What you need to know before installing rooftop solar panels
What do you need to know before installing rooftop solar panels?
Doing your homework and becoming knowledgeable about solar panel installation and your requirements, will protect you from difficulties and added costs. Because solar panels are sometimes installed by solar professionals who may not have a background in roofing, they may not be aware of the impact to your roof's lifespan. When owners rent their roofs to solar providers, there are logistical and legal issues which may arise over loss of income during roof work, or liability issues in the event of theft, vandalism or damage. In addition, installation of solar panels can nullify your roofing material's warranty without the contractor or roofing manufacturer's permission.
There is also the issue of fires associated with solar panels. The occurrance of fire is rare but has happened. The plastic components that some ballasted systems use may not be fire resistant, and polystyrene insulation pads which are installed under the panels are also a potential risk.
According to buildings.com, to determine whether or not your roof is a good candidate for solar panels, factors to be considered are:
Installation choices include a penetrating, mechanically fastened, ballasted or laminated system. In low-slope roofs, NRCA recommends a penetrating system where the panels are attached to the building structure. Ballasted systems are less expensive to install because they minimize the risk to the building during installation. Use of curbs, sleepers or posts must be designed and attached to the building frame to with-stand wind and other environmental challenges. Penetrating and mechanically fastened systems can be designed to use with any building and roofing system.
Installing solar panels should not harm your roof if installed properly. Solar professionals will work with you and and show you how much weight your roof will tolerate and what equipment will work best for you and your roof. Panels should be laid out and kept away from walls or other structures that may cause shade. They also must not be installed near or close to equipment with hot exhaust, high-wind zones and roof perimeter.
In most cases, a racking system mounts the panels, with any resulting gaps sealed. Coverings such as flashing may be needed which results in additional barriers to protect your roof. Your roof's integrity is preserved and in some cases, may be made better.
How much do solar panels weigh?
Solar panels contain solar cells which are made of some form of silicon, and metal conductor strips and antireflective coating. Wiring and hardware attach panels to the roof. Solar panels don't add much weight, usually about four pounds per square foot. That being said, if a roof is in disrepair before they are installed, it doesn't take much weight to cause cracks or leaks in your shingles.
Many of today's top solar professionals have the expertise to install solar technology without inflicting damage. There is some drilling with installation but the equipment and attachments used by the professionals will protect your roof. In addition, these solar technicians have the expertise to maneuver your roof with no damage. If your roof's lifespan will not exceed the life of the solar systems, consider replacing the roof before installing solar panels.
We hope that you have found this article helpful and informative.
Joye Roofing> completes roof inspections throughout the Columbia area. Our roof inspector will show up on time and give you an honest assessment free of cost.
Need a roof certification letter or roof certification report? Whether you are buying a house, have roof damage, or are anticipating roof issues due to age or wear, we will do a free roof inspection for you. Joye Roofing Columbia has an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau, and tons of rave reviews from past customers.
If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need.
We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Joye Roofing as the author and a link to our website https://www.joyeroofing.com/. The URL for this article is https://www.joyeroofing.com/roofing-disaster-restoration/will-solar-panels-impact-my-roof. Email us with any questions.
How to Ensure Your Roofer Uses Quality Materials
Using the right roofing material for your home can improve its curb appeal as well as protect your home's first line of defense in severe weather. Your choice of roofing shingles can help your home stand out or blend in with your surroundings.
When getting quotes from roofing companies, you will find that the prices from each will vary. Part of this variation in price is based on the supplier from which the roofing company gets their materials. The higher quality the roofing material, the higher the quote will be. Sometimes paying a little more can go a long way. The design, ability to protect, and quality of engineering of your roofing shingle will be factors in your choice.
According to hgtv.com, when choosing roofing materials, consider the following questions:
When doing a full replacement of your roof, it is always better to strip it down
to the sheathing so the roofer can check for mold, rot, water damage, and insect damage. This also prevents the roofer from double-layering the shingles and causing it to overstress the rafters or supports of your home from the weight. Checking the manufacturer's warranty of the roofing materials to make sure it covers the overstress of rafters and other structural parts of the home is a good way to check the quality of the material.
