Because of our year-round sunshine, solar energy is an attractive option for many South Florida homeowners. Taking advantage of the strong rays in order to make your home greener and more energy efficient is a smart move in most cases. However, the implications of installing solar panels on their roof do raise questions for many Venice residents.
In this area, a tile roof is a very popular option. Floridians love the aesthetically pleasing terra cotta look, and a properly installed roof made of tile is likely to last for up to 40 years with routine maintenance. But individual tiles can also crack or break when walked on, or when flying debris strikes them during a storm. So the question arises – can you safely install solar panels without causing tile roof damage?
Can I Install Solar Panels Safely?
The short answer to that question is yes. But to do so requires that you find an experienced, qualified, licensed and insured roofing contractor or solar panel installer
The fact is that even stepping out onto your tile roof can cause damage. Therefore, trying to save money by hiring a handyman – or doing the installation by yourself – may end up being the costliest thing you can do. Inexperienced installers may not have adequate training, may install panels on a roof which is not a good candidate to carry the weight of the panels, or not take the overall health of your roof into consideration.
In addition to tile roof damage, you could also be causing cracks, holes, and breaches which may allow roof leaks. As we have discussed, even small leaks can wreak substantial damage, affecting roofing structure, eaves, attic insulation, and even interior walls and systems.
By hiring a professional, you can assure yourself that not only will your solar panels be installed correctly, but your roof integrity will be protected. In fact, in regards to properly installed systems, roof leaks a relatively uncommon occurrence.
Is Your Roof a Good Candidate for Solar Panels? Before scheduling solar installation, call for a roof inspection to make sure that you have at least 5 good years of effective life remaining. If you install solar panels and the roof needs replacing in two years, you will have to pay additional money to have the panels removed and then reattached to the new roof. If your roof is within several years of needing replacement, you may wish to install a new roof and the solar panels all at once.
How Are Panels Installed to Avoid Tile Roof Damage?
Rooftop panel arrays are most often attached to your roof on mounting panels and bolted down with specialized hardware. Lag bolts are common, as they are thick and sturdy, and designed to withstand the high winds and heavy impacts which are possible during severe thunderstorms or hurricanes. A solar panel installation team will have to drill into your roof to securely install the bolts, and while a hole in your roof doesn’t sound safe, proper installation will avoid any tile roof damage. Tiles are removed, brackets are attached to the rafters, and then tiles are replaced in order to avoid breakage. While this is a very basic explanation, you can rest assured that if you hire a professional team, your roof should not sustain damage.
One final consideration – be sure to carefully read your roof warranty to see if it is affected by the installation of solar panels. If you have any questions, call a professional Venice roofing contractor. At [company_name], we pride ourselves on creating solid relationships and providing exceptional quality customer service. How can we help you?
