Are the Panels Destructive on My Roof

Solar panels have seen an increase in popularity over the years. More than 2 million homes in the US now have solar panels installed. However, this trend is relatively new, and some homeowners are still wondering about the potential drawbacks. So, if you were asking yourself, “Are the panels destructive on my roof?“, read on because we will discuss this in more detail.

Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?

Questions like these usually revolve around nail hole damage, water leaks, the weight of panels being too much for the roof to handle, and if installing them will make your roof warranty void. But solar panels won’t cause any harm to your roof.

Still, just like with any other home improvement work, it’s best to hire qualified professionals. That way, you will make sure everything is done properly and prevent problems from appearing in the long run.

Nevertheless, let’s address some of your concerns.

Method of Installation

One of the first questions is usually about the holes that will have to be drilled in the roof to secure the racking that will hold the panels. These holes are made for lag bolts which will hold solar panels in place even during extreme weather. So, holes and bolts are necessary for almost every solar panel installation. And their size and depth will depend on the material your roof is made of.

But you should not worry about them. Skilled installers have ways to make sure they do not cause any leaks.

First, the workers will surround the bolt fixture with flashing, a metal or plastic shield that fits under your roof tiles. Furthermore, they will seal the flashing with tar or something similar. In the end, the installers will fill the holes with a sealant to prevent water from getting through.

Your Roof’s Condition Before Panel Installation

Before you invest in solar panels, think about your roof’s general condition. How much weight is it able to support? What about its age and configuration?

Of course, you want your roof to be strong enough to carry the solar panel’s weight. Otherwise, you’ll need to add support. Furthermore, if you have an older roof, it’s more likely it already has some damage or signs of wear and tear. On the other hand, newer roofs are less likely to have damaged parts and, in most cases, can easily support the panel’s weight.

Also, try to remember how well your roof handles storms. Does it break easily? Needless to say, if there’s some damage caused by storms, such as loose or missing parts, you have to fix or replace them before adding the panels.

What About Roof Warranty?

The roof is one of the most expensive house parts to maintain. For this reason, many homeowners are worried if installing solar panels will void their roof warranties. However, if you hire a reliable solar panel contractor, you can be sure they will do the job properly. Professionals won’t cause any damage to your roof, and you will avoid the termination of your roof warranty.

Solar Panels Protect Your Roof

There’s another benefit of having solar panels, aside from them being a renewable energy source. Panels make a protective barrier on your roof and keep it safe from harsh weather. So, heavy rain, snow, strong wind, or even a falling tree won’t make direct contact with your roof or cause damage.

Also, panels will absorb sunlight, so it doesn’t fall directly on the roof surface. This way, they help keep your roof and your home cooler.

To Conclude

All in all, installing solar panels won’t do any damage to your roof if done properly by skilled professionals. Therefore, hire Atlantic Key Energy so you can relax while we do all the hard work.