When installing solar panels, one of the most common issues homeowners often deal with is the risk of leaks in the roof when the solar panels are installed.
Proper installation procedures and maintenance can avoid most problems that occur during or after the installation of the solar panels.
At Solar Medix, we focus on maintaining solar systems and preventing roof leaks, allowing solar systems to work efficiently and safely for many years.
This article focuses on the causes of roof leaks after installing solar systems and the measures required to repair the roofs or those that can be put in place to prevent future leaks.
Why Solar Panel Installations Should Not Cause Roof Leaks
Roof damage from a faulty solar panel installation is inexcusable, and the Contractor must be responsible for the repairs. Most roof leaks experienced after the installation would have been avoided with a better understanding of the entire project, coordination between the roofer and the solar installer, and some sound practices.
A solid installation follows correct procedures, such as ensuring the proper materials are used and each penetration is sealed correctly.
At Solar Medix, whenever we install solar panels, we ensure that the work does not damage the structure of your roof. When solar installations are done well, they integrate with the roof and do not add any leakage risk.
A certified installer with roofing knowledge guarantees the system will be installed without risking the roof’s safety.
For more details on roof requirements for solar panel installation, we recommend you read our guide, Solar Panels Roof Requirements – How to Get Your Roof Ready for Solar Panels Re-Installation.
Why Roof Leaks Occur After Solar Panel Installation
Negligence can cause roof leaks after installing solar panels. Some causes include drilling holes into the roof without sealing them properly, improper orientation of the panels, which inhibits normal drainage, and a lack of roof assessment before the installation.
Even roof designs can determine the chances of leaking, especially on roof types with tiles or metals, where attention to detail and proper installation are crucial.
Technical issues during installation or ignoring visible damages already present on the roof are common reasons for problems.
A professional installer, like the team at Solar Medix, avoids such situations by ensuring your roof is thoroughly inspected and that the correct procedures for each roof type are employed for installation.
It is also necessary to be aware of the essential steps to follow if you feel your roof is damaged and plan to remove your solar panels to get them repaired. For more relevant information, read our blog “7 Signs Your Roof Is Unsuitable for Reinstalling Solar Panels”.
5 Ways to Prevent and Fix Roof Leaks by Solar Panel Installation
Roof leaks don’t have to be an inevitable side effect of solar installation. You can protect your home from leaks by taking preventative measures and performing ongoing maintenance.
Here are five ways to do so:
- Roof Inspection and Maintenance Before Installation
- Proper Installation Techniques to Avoid Roof Leaks
- Post-Installation Roof Inspections
- Preventing Roof Damage from Critters and Debris
- Long-Term Roof Maintenance with Solar Panels
1. Roof Inspection and Maintenance Before Installation
It’s worth checking the condition of a roof before commencing solar panel installation. This comprehensive evaluation helps identify potential problems after the panels are installed.
- Checking for Pre-existing Damage: Looking forward to cracks, broken tiles, and other signs of deterioration on the roof before undertaking solar installation is necessary.
- Reinforcing Vulnerable Areas: Weak areas, especially around vents, chimneys, or any other penetration, should be fortified to ensure they can support the extra weight and attachments that will come from the installation of solar panels.
- Fact: According to research conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), clearing the roof and making repairs before installing solar panels reduces the risks of leaks by 5%.
2. Proper Installation Techniques to Avoid Roof Leaks
Good installation practices can avoid most causes of roof leaks. A good installer will observe best practices in choosing materials and installation procedures to yield a permanent and leak-free assembly.
- Using Proper Flashing and Sealant Techniques: Flashing is one of the best coast materials for penetrating roof encumbrances. In this case, it should be used precisely to prevent leaks where the panels meet the roof.
- Certified Solar Installers and Warranty Protections: Engage the services of installers like those of Solar Medix, who are certified for roofing and solar installations simultaneously. We warranty our installations and repairs, so you no longer have to worry about your roof and solar system.
- Fact: When flashing and seals are correctly applied, the possibility of leaks occurring is almost negligible. A Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) report states that about 50% of the roof leaks reported after installation on structures with proper flashing are reduced.
3. Post-Installation Roof Inspections
Once the installation is finished, routine check-ups are performed to ascertain whether everything is intact and whether any leakage is noticed. This identifies issues that could lead to simple problems and significant repairs.
- Inspecting Solar Mounts for Early Signs of Leaks: Check the roof where the mounts interlink to ensure no holes or loose connective parts.
- The Role of Regular Maintenance After Installation: Professional annual maintenance guarantees your system’s waterproofing is effective and it is performing well.
4. Preventing Roof Damage from Critters and Debris
Pests such as birds or rodents can make nests on solar panels, harming the system and the roof. In the same context, debris can also build up around drainage, causing water to accumulate and consequently leading to leaks.
- How Critters Can Damage Solar Panels and Roofs: Birds and small animals can cause havoc by nesting under your panels, which could damage wiring or obstruct drainage systems.
- Using Critter Guards to Protect Your System: Installing critter guards effectively keeps potential invaders at bay, preventing destruction to the roof and system.
5. Long-Term Roof Maintenance with Solar Panels
Even with the best work done during solar system installation, periodic checks of the roof and solar system are necessary to avoid roof leaks and future damage.
- Seasonal Inspections for Longevity: Regular checks during different seasons, especially after heavy weather conditions, can identify damage early.
- Cleaning Debris and Dust to Prevent Water Accumulation: Keep your roof clear of leaves, dirt, and other debris that could trap moisture and lead to leaks.
Signs of a Roof Leak After Solar Installation
It is always better to prevent rather than wait for the worst. However, that doesn’t ignore the fact that some prevention may fail sometimes, and roof leakage starts. Early signs give you an easy way to manage situations before they become big.
- Visible Water Damage Inside the Home: If there are any stains on your walls or ceiling, there is a roof leak.
- Unusual Dripping or Mold Growth: Changes in humidity and moisture levels in the attic are often common occurrences; however, unusual dripping sounds or visible mold growth can indicate roof leakage.
Fix Roof Leaks by Solar Systems with Solar Medix
At Solar Medix, we take the time to resolve or prevent roof leaks from installing solar panels. Depending on the issue, our technicians can assess your roof, fix these problems, and guarantee your system works effectively without causing damage.
- Our company also conducts installations and guarantees its customers that there will be no leaks.
- We also provide such services without problems if a customer wants to remove the solar panels and then reinstall them.
- Our critter guards and debris cleaning services are such that they cannot cause water damage.
- Our warranty covers any damages to the roof caused by the installation of solar panels, including workmanship.
Fixing a leak involves removing the panels on affected parts of the roof, fixing the leaking roof, and placing them back. Solar Medix will help you with this part, ensuring you can seal your roof correctly and that your solar system will not be damaged.
Proper use of building flashings, application of quality waterproofing sealants, and regular maintenance are the most effective options for avoiding building roof damage and leakage. Inspect and repair the roof if needed before any solar installation.
There are situations when the installation of solar panels can jeopardize the roof warranty. This is, however, dependent on the installer and the warranty clauses. At Solar Medix, we take the worry away as we coordinate manufacturers to protect your warranties while offering a workmanship guarantee for extra security.
