Will Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?

As energy prices continue to rise, more and more homeowners are tempted to put solar panels on their roofs to save on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint — but they’re afraid the panels could damage the roof.

Solar panels can be an excellent investment, especially when you factor in the Provincial rebates and incentives available to homeowners in Ontario. But how do solar panels affect your roof? Just like any other outdoor structure, solar panels can experience issues that’ll affect your roof’s integrity. To find out what those issues are and how to protect your roof, read on!

‍

Will solar panels cause my roof to leak?‍

Solar panels are attached to your roof by drilling through the shingles directly into the truss below. The framework for the solar panels are then attached to your roof with lag bolts. If solar panels are poorly installed, unexpected moisture could enter your home, causing water damage, mold growth and a leaky roof.  

To prevent this from happening, have your solar panels installed by a qualified, licensed installer. Here are some tips for choosing an installer:

• Ask the installer about their experience and qualifications. If possible, check some of their installations and ask the homeowners how it was working with them.
• Check that the installer is respected by roofing-system providers. This could be important for your roof’s warranty.
• Ensure the company has installed solar on multiple roofing systems.
• Make sure they’re able to discuss rooftop conditions, can take down and re-install a system during roof replacement or repair and will provide follow up maintenance services.
• Verify that they use high-quality flashing and employ multi-levels of leak protection using outdoor-rated caulking to prevent leaks.

‍

Will installing solar panels damage my shingles?‍

Installing solar panels on a roof can potentially cause damage to your shingles, especially if the roof is older or in poor condition. Asphalt shingles, for example, shouldn’t be more than ten years old and in good shape. 

Regardless of how old your roof is, it's important to get a thorough assessment before installation to ensure that your roof is structurally sound. If it isn’t, repair or replace your roof before installing solar panels. 

‍

Will installing solar panels void my roof’s warranty?‍

The answer to this question depends on the specific warranty provided by the manufacturer of your roof. In general, most roof warranties don’t have explicit clauses that void the warranty if solar panels are installed. However, it's best to carefully review the terms of your roof warranty to be sure.

Some roof warranties require solar panels be installed using specific techniques or materials to prevent damage to the roof. Others may have exclusions related to damage caused by third-party installations, which could include solar panel installation.

We can’t stress enough how important it is to have your solar panels properly installed. In some cases, the cost of repairs won’t be covered if the damage was caused by improper installation techniques.

‍

Do solar panels disrupt the flow of water off your roof?‍

Your roof is designed to channel water from the tiles to the gutters and downspouts. If the installer doesn’t properly account for water flow during the installation of solar panels, water can potentially get trapped, leading to leaks. Again, this issue can be mitigated by hiring a company who uses professional installers.

‍

Can solar panels increase the likelihood of damage by animals?

Birds, rodents and other animals are attracted to solar panels because of the warmth and protection they provide. To keep wildlife from damaging your roof, make sure your installer attaches a wire mesh — called a critter guard — to the roof and solar panels. This will effectively close the gap between the two while still permitting air flow.

‍

Do you have more questions about your roof?‍

Installing solar panels on your roof can be a great way to save on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, but it's important to take steps to ensure that the installation is done properly to avoid potential damage to your roof. By working with a qualified installer, having your roof assessed before installation, and taking steps to prevent issues like leaks and damage from animals, you can enjoy the benefits of solar panels without putting your roof at risk. 

If you have any further questions about how solar panels affect your roof, or roofing questions in general, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!