Roof Leaks After Installing Solar Panels

by | Mar 8, 2020 | Orlando | 0 comments

Renewable energy is getting more prevalent each year. One of the advantages of having solar panels on your roof is that you’ll have to worry less about your electric bills being high. However, solar panels do have a specialized way of installing on your roof since it does have electronic circuits. Even though it’s rare, there is still a chance that your solar panels might cause leaks to form on your roof. 

Why Are My Solar Panels Leaking? 

If you ask any roofing contractor on why your roof is leaking, you’ll be getting some raised eyebrows since roof leaks are rare when it comes to solar panels. However, it still does happen and there is a multitude of different causes to this. 

Your Roof Isn’t Compatible

In almost every roof installation, roofing contractors will usually drill into the rafters while sealing it to prevent future problems. It might be true that solar panels can be installed in almost every roof design, there are also some instances that it will not be compatible with some roofing materials. 

If your roof isn’t the ideal design for solar panels, there’s a high chance that poor installation could be one of the top reasons why your roof is leaking. Having a qualified roofing contractor can help mitigate leaks from forming. 

There Was A Mistake In The Installation

One of the primary causes that your roof is leaking near your solar panels is that it was installed improperly. There might be roofing contractors that do know how roofing materials work, but there are also some who are not certified to work on solar panels on your roof. This can inadvertently lead to more problems whenever heavy rain and wind might hit your solar panels. 

Normally, roofing materials and solar panels have warranties that ensure that if there are man-made errors that are done during the installation process, you can always opt to have it repaired or replaced without a fee. If this is the case, you can contact your solar panel’s manufacturer to ask about your warranty. Moreover, there’s no hurt in researching what your warranty covers. 

Your Roof Is Already Too Old 

It’s never advisable to install solar panels on a roof that’s already past its lifespan. One tell-tale sign that your roof is almost at the end of its life expectancy is when it starts saggings and some of the roofing materials start warping. 

The best course of action is to have a roofing contractor extensively inspect your roof for any tell-tale signs of deterioration from age. If your roof is now determined as past its lifespan, it’s best to start preparing for a roof replacement. 

Replacing a roof might be a really big investment, but it is still a necessity that needs to be done. If you are going to invest thousands of dollars on solar panels, then you might also have to invest time, money, and effort on a new set of roofing materials. This might set you back financially in the short-term, but ultimately, this will help extend the lifespan of your solar panels and your roof in the long-term. 

Preventing Leaks From Forming 

The process of installing solar panels on your roof is quite different from installing any other roofing material. If you are planning on installing solar panels on your roof, it’s best to look for a licensed and qualified solar installer. A qualified professional will be able to make a comprehensive and extensive evaluation of your roof if it fits the standards for installation. Once this is done, your installer will be able to make a plan for fitting the panels in. 

Moreover, we have to also be vigilant on some roofing companies that might take advantage and manipulate the fear of having a leaky roof. It’s best to do your own background check on the track record of a roofing contractor first before commissioning their services. 

It might be true that the old age and damages to your roof might lead to leaks, but having someone who is knowledgeable about how solar panels work can help mitigate the chances of leaks from forming.  In most cases, there are some contractors that do not know how to mount or install a solar panel since they don’t have the necessary license to install such a material. The best way to make sure that your contractors are up for the task is to simply ask them if they have done any solar or electrical work before. 

At the end of the day, the most effective solution and a defense that you have against leaking are by having qualified professionals work on your roof.

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