Most full coverage warranties cover defective materials and most material warranties offer prorated coverage. However, most to all warranties do not cover wind damage over 85 mph or faulty installation. To protect yourself from faulty installation, ask for a labor warranty and save all receipts and invoices.
Checking the fire rating of the material being used is another way to verify the quality of the material being used. You want to get material that has a Class A fire rating. This is the highest rated material in fire safety.
Here are some of the most popular choices for roofing materials along with the pros and cons for their use and the estimated cost and life span of that product:
ASPHALT SHINGLES: Asphalt is the most popular shingle used. It is light-weight, easy to install and the most budget friendly. these shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose). There are two types of asphalt shingles. Laminated asphalt shingles look like slate or wood shakes. Three tab asphalt shingles are single layer, flatter/thinner, but perform poorly in past tests.
Pros: Asphalt comes in a variety of colors, is widely available is one of the least expensive materials.
Cons: Asphalt has a shorter life span, doesn't provide as much insulation as other materials available and the quality can vary.
Cost and life span: Homeowners will pay from $70 to $120 a square and if maintained, will last 20 to 25 years.
CLAY AND CONCRETE TILES: These tiles add texture and style to a roof. Flat, ribbed or scalloped clay tiles are durable but also very heavy and must be professionally installed. concrete tiles are less expensive but also have heavy weight.
Pros: Concrete and clay ties are long lasting, non-combustible, and concrete tiles are energy efficient.
Cons: Clay and concrete tires are expensive, heavy and most often require additional framing.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start around $300 to $500 a square and, if maintained will last 40 to 50 years.
METAL ROOFING: Metal roofs are resistant to severe weather and are available in two types, panels and shingles. They come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc.
Pros: Metal roofing is durable, longer-lasting and has high solar reflectance.
This allows your home to stay cooler in the summer.
Cons: Metal roofing can be expensive. this type of roofing can be noisy during rainstorms and can dent easily.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start around $100 to $300 a square and can last 40 to 75 years.
SLATE: Beautiful and with a distinctive appearance, slate colors include black, green, grey, red and purple. Fake slate is produced in plastic/polymer, clay and rubber, or asphalt. This material is much more slippery than real slate and may crack upon impact.
Pros: Slate is durable, fire-resistant and can be recycled.
Cons: Slate is heavy, usually requires extra framing and needs to be professionally installed. Imported slate quality can vary.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start at $600 a square and up. It can last from 50 to 100 years or more.
WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKE: This is an extremely popular choice because homeowners love the look and the shingles weather to a pretty shade of gray.
Wood shakes are handmade and a bit rougher- looking than wood shingles which are machine-made.
Pros: these shingles offer a rustic look and are usually made from cedar, redwood and southern pine.
Cons: In some areas fire codes prohibit use. These can mold, split or rot in wet climates.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start at $100 to $150 a square and last around 25 to 30 years.
SYNTHETIC ROOFING PRODUCTS: These include rubber, plastic, and polymer roofing which can give you the color, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood.
Pros: Synthetic roofing products are designed to be strong and easy to maintain and are fire-resistant. They are often not as fragile, heavy, or expensive as natural products.
Cons: Some of theses products can absorb water, the quality varies and are not as time-tested as other materials.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start about $300 a square and are warrantied for up to 50 years: The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests you look at full-size samples of the synthetic product and the manufacturers' brochures.
Also, look for installations that have been in place at least 10 years to see the wear characteristics for your area.
Finding the type of shingle that your budget will allow is step one. Researching the supplier's warranties for that product would be step Two. The cheapest quotes may not always be the best quote, because they are partially based on material cost and quality.
Joye Roofing offers a variety of materials and prices to fit any homeowners's needs. They offer a free roof inspection and are 5-star rated on Facebook and Google My Business.
If you found this information helpful, click the "like" and "share" buttons below.
Derek Joye has been roofing homes and businesses in the Midlands for over 20 years.