Installing solar panels is a major decision that requires a lot of consideration. One area where homeowners often have concerns is in regards to how the panel installation might impact their roof. Since your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, it’s natural to want reassurance that adding solar panels won’t compromise its integrity. If you’ve hesitated to put solar panels on your roof because you’re worried about potential damage, keep reading to get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Will Solar Panels Damage My Roof
When solar panels are installed by a qualified professional, no, they shouldn’t cause any damage to your roof. In fact, professional installers are trained to assess the age and condition of your roof before they even bring up any panels or racking equipment. The racking systems they use are designed to be compatible with specific roof tops, from asphalt and tile shingles to flat metal roofs. If your roof is in good condition before the installation, solar panels won’t compromise its condition.
Can Solar Panels Cause Leaks?
One major concern for homeowners in installing panels is the possibility of roof leaks. After all, anything that permeates the roof’s covering can be a likely spot for leakage—including existing roof structures like chimneys, vents, and so on. However, professional installers use flashing and sealants just like roofers to create watertight seals around any penetrations made for the mounting equipment. These help ensure your roof remains leak-free. In many cases, your installer will also provide a warranty to cover their workmanship, should any leaks arise from the installation.
Will the Solar Panels Be Too Heavy?
Your roof is built to handle substantial loads so that it can stand up to snow loads, debris from wind storms, and the weight of workers or repairmen when needed. Solar panels only weigh about 40 pounds each, and when mounted with the right equipment, that weight is distributed nice and evenly so that the added load is well within safe limits for your roof. Plus, remember that the installers are evaluating your roof’s structural capacity before installation; if there are any concerns about the strength or integrity of your roof, they’ll address it with you before adding any panels.
So, if you’ve been hesitant about adding solar panels because of concerns for your roof, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that an average sized solar array won’t cause any damage. You can safely buy up that Phono solar panel for sale that you’ve been eyeing and start working with an installer to get a system added to your own roof!
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