Mounting solar panels on your roof: Crucial questions you should ask
If you’re considering solar power for your Maryland home, then you should check out this important article.
No doubt… Solar energy is becoming more and more popular and accepted for residential use.
And most new solar panel installations are done on the roof since they have the most unobstructed view of the sun.
However, there are some issues you need to think about BEFORE you or your solar contractor start mounting solar panels on your roof.
1. How old, and what condition is your roof in? Does your roof leak, or are your shingles curling or missing?
If your roof leaks, your roof has less than 10 good years left, or if your roofing materials are damaged, then you may want to consider the extra costs involved. In order to do any future repairs or replacement, the new solar panels will need to be removed and reinstalled, certainly for an extra cost. Wouldn’t it make sense to get your roof inspected by a roofing contractor first to get an expert opinion on the condition of your roof?
Plus, it’s a good idea to make any obvious repairs before mounting anything new to your roof. It also may not make sense to install a new solar array if you’ll need to replace your roof in the next few years.
2. Can your roof handle the weight of a solar array?
Make 100% sure your roof can easily support the weight of solar panels, racks, rails, and the required mounting hardware. Solar installations aren’t necessarily too heavy, but installed on a damaged or weak roof, they could cause your roof to sag, crack and leak overt time. That would not be good.
3. Will your roof leak after mounting solar panels?
Well… That depends. There will be many penetrations into your roof which could potentially be a source of a future leak. If all holes are sealed and flashed properly, and the roof is in good shape to begin with, then you should be fine. But to make sure, consult with a local roofing expert like us before installation begins.
You’ll also want to make sure the installation contractor has worked on your type of roof before, or works closely with a roofing company like On Top Home Improvements in Damascus, Maryland.
4. Will the installation of solar panels damage my roof, if it’s in good shape to begin with?
Depends on how careful the solar contractor is. Ask them to be careful on your roof as they install the system. Dragging or dropping solar panels, tools, and harnesses around on your roof can certainly destroy shingles, gutters, vents, and flashing.
Bottom line:
All it takes is for one inexperienced or careless solar contractor to do serious, costly damage to your roof.
So if you’re considering solar energy using roof-mounted solar panels in Montgomery County MD or surrounding communities, it only makes sense to consult with a local roofing contractor like us first.
We’ll inspect your roof and it’s condition to make see whether it’s ready for solar installation, and let you know if there’s anything you should do first.
And if you’ve already installed solar panels on your roof, and are experiencing roof leaks or other roofing problems, call us right away to inspect it.
Whether your home is in Frederick, or Silver Spring, over to Columbia, or any community in between, we can help!
To schedule your free, no-obligation roof inspection,
simply call Kim at 301-368-3551
On Top Home Improvements, Inc.
10818 Avonlea Ridge Place
Damascus, MD 20872
Tel: 301-368-3551
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2 Comments.
Dan,
Many of my neighbors opted for solar panels to save money. I do wonder how many asked questions about the ability of their specific roof to handle the panels, the brackets and screw holes. And most importantly to us-what happens when the roof needs to be replaced?
One neighbor was told the company they chose will take them down and reinstall them. No mention of additional wear and tear, new holes into the roof decking(plywood) underneath and the cost!
Great article. I own a roofing company, and have been a roofing contractor for years and have had to help a couple homeowners make their roofs be able to withstand having solar panels on their roofs. Great article. I am glad I ran into it.