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New Roof and Solar go hand in hand

Andrea Mouser
Aug 29, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Oct 21, 2022

(Drone footage by: David McBee)

I know what you must be thinking. Why should I let you talk me into getting a new roof when all I wanted was Solar?

Let me say this louder for those in the back…. Solar Installers are not Roofers!

Most solar installs are installed improperly due to retrofit applications*.

These are some photos of their typical "process".

*(A Retrofit Application is when solar footings are installed after the shingles are installed)

Solar companies, unless otherwise stated, will not know how to correctly fix a leak that they caused.

We have seen a few jobs where mastic was poured down customers roof, further damaging their roof with their “temporary” fix.

(Yes we are also on Tiktok)

Is your roof too old for solar?

If your roof is over 10 years old then it must have at least 25 years left for a solar install*. You should schedule a roof inspection (cough… cough… with Advanced Tech Roofing) to ensure that your roof is still in good enough condition for Solar Panel installation. *(Solar panels can last 25 to 30 years)

Things get tricky when Solar Contractors* don’t advise homeowners that they need a new roof. Most are afraid to loose the solar job to someone else. *Not all Companies are like this. They install this brand new energy system on an aging or damaged roof, usually resulting in the homeowners having to have the solar company come back and temporarily take it down while the new roof is installed. (double the work, double the money.

Honestly, its better to find the total cost now than 2-5years down the road. Not to mention the loss of tax credit and the fact that it costs more to replace the roof after solar is installed.

I get that our roofs are the last things on our minds. They are always there for us, Protecting us. (kind of like the Giving Tree) Do right by your roof and it will stand tall and proud to keep you and your family safe. So you can leave it and forget it again. Its really up to you as the homeowner who pays the price in the long run.

show: Home Improvement

Don’t fret though! Visual inspection is the Best way to determine your roofs condition.

But...Don’t hurt yourself climbing on your roof.

You can usually see problems from the ground or with binoculars. (depending on your roofs slope/height or configuration) Or you could always call us.

Anyways…

These issues suggest that your roof needs repair or replacement:

Torn, loose or curled shingles
Broken or loose tiles
Buckling, warping or pooling water on a flat roof.

But also look for:

Tree debris accumulating on the roof
Tree branches resting on the roof
Wood rot in the eaves/overhangs
Gutters that don’t work properly

New Roofs and Solar energy systems are significant investments, so you’ll want to know just how to protect them. Here’s what we have learned over the years and some tips for how you can protect your family and your investment.

In most cases, installing solar requires drilling dozens of holes into your roof so the racking system and panels can be attached. (Eeek!! But don’t panic.) We know this sounds scary. But leaks won’t happen if the installation is preformed by qualified and experienced companies using flashings* in conjunction with new roofing to seal the holes. Don’t be too scared to ask the company how they are installing it.

*(flashings are used to waterproof roof penetrations)

Common ways a solar installation can void your roof warranty:

Damage to the roof
Retrofit Applications (this instantly voids your roof warranty)
Incorrect use of equipment (or installation methods)
Incorrect flashing installation

Just be aware that many solar installers do not allow anyone - homeowner or other contractor – to remove, fix or otherwise touch their solar equipment. (gosh, can I breathe on it?) If that happens, your solar warranty is Very likely to become null and void.

Call your solar company before roof work is started. They might need to talk to each other.

I know warranties are boring but make sure you get ahold of yours and read it thoroughly to understand what they do and don’t cover.

That being all said and done, Roof replacement is not a requirement (gasp. But you’re a roofing company. You can’t say that! Well… I just did. We care about you! And maybe you’ll call us if the future need arrives.). We do however recommend at least a roof inspection first before you have your solar panels installed.

Be an informed customer! Don't be afraid to ask questions!

We hope this post helped you in some way. Or at least was an interesting read. Have a great day!

I’ll leave our contact info below. You know… just in case.