Solar panels are gaining popularity as they provide more cost-efficient and eco-friendly energy alternatives. With their rise in popularity, more and more sales and installation companies are popping up to get in on the easy business. However, not all companies have your best interest at heart and will look to quickly complete your project to move on to the next one. With this quick turnover, corners may be cut, and mistakes made. This will put you and your property at risk and in danger of shelling out more money for costly repairs.
So What’s the Number One Mistake? Installing Solar Panels on an Old Roof!
Installing your new solar panels on an old roof can lead to complications down the road. When it’s time for roof repairs or replacement, you’ll have to uninstall the panels, which can be a hassle and an added expense. Even worse, a damaged or weak roof may not be able to support the weight of solar panels and could lead to roof collapse.
Imagine going through the effort of installing solar panels only to realize your roof needs repairs shortly after. You would have to remove the panels, fix the roof, and then reinstall the panels, leading to increased costs and extended project timelines.
Perform a Roof Inspection
While you can perform an inspection yourself, it’s smart to have a roofing professional evaluate it. This ensures that nothing is missed and any repairs are properly completed.
Signs of Roof Damage to Look For:
- Missing or Broken Shingles: Look for any shingles that are broken, or completely missing.
- Curling or Buckling Shingles: Check if the edges of the shingles are curling up or if they’re buckling in the middle.
- Granule Loss: See if there are a lot of granules in your gutters or downspouts, which means your shingles are wearing out.
- Sagging Roof Deck: Notice if the roof deck is sagging, as this can indicate structural problems.
- Leaks or Water Damage: Look for water stains, mold, or rot on the ceiling or in the attic, which suggest leaks.
- Moss or Algae Growth: Watch out for moss or algae growing on the roof, as they can cause damage.
- Damaged Flashing: Inspect the metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for cracks or rust.
- Roof Age: Consider the age of your roof. If it’s 20-30 years old, it might be time for a replacement.
- Sunlight Through Roof Boards: In the attic, check if you can see daylight through the roof boards, indicating holes or gaps.
- Soft or Spongy Spots: If the roof feels soft or spongy when you walk on it, there might be water damage or rot underneath.
Checking these signs will help ensure your roof is in good condition before installing solar panels, preventing future complications.
Perform Roof Maintenace
By addressing any roof issues before installing your solar panels, you can avoid untimely disruptions. Ensuring your roof is in good condition beforehand means you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without worrying about future roof-related complications. This proactive approach not only saves time and money but also ensures the longevity and efficiency of your solar energy system.
Therefore, to ensure a long life for your solar panels and a hassle-free process, make sure that your roof is in tip-top shape before making the solar switch!
Make the Switch to Solar with Vesta Home Energy!
Reach out to Vesta Home Energy today and take the next step in your solar energy journey with a team you can trust.
