Solar panels installed on a roof rarely cause roof leaks. But if roof leakage following solar panel installation does happen, it typically becomes apparent relatively soon after the installation is complete. When it starts to rain or snow during the first year, homeowners almost usually become aware of the leak.
These leaks are fortunately relatively uncommon, and there are steps you can take to identify the source of the problem and take immediate action to fix it before it causes long-term harm to your property.
Naturally, since our homes are among our most valuable possessions, we are concerned about the effects of adding solar panels to the roof. Solar panels can be installed on the top, and they rarely cause any harm. Yet again, disregarding the correct procedures could result in a leaking roof.
Now, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the solar panel installation procedure to prevent harming your roof. Wires that connect the panels to the junction box are added after the racking system.
The solar panels will be installed after the electrical and mechanical components. While lag bolts can be put without making any holes in the roof, these components can be installed without difficulty.
The sort of roof you have will determine the depths and forms of the lag bolts that are used to securely fasten the solar panels to the roof.
Reasons Why Roof Leaks After Solar Installation
After solar installation, roof leakage can be caused by some factors which include the following:
Old Home, Old Roof
Additionally, roofing materials succumb to wear and tear. Also, it is only natural for them to become brittle and crack after being around for so long. This is a result of the expansion and contraction brought on by temperature variations and direct exposure to the sun’s harsh rays.
Old roofs frequently experience leaks as a result of the tar melting over time.
Your likelihood of having a leaky roof will be greatly increased if you haven’t had your roof replaced in thirty years. The wood would typically degrade and soften over time.
Because the expert can’t drill the holes without causing damage to them, this leads to an inappropriate situation. Additionally, an aging roof may not be able to support the weight of the solar panels.
A Flashing Failure
Flashing is a thin plastic or metal strip that is put in vulnerable spots on the roof. Water may seep through if it is not done properly.
Temporary fixes aren’t nearly as successful as you’d imagine, and damaged flashings are very expensive to replace.
Missing Or Loose Shingles
Your likelihood of having a leaky roof increases if you ever find a shingle on your grass. It may, however, be changed, and this must be done quickly.
Before drilling the new unit in, remove the nails from the area that needs replacement. Although, there will be a difference; the new shingle might stick out because it has scarcely been used.
Roof Not Suitable For Solar Panels
Solar panels can be easy to install on roofs, although some types of roofing are more appropriate than others. And that’s where yours can differ, leading to a leaking roof.
If your roof is composed of terracotta, slate, wood, or clay, it is less compatible. It is not usually possible to drill through these materials without damaging the lag bolts.
However, if the roof is the best location for the installation, you might want to think about using composite shingles for the solar panel surface. This means you’ll have to repair your flimsy roof, but on the plus side, solar energy won’t be lost.
The solar panels will cover the replaced shingles, so you don’t need to worry about your home’s appearance.
It Wasn’t Properly Installed
You’ll be less likely to struggle with a leaking roof if your technician installs your solar panels according to the correct techniques. However, if they work quickly or poorly, it could damage the roofing and sub-roofing materials and cost you money.
A qualified professional will concentrate on and steer clear of costly errors.
How to Avoid Roof Leaks Following the Installation of Solar Panels?
Hire a certified solar installer to assess your roof and create a strategy for installing the panels if you’re installing new solar panels at your house. A trained and professional solar installer will be able to identify these risks before installation, even though problems like outdated roofing materials or mismatched roofs can cause leaks.
Be cautious of roofing firms that install solar that might prey on consumers’ worries about a “leaky roof” situation, especially if they emphasize that hiring a roofing contractor is essential when adopting solar. This is not required.
Since their licenses typically do not enable them to work in this capacity, roofers frequently lack the knowledge necessary to measure, drill, and install solar panels.
A lot of roofers hire independent contractors to complete the actual solar work under the supervision of a certified electrician or solar installation.
Ask the roofing contractor whether they are “subbing” out any of the electrical or solar work if you are working with them.
Ask your friends and family for referrals if you don’t know where to look for a solar installer.
Are Toxic Chemicals Released by Solar Panels?
The solar system functions as a whole thanks to some interconnected parts. A solar panel is made up of more components than just glass and metal.
Lead and cadmium are also present, but won’t escape unless the glass breaks. The chemicals will still be released into the atmosphere by solar panels, even though they won’t harm you unless they are tampered with.
Crystalline silicon is a toxic chemical that must also be produced using silicon tetrachloride. This poisonous chemical kills both plants and animals.
In conclusion, when using a solar panel, you won’t be harmed by the highly dangerous substances it contains. The gases will, however, damage the environment if the container housing them is broken.
Conclusion
The use of solar technology is the wave of the future, but it must be installed properly if you want to benefit from it. When you’re alert enough, mounting them won’t result in a leak in your roof.
After having solar panels installed, the last thing anyone wants is a leaky roof. So take precautions!
