Do Solar Panels Ruin Your Roof?

Many homeowners want to switch to solar energy, but find themselves asking “Do Solar Panels Ruin Your Roof?” Solar panel installation has been on the increase in recent years. Sales have been at an all-time high as more and more homeowners seek ways to cut their utility costs and also go green. About 2 million homes in the United States have solar panels installed in some capacity. Chances are if you don’t have solar panels installed then you know someone who does. The rapid growth in the solar industry has completely reshaped the energy consumption conversation in recent years. With the industry set to reach 3 million installations by 2021, it is a safe bet that solar panels will be coming to a roof near you…maybe even yours. 

With the increase in popularity of solar panels comes the inevitable question from homeowners” “Can solar panels ruin your roof?” These questions are usually in regards to nail hole damage, how that relates to water leaks, and ultimately, if it will void the warranty of a roof.

In this article, we will seek to answer these questions while also looking at the traditional method of solar panel installation vs Solar Stack’s non-invasive methods.

Are Solar Panels Bad for Your Roof?

Solar panels are not inherently bad for your roof. The potential for solar panels to damage your roof stems from the method of installation. Traditional solar panel installation involves the bolting of panels to your roof with nails, bolts, and straps. These nails and bolts are typically driven directly through the roofing and into the attic or ceiling. Unsurprisingly, holes in the roof can lead to leaks forming over time. With the presence of unexpected moisture, the possibility of water damage and mold growth becomes very real. On that note, damage to shingles and roof tiles from drilling or hammering during solar panel installation is almost guaranteed. 

To avoid damaging your roof and potentially voiding your warranty, it is recommended that you utilize a non-destructive method of installation such as Solar Stack. Solar Stack’s unique and innovative pedestal system mounts solar panels to roofs using a Miami-Dade County building code-approved adhesive.

Solar Stack eliminates potentially disastrous roof penetrations and allows roof warranties—and the roof itself—to remain intact. Solar Stack significantly simplifies the installation process, since there’s no need for anchor points, roof penetrations, or locating structural connection points. Solar Stack’s streamlined design also cuts labor and installation time in half, avoiding costly, damaging complications associated with accessing attic spaces and modifying structural connection points. 

Solar Panels & Roof Protection

Other than the obvious purpose of harnessing the sun’s energy to create renewable electricity, solar panels also serve to protect your roof. Solar panels form a protective barrier between your roof and the outside elements. Having solar panels on your roof can help protect It from mother nature’s wrath. Outdoor elements such as wind, rain, snow, and the occasional falling tree are prevented from directly hitting your roof and causing damage.

Solar panels also absorb direct sunlight that would otherwise fall directly on your roof. The gap between the panels and your roof forms an air pocket that also has a cooling effect on your roof. One study shows that installing solar panels can decrease a home’s internal temperature by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Solar Stack eliminates the need for crawling into hot—or cold—attic spaces to install solar panels. And because there’s no drilling, you have total peace of mind that roof leaks won’t result from solar panel installation. Solar Stack has undergone rigorous testing by accredited facilities and earned the most stringent certifications from the state of Florida for use in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones, ensuring its durability.

Given this information, solar panels installed with Solar Stack can actually protect your roof from a number of potential damages that result from the elements. Additionally, if your home is located in an area known for harsh weather conditions, you can rest assured that your solar panels will weather any storm thrown their way.  

Does Installing Solar Panels Void Roof Warranty?

Apart from your foundation, your roof is one of the most essential parts of your house and one of the most expensive to maintain, repair, and/or replace. For this reason, many homeowners invest in a roof warranty to make sure the literal “roof over their head” is covered. For this reason, most homeowners are concerned about installing solar panels on their roofs and having dozens of holes drilled into their roofs. The thought of holes in the roof from solar panel installation is a scary one to most homeowners. This is especially true when it comes to the question of “will solar panel installation void my roof warranty?” 

What are roof warranties? Your roof’s warranty will normally be divided into two parts. Part one is the installer’s warranty, which covers the workmanship of the installation. The installer’s warranty varies but the industry average is 10 years. Part two is the materials warranty that is provided by the roofing product manufacturer. Material warranty can vary drastically based on the type of material and can range between 25 to 50 years.

Roofing failures that are due to improper installation are covered by the installer’s warranty. Defects in the roofing product are covered by the manufacturer, but only as long as the product was installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Most roofers will agree that you should not install solar panels on a roof that has 10 or fewer years of life left in it. The best time to install solar panels is when you get a new roof. But will installing solar panels, which often requires bolting right through the roofing material into the deck underneath, void your new roof warranty? The answer largely depends on the mounting method you utilize. Traditional roofers mechanically attach panels to slanted roofs with either bolts, nails, and screws that penetrate your structure or ballasted racks that use weights to keep the panels in place on flat roofs. Both of these methods can cause damage to your roof over time and lead to costly fixes and possible warranty issues. 

Solar Stack has developed a revolutionary “Don’t Rack, Stack It” system that allows you to install solar panels on your roof without damaging your roof whatsoever. Our revolutionary installation method uses a spray-on, code-approved adhesive that bonds the rack to your roof without damaging it. Solar Stack’s Racks require no drilling or bolting and provide a safe method to install solar panels while keeping your warranty intact and eliminating any possibility of leaks.  Continue reading to learn exactly how solar panels can ruin your roof. 

How Can Solar Panels Ruin Your Roof?

If improperly installed, solar panels can cause some damage to your roof. But, when done properly, solar panels can protect your roof and increase the value of your home. With more people looking to go green nowadays, adding a solar system to your home can add an estimated $9,274 in valuation to your home according to a recent CNBC report. 

The takeaway from this article should be that installing a solar system on your roof, if done correctly, will not only help keep your energy costs down but also provide protection for your roof and increase your home’s value.

Installing your solar system with Solar Stack’s “Don’t Rack It, Stack It” system won’t damage your roof or void your roof’s warranty. In fact, Solar Stack’s mounting method can make your roof last longer by shielding it from temperature extremes and sun damage.

Want to Install Solar Panels Without Damaging Your Roof? Contact the Professionals Over at Solar Stack Today!

Now that you know how proper installation of solar panels is done, ensure that your new solar panels are stationary with Solar Stack’s solar panel mounting system! Solar Stack is a patented and one-of-a-kind product in the solar industry. We ensure that your solar panel installation will fit with no issues or damage whatsoever. But most importantly we ensure that no damage is done to the roof – and that means no penetrations whatsoever. We feel more than confident that when you choose us you will be satisfied with the results. For any inquiries, you may call us at 877-SLR-Stack or visit our contact page.