Considering Solar Panels? Roofing Considerations To Address

Considering Solar Panels? Roofing Considerations To Address

11 June 2021
 Categories: , Blog


For many homeowners, making a conversion to solar power is an exciting time. However, many homeowners become so focused on the solar panel selection and installation that they overlook the condition of their roof. This is a serious concern because when you install solar panels on your roof, you need to be sure that those panels are stable and secure. Here's a look at some of the reasons why you should reach out to a roofing contractor before you install your solar panels.

Assess The Age Of Your Roof

Solar panels will last for several decades, so you need to be sure that your roof will last that long as well. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to remove the solar panels to do roof repairs or an entire roof replacement. 

Have your roofing contractor inspect the condition of the roof to determine its approximate age. If it's nearing the end of its expected lifespan, you should plan on a roof replacement before you have the new solar panels installed. That way, you can be sure that your roof will last as long as your solar panels do.

Consider The Structural Support

Another important reason to have a roofing contractor inspect your roof before you install solar panels is that you need to be sure that your roof is strong enough to support them. Adding solar panels to your roof adds a significant amount of additional weight to your roof. You need to be sure that the support structure of your roof is strong enough to withstand that weight.

Your roofing contractor will test the roof, checking to ensure that the roofing structure will support the added weight of the panels. That way, you don't have to worry about those new solar panels damaging your roof and causing a potential roofing failure.

Evaluate The Roofing Material

The other thing that you need to think about is whether or not your roofing materials are a good fit for solar panel installation. You have to be sure that your roofing material can support the installation of the solar panel support structure. Asphalt shingle and metal roofing are the two most popular roofing materials for solar panel installation. Tile roofing may not support the solar panel infrastructure as well without cracking or crumbling. 

As you can see, there are a variety of different concerns associated with your home's roofing material if you're going to install solar panels. Talk with a residential roofing contractor today for more information before you have your solar panels installed on your home.