Roofing and solar panels go hand in hand. Yet, most homeowners don’t think about their roof very much and find themselves having to put their solar installation on hold in order to solve issues with their roof. Solar street lighting is a long-term solution for better, safer, and more inviting community spaces. It is a simple, intelligent lighting solution that is powered by solar energy and has a wireless control system that allows you to configure it from anywhere in the world.
Below are a few things you think about when thinking about installing solar power onto your roof.
1. If you have noticed some signs of a roof leak, this should be a big red flag. This is something that should be taken care of in a timely manner regardless of whether or not you are going to install solar power not. Roof leaks that start off as tiny problems can often wreak havoc on your home if not taken care of right away. Not only can letting the problem linger cause further damage to your roof, but water damage and make it’s way into the interior of your home and cause damage to walls, your attic and structural components of your home. Not only this, but water damage often leads to the development of mold. Definitely not something you want.
2. Missing shingles or worn down shingles are a common sign that your roof is approaching the end of it’s lifespan and will need to be inspected. Keep in mind that when solar panels are installed, they are designed to last 20 to 25 years. This means your roof should be on pace with lasting that long as well. When a solar installation specialist comes to do the initial inspection, they are trained to spot the signs of a roof that won’t last long. They will usually recommend that you call a roofing contractor Chula Vista to get the roof replaced before installing the solar power system. Luckily, some roof replacement situations may be covered by insurance companies so that will help alleviate the burden of replacing a roof followed by the cost of solar installation.
3. If you have had your home re-roofed or are unsure about whether or not you have more than one layer of shingles, this may be something you want to pause and take a look at before installing solar panels. The underlying roof structure is designed to withstand a certain amount of weight. Adding solar panels on top of a roof that has multiple layers may be too much for the roof to withstand in terms of weight and may lead to problems down the road. Consult with a roofer to ensure you are not setting yourself up for long-term damage on your home. Making sure your roof can withstand the extra weight will save you so much time, money, and headaches down the road.
4. The last thing to look out for has more to do with the structures or landscaping surrounding your home and roof. In order for solar panels to generate enough power, they must have a certain amount of exposure to direct sunlight. Oftentimes, if there are tall trees or building adjacent to your home, they may limit the amount of sun that your roof accesses. A sure sign to look for is whether or not you see moss or algae growing on any part of your roof. If you see this, that means that moisture is staying on the surface for long periods of time, mainly because the shingles are not exposed to enough direct sunlight to help the moisture evaporate. This could be problematic in terms of finding enough surface area on your roof to make the solar power system a feasible project for your home.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when making the move to install solar panels on your roof. Reputable solar companies will make sure that their initial consultation will catch many of these issues and they will usually steer you in the right direction. It’s always a good idea to have an idea about what possible issues you may encounter with your roof when installing solar.