Does My Roof Need Replacement Before Installing Solar Panels?
Whether your roof needs to be replaced will depend on its age and condition. You can check for signs without climbing a ladder, including leaks in the attic and walls, mildew, and dark, “dirty” spots on the roof. If you’re nearing the point of replacement, you should get this work done before installing solar panels. However, if you’re not ready to replace your roof just yet, there are several things you can do to prepare. If you have recently replace your roof, read our article how to find a solar installer.
Age of current roof
Before you install solar panels, you should consider the age of your current roof. You may already be remodelling your home, painting it, or choosing a different color or material. Either way, you want your new roof to match the new aesthetic and color of the house. To that end, it is important to have the roof inspected before you start the installation process. But how do you determine the age of your current roof?
A professional roofing contractor will be able to tell you how old your current roof is, and they can give you an estimate. For example, a roof with a asphalt shingle finish needs to be replaced every twenty to twenty-five years, so it is best to replace this layer before you install solar panels. If you’re unsure of the age of your roof, you can have a professional roofing inspection performed, preferably by the last roofing company who installed it.
See the images below of a roof that is approximately ten years old but should be replaced before solar panel installation:
Warranty or guarantee of current roof
Make sure to check if there is a warranty or guarantee on your current roof before putting solar panels on top of it. If it does, solar panels on top of the roof may void the warranty. Make sure the solar installer uses the correct fasteners on your roof and adheres to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Otherwise, you might have to pay for repairs later. When it comes to roof maintenance, you should inspect your roof annually and repair any water stains.
When choosing a warranty for solar panels, make sure you choose a company with a long warranty. This way, if something goes wrong with the system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that any damages are covered. A warranty is worth its weight in gold if you want to save money. However, you’ll risk losing it if you accidentally step on the solar panels and break the warranty.
Can insurance claim cover damages to roof
If you have installed solar panels on your roof, you may have questions about your homeowner’s insurance policy. Many homeowners insurance policies cover solar panels because they are considered a permanent attachment to the home. However, some policies do not cover solar panels, which are often installed on a carport or attached to a house. If you have solar panels on your roof, contact your insurance agent to find out what type of coverage you need.
If your home insurance policy doesn’t cover solar panels installed on your roof, you may have to purchase supplemental coverage to protect your investment. Some policies will cover the contents of a shed or carport, but not rooftop solar panels. Comprehensive plans may cover rooftop solar panels, though they cost more. It’s worth it to compare the coverage options of different policies to see which one is right for you.
Inspection for damage after solar panel installation
Before activating your solar energy system, it is critical to inspect it for damage after installation. PV arrays may not be installed correctly, causing them to move. You may also find dislodged or missing clips, or damaged electrical equipment. During an inspection, you should also look for signs of structural damage. If any of these signs exist, you should get the problem repaired quickly. Listed below are some ways to check for damage after solar panel installation.
Leakage is the most common reason for solar panel leakage is improper installation. A professional, highly experienced installer knows how to work with different kinds of roofing materials. They will ensure a tight fit on the roof, reducing the risk of leaks. Likewise, an inexperienced worker cannot offer the same guarantees as a qualified subcontractor. To avoid leaks, you should always inspect your solar panels for damage after installation at least once a year.
