most common causes of roof leaks.
- Solar Panels Are Not Compatible With Your Roof
You will need to drill into the roof rafters and seal it during installation in almost all cases. Solar panels can be mounted on almost any residential roof. However, certain shingle materials may not be compatible with solar panels so this should be considered.
Poorly installed solar panels roofs are more likely to leak if they don’t meet the ideal specifications. Roofs made of clay, slate, wood, and terracotta tiles can be vulnerable to leaks or damage during installation. Since solar panels will be hidden beneath the array, we recommend replacing these areas with composite shingles.
You should contact your solar installer if you experience solar panel roof leaks. Your warranty should cover any damage, and will help you quickly resolve it.
- Poor Installation
After solar fitting, roof leakage is most often caused by poor installation.
Reputable solar installers are skilled in working with roofing materials and sub-roofing materials to make sure a tight fit. However, inexperienced or new installers or subcontractors may damage the roof, making it more vulnerable to water leakage during rainstorms or snowstorms.
To assess the damage caused by leaking panels, contact your local roofer. You can fix it, but you need to act fast.
- Your Roof Is Too Old
Although it is not recommended, some homeowners decide to put a solar array on their old roof. Two problems arise from this. First, roofs older than thirty years may have shingles which have deteriorated and left soft spots in the plywood or roof rafters. The solar can cause additional damage to the house if it is not properly installed.
Another problem is that homeowners will need to take down the entire solar array and all electrical conduit if they want to replace their roof. This can prove to be quite costly.
Anyone interested in solar panels for homes must consider the age, condition, and type of their roof before they can make a decision. Your local solar installer should be able answer any questions you might have about your roof’s suitability for solar panels.
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How To Prevent Roof Leakage After Installing Solar Panels
Installing new solar panels on your home requires that you hire a professional solar installer to assess your roof and create a plan to fit the panels. This is the best way to prevent roof damage and leaking. Even though incompatible roofs and old roofing materials can cause leakage, an experienced solar installer will be capable of identifying these problems before the installation is completed.
Be wary of solar companies that install solar. They may profit from homeowners’ concerns about “solar panel roof leaks”, especially if they insist it’s essential to hire a roofing company when going solar. This is not necessary.
Roofers often don’t have the license to install solar panels. This is because they don’t know how to measure, drill, and then install them. Many roofers employ subcontractors to perform the actual solar work. Ask your roofing contractor if they are “subbing out” any solar or electrical work.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations if you aren’t sure where to look. You may know of a good solar installer from the past. Online reviews and testimonials can help you to get a better idea of how the company operates and how they treat their customers.
You can save time, money , and roof leaks by doing your research and ensuring that the solar installer you choose is trustworthy and skilled.
Contact Reggie Reed Roofing Now
Do you have questions our roofing faq didn’t cover? Still don’t know who to choose for the best roofing services? Reggie Reed Roofing is a family-owned roofing company that is one of the best roof repair companies in Florida since 1978.
Services available that can be tailored to your needs:
- Roof Installation
- Roof Repair
- Shingle Roofs
- Tile Roofing
- Flat/Low Slope Roofing
- Metal Roofing
- Emergency Roof Repair
- Residential Roofing
- Commercial Roofing
We are proud to ensure you with the best possible inspections, repairs, and installations. Reggie Reed Roofing only uses the best quality materials and skilled roofing contractors. You can count on our professional contractors to help you with any repair or restoration project.
From the initial inspection to fulfilling the basic requirements and finally to providing a free estimate for your entire project, we are always happy to help. We are here to assist you with all your roofing needs. Contact us today, and we will send over a roofing expert to help you assess your roofing issue and check out what our previous clients have had to say HERE when it comes to our “Great work for a Great price”! We hope you enjoyed our roofing FAQ and found it informative.