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Solar panels will utilize the sun’s energy to save you money on your electrical bills and cool or heat your home. They’re large, though, and understandably, add weight to your roof, so it’s natural if you’re wondering whether these heavy panels can actually damage the integrity of your roof.
Keep reading to understand more, so you don’t miss out on solar panels due to the incorrect assumption that they will damage your roof. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call one of the most trusted solar companies in Fort Pierce.
Will Solar Panels Affect My Roof’s Integrity?
The simple answer is no. Solar panels will not affect your roof’s integrity as long as they’re properly installed by professionals. Of course, there are a few factors that your provider will keep in mind before they recommend that you have solar panels installed.
Your Current Roof
In some ways, whether your solar panels will be problematic will depend on your current roof. Solar panels are made to last for at least a couple of decades, after all, so if you already have an old roof, you might want to repair or replace your roof beforehand.
Any good installer will recommend you do so, especially if your roof doesn’t have the load capacity to handle the additional weight.
Panel Weight
As long as your roof is in good condition, it shouldn’t be much of a problem to get your panels installed. This is because while they might look heavy or seem heavy for an individual, they’re not as heavy as people assume.
Solar panels are about three to five pounds per square foot, so they’re relatively lightweight. If your roof is in good condition, there should be no problem with it handling solar panels. Your state may require you to have a certified engineer sign off on whether your roof is suitable before you can get started.
Installation
Realistically, the only way a solar panel installation will damage your roof is if they’re improperly installed. Traditional installation involves penetrating your roof and trusses with stainless-steel screws, and if your panels are not sealed properly, this may lead to water damage or mold growth. Depending on the type of roof you have, there may be a number of ways the panels may be connected to the roof, but all of the methods must be code compliant.
It’s vital to hire the right professional solar panel installation company that knows what they’re doing.
Your Installer
Talk to your installer about how they plan to install your panels and whether your roof can indeed withstand them. A good installer will design a solar panel system that will allow water to drain and not void your roof’s warranty. As professionals, we make sure that there are no problems with your utility interconnection— how your solar panels connect to the power grid.
If you’re concerned about how your roof will hold up, there’s nothing wrong with asking your installer about their plans, how they’ll work, and what the final product will be like. This is a great way to determine whether you have a good installer as well.
Solar Panel Protection
You might not realize this but solar panels can protect your roof. They keep your roof safe from the elements like wind, rain, and snow, therefore extending your roof’s lifespan. Plus, solar panels absorb all that sunlight that would otherwise fall directly onto your roof and damage your tiles.
Conclusion
Ultimately, solar panels won’t damage your roof, but it depends on your roof and the process of installation. You shouldn’t get solar panels on a roof with a lifespan that’s less than 10 years. Make sure that you hire a professional installer who is careful and responsible about the entire process