There are many benefits to switching to solar energy, but homeowners are often held back from doing so because they fear it might cause damage to their roof. In today’s post, local solar panel company GO Green Air takes a look at whether or not solar panel installation is bad for your roof.
Before solar panels can be installed on a roof, your solar panel contractor must inspect your roof to make sure it’s suitable for installation. Factors such as the roof’s age, condition and how much weight the framing can support are taken into account. Roofing slope direction is also a factor. Certain sides of a building receive more sunlight than others, therefore the more slopes that face that direction, the more solar panels can be installed on the roof. If the roof has significant issues or is due for a replacement, your contractor may advise against installation until such issues are fixed.
Traditionally, solar panel installation involves using fasteners that go through the roof deck, which holds the solar panel brackets. It goes without saying that punching holes on the roof can increase the risk of roof leaks if not installed properly. This is why most of today’s solar panels are installed using nondestructive methods like fasteners installed on the framing and under the shingles, which helps preserve the roof’s condition and wouldn’t compromise its performance and warranties.
Having solar panels on the roof offers additional benefits in addition to energy savings. Solar panels can create a barrier that protects the rooftop from damage caused by wind lift. The combined weight of the roof and the solar panels can help increase resistance to wind lift. Also, solar panels can block radiant heat that would have been otherwise absorbed by a bare roof. This helps keep the attic cooler during the summer season, which can help reduce the workload on your air conditioner, ultimately resulting in energy savings and longer AC service life.
So to answer the question — can solar panels cause damage to your roof? A properly-installed solar system should not harm your roof. As described above, it should enhance the roof in some aspects.
GO Green Air is your leading provider of solar installation services. Give us a call at (925) 627-6527. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Oakland, CA, and the surrounding communities in California.
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