Homeowners always look for ways to save money on household bills such as water or electricity. With the advancement of technology, there are numerous options available to help conserve energy in a home. Many homeowners have taken the steps toward improving their home’s energy consumption by installing solar panels on the roof.
Transitioning your home to solar energy has long-lasting benefits for energy consumption, cost, and the environment. A professional and reputable solar panel installer should make that transition safely by keeping your roof intact.
It is extremely rare for solar panels to damage a roof that is sound and in good repair. Skilled and experienced solar installers take precautionary steps while installing panels to prevent leaks and other damage from occurring. The key is to ensure the roof is in good condition BEFORE installing the solar panels.
Professional Roof Inspections before Solar Panel Installation
Before getting solar panels installed on your roof, it should be professionally inspected by a reputable roofing company. Consumer Reports recommends bringing a roof inspector in early on to collaborate with the solar installer.
Companies who install solar panels are focused on solar. They won’t necessarily start your project with an in-depth roof inspection. These companies may not have the knowledge to properly inspect the roof.
It’s advisable to hire a separate professional roofer to inspect the roof for any potential issues. An experienced roofing professional like Brian Dawson Roofing will be able to advise you of problems like dry rot, leaks and areas of weakness that must be fixed before the solar installation begins.
Installing the solar panels onto a roof that’s in bad shape will result in problems. You may not even know your roof needs repair until after the solar panels are installed. Solar panels are heavy and installing them requires several people walking around on your roof. Just because the roof didn’t leak in the past, it may not be able to withstand the extra weight during solar panel installation.
Inspecting a Roof after Solar Panel Installation
If your roof already has solar panels, it should still be inspected regularly. A roofing professional has a trained eye that can tell if anything is wrong with your roof. They should be able to assess the following:
- Check the condition of the shingles by looking for dents, blemishes, or warping
- Inspect the attic and crawl spaces for signs of moisture
- Check the security of the solar panels
- Look at the electrical feeds from the solar array
- Check the condition of other roofing materials and flashings.
- List any problem areas and recommend solutions
If you do have solar panels on a deteriorating roof, the solar panels may need to be removed before repairs can be made. The solar array will also have to be re-installed once the roof is replaced.
Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced
Whether solar panels are being installed or not, your roof should be inspected regularly. By identifying problems early, minor repairs can be made and save you money in the long run.
Once an inspection has been completed, the homeowner will be made aware of any damage and necessary repairs needed. Here are some reasons why your roof may need some work. Depending on the extent of damage, or if the roof is nearing its end of life, it may be advisable or necessary to completely replace the roof.
- Aging roof
- Shingle edges are curling
- Bald spots where granules are missing
- Cracked, damaged, or buckling shingles
- Dark streaks of algae harming the aesthetics
- Moss growth that holds moisture
- Light, stains, or streaks coming through the attic
- Cracks or breaks in the flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys
- Sagging roof caused by rotting
- Poor workmanship
- Missing shingles
- Cracked gutters
- Leaking skylights
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Storm Damage
Hire an Experienced Roofer
If you need a roof inspection for any reason, call Brian Dawson Roofing. Our inspections are free of charge and include a detailed report of our findings, recommendations, and an estimate for any repairs needed. We can answer any questions you may have.
We are a local, family-owned and operated business based in Wentzville, Missouri. In business since 1999, we’ve inspected, repaired and installed thousands of roofs on homes and commercial buildings in the area.
We offer inspection and repair services for every kind of roof: asphalt, cedar shakes, or tile. We’ll repair or replace your roof efficiently and with the best workmanship. Call us today for a free estimate.