Roof Repairs & Solar Panels: 5 Considerations
Planning to install solar at your Orlando home? That’s great! But before you get started, you must consider the age and condition of your home’s roof. It must be in good condition to support the weight of a solar system, so if you need repairs, now is the time to do them!
When repairing your roof for solar power installation, here are five tips from our team at Solar Bear Orlando that you should keep in mind.
#1. Get a Roof Inspection
Before any installation can occur, it is important to have a professional roof inspection completed to assess the current condition of your roof. In Florida, our roofs get a lot of wear and tear from storms, sunshine, and age, so the inspector will look for any existing damage, leaks, or structural issues that might make installing solar a no-go before repairs are completed.
This inspection will also estimate how much weight the roof in its current condition can hold, and outline any areas that need to be reinforced.
Remember, the condition of your roof can have a big impact on the efficiency, durability, and performance of your solar system, which underscores the importance of getting repairs done before the system’s installation.
#2. Reinforce Structural Integrity
Solar panels must be installed on a structurally sound roof as they are quite heavy. If your roof needs repairs, this is the perfect time to add reinforcements or modifications that can help the roof support the added weight of the panels without compromising the integrity of the roofing system.
#3. Consider Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingled and metal roofs are usually the most suitable for solar panel installation as they are designed to handle the extra weight of solar panels. Metal roofs can also last upwards of 40+ years.
Damaged or deteriorating roofing materials are not optimal for solar installation, so look out for missing shingles, water damage, and signs of excessive wear and tear, as these could prevent you from installing your solar system until they are resolved.
#4. Waterproof & Seal
Proper waterproofing and sealing of your roof are critical to protect both your solar system and your roof from leaks and other damage. When your roof is being repaired, your contractor should pay special attention to waterproofing and sealing the roof in the areas where the mounting brackets will be installed, so that any weaknesses are addressed to prevent leaks.
#5. Keep Up with Maintenance
Planning for future repair and maintenance once your solar panels are installed will be essential to keeping your solar panels well-maintained once they are installed. It is important to consider how the solar panels will affect access to the roof for maintenance as well.
Note: If you need to remove and reinstall the solar panels for any future roof repairs, this can be an expensive process, so repairs should be done beforehand to prevent this extra step.
Related Reading > Can HOAs Legally Deny Solar Panels in Florida?
Central Florida Solar Installations
As you can see, ensuring your roof is in tip-top shape before installing solar panels will not only have an impact on the efficiency of your system but also on your home’s structural integrity. By having a roofing inspection completed, reinforcing any weaknesses, selecting appropriate roofing materials, waterproofing, and planning for future maintenance, your solar installation should go off without a hitch!
Ready to get started on your solar journey? Use (727) 471-7442 to contact our solar professionals at Solar Bear Orlando for expert advice and a no-hassle quote today!