In the last few years, energy generation and consumption have changed rapidly; gone are the days when the entire world depends solemnly on hydroelectric power. But nowadays, energy or electricity can be generated using different sources, such as nuclear and solar power. Solar energy, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the safest and cleanest sources of energy, and this is enough reason why millions of homeowners are investing heavily in solar panels every year.
Aside from the improvement it brings to your lifestyle, it can also improve your wage bill. You can imagine you not having to pay for electricity supply again; that will bring a huge lift off your wage bills and allow you to spend that money elsewhere.
However, while solar energy/panel is good and probably the best investment you will ever make, solar panels, just like every other outdoor structure, can be a serious pain in the neck, especially when they are not properly installed or lack proper maintenance. A solar panel that is not maintained properly will malfunction and disrupt energy generation. While this is the least of the problem, a poorly installed solar panel, on the other hand, can damage your roof!
Therefore if you are planning on investing in a solar panel or you already have one, and you want to know some of the damages a solar panel can cause to your roof when it’s not properly installed. How you can prevent this from happening (again), then keep reading!
Common Roof Issues From Solar Panel
· Roof Leaks
This is one of the commonest problems solar installation can cause to the roof. Unlike what many people believe, Solar panels are not drilled on the roof; instead, they are drilled on the roof rails that are sustained by special hooks. These special hooks are drilled on the rafters and not on the tiles. Roof rafters give shape to the roof and, more importantly, handle all the weight of the tiles.
So when your solar panel is not installed properly, the solar hook attached to the rafters can cause it to crack, and it can also cause the rails to bend. And whenever you have cracked rafters, broken tiles, and bent rails, you know your roof is done for.
· Weight Problems Which Can Cause The Roof To Crack and Collapse
Before solar installation, one common question we often get asked is, “Can the weight of a Solar panel cause the roof to collapse?” To answer this question, your roof can crack and collapse if it can’t withstand the weight of the installed solar panel. However, this is a very rare occurrence, particularly in residential properties. It is estimated that the average weight of a solar panel is 13kg/m2 (40 lbs each). This is a fairly decent weight that 90% of houses can handle without fearing it damaging the roof.
However, to avoid stories that touch, it will always be advisable to contact an installer to come and assess your roof’s state before installing the solar panel. If your roof is not old, it is highly possible to withstand the solar panel weight.
· You Can Also Void Your Warranty
Another problem you can run into when if you don’t hire a qualified installer to install your solar panel for you is that you can lose your roof warranty. On average, your roof warranty will likely last for 25 to 30 years. But you risk voiding this warranty if your solar panel is not installed correctly. Of course, this in itself is relative. While some roofing companies will automatically void your warranty if you install a solar panel on their products, others won’t void it. Hence it is now important to do background checks before investing in a particular roofing material.
· Stagnation Of Water On The Roof
While the roof is the perfect place to place your Solar panel since that part of the house is usually free of human interaction/encroachment, it can also be a breeding ground for all kinds of animals and insects as a result of water retention caused by the solar panel. The problem is when it rains, and the solar panel is not installed properly, it can block the natural drainage of rainwater, thereby causing the water to remain stagnant for a long time.
Not only can this blockage lead to the stagnation of water, but it can also cause the roof to leak and ultimately cause the roof to be damaged.
Things To Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
Investing in a solar panel is not as easy as it sounds, but with proper guidance, you won’t run into any problems during or after the installation. So, what do you need to consider before installing solar panels on your roof?
Before installing a solar panel on your roof, you need to know how old your roof is. Since roofs generally are not made to last forever, understanding how long your roof will last will greatly help your decision-making.
Also, you must consider the type/kind of roof you have installed before investing in solar panels. This is because some roofs, such as clay tiles, wood, and slate, are not good for solar panels.
In addition, you need to check the direction your roof is facing. According to experts, it is recommended that a solar panel should be facing the southern hemisphere.
And lastly, you need to consider how you intend to finance this solar installation. While solar energy is the best, it is in no way cheap. But then again, it is an investment that you’ll never regret.
Conclusion
Perhaps you live in Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island and want to install your solar panels without causing damage to your roof. Then Don’t Hesitate To Contact the Professionals Over RoofPro Today!
At RoofPro, we will not only ensure that your solar panel is properly installed, but we also ensure that no damage is done to the roof during installation.