Lot of people worry about roof leaks when thinking about solar panels. Usually, the roof will not leak after solar panel installation. However, this is only true when installation is done by professionals. If the solar panels are improperly installed, it will be obvious immediately. Most people notice leaks within the first year after installation if there are any problems. The good news is that problems are rare, and you can easily figure out the issue before serious damage happened. The most common issues with solar panels include poor wiring and dirty materials, but with leaks, the problem is usually more significant. If there is a leak, there are usually three possible causes.
1. The roof is not compatible with the solar panels
Solar panel installation requires drilling into the roof itself, and not all materials are compatible for this. This does not mean you can’t have solar panels installed, but the installation will need additional considerations. When you don’t have the ideal roof, bad installation is even more likely to cause leaks, so if possible replace the areas of the roof where the panels will be placed.
2. Bad installation
This is the most frequent cause of leaks after solar panel installation. A reputable and skilled installer will know how to work with all roofing materials to make sure you get a tight fit and no risk of leaks. Inexperienced workers or those using unlicensed and unqualified subcontractors can’t provide the same guarantees. Proper installation is the key to ensure your solar panels do not leak even in heavy rain.
3. Aged roof
Quite many decide to install solar panels onto their aged roof, rather than replacing the roof first, and this is not recommended. An aged roof will already have experienced some deterioration and will be weaker. Places, where they may be rot or soft spots, will not be stable for drilling and supporting the panels. The addition of solar panels to a weakened roof can make potentially serious problems down the road. When it comes time to replace this older roofing, you also have to remove the solar panel array which can be very costly. Before considering solar panels, keep the age and condition of your roof in mind. If it is older, then replacing the roof before panel installation is recommended. A reputable and professional installer can help you with this.
Roofing Care After Solar Installation
First, it’s very important to hire a qualified solar panel installation team. They will inspect your roof first and work out a plan for getting your panels installed. Old materials can be spotted and replaced before installation and the panels will be installed correctly. This is the best way to reduce the risk of leaking after installation. Be sure to ask the solar panel installation team if they are subcontracting out any of the work, as many will use qualified electricians for the wiring.
Research solar panel installation companies before you hire one. Look for a company that offers an expensive warranty. With some research, you can hire the best solar panel installer and lower the risk of leaks or any other significant problems in the future.
