More and more families in North Carolina, South Carolina, and the rest of the United States are choosing solar energy instead of more conventional methods. Even with this rise in popularity, though, many homeowners don’t realize all that needs to be done to prepare for solar panel installation. There are, however, several important things you should accomplish prior to having your new solar panels put on. As you read this guide, you will discover more about roof maintenance before the solar panel installation.
Have the structure of your roof checked out
If a roof is not structurally sound, it is likely to get damaged during the solar panel installation process. Although solar panels are much lighter than they once were, they still require roofs to support a great deal of additional weight. If a roof is rotting or has other structural issues, the panels could cause parts of it to crack or even cave-in. In many cities throughout the Carolinas; in fact, structural inspections are legally required before solar panels can be installed.
Consider the age and condition of your roof
Although municipalities generally don’t require roofs to be replaced before solar panels are installed, it is still a good idea to spend some time thinking about the condition of your current roof before you invest in brand new solar panels. If, for instance, your roof is over ten years old, it’s definitely a good idea to look into having it replaced before your installation date. This way, you can rest assured that everything is in excellent repair.
If you fail to take your roof’s present age into consideration, you run the risk of having to take your solar panels off, have your roof replaced, and have the solar panels re-installed in the relatively near future. This is a tedious and frustrating process that nobody wants to deal with! Save yourself the stress and look into a replacement first.
Look into alternative installation options
In some cases, solar panels simply can’t be installed on roofs for one reason or another. Sometimes, for example, it becomes apparent that a particular roof simply isn’t strong enough to support solar panel rigging. If you discover this is the case for you, it doesn’t mean you are completely out of luck. There are other installation options available.
If you have ample space on your property, for instance, you might be able to have a solar racking system set up. If this is something that interests you, your installation team will look at your yard to see if there is an appropriate location that receives enough sunlight. If your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association, you may need to make sure there are no regulations that govern where solar racking systems can be placed.
The team at Hatch Homes would be happy to meet with you if you are interested in having roof work done prior to purchasing solar panels. We can perform a wide range of roof repairs, including total replacements. Our team takes great pride in doing exceptional work, and we take great pride in treating all of our clients like part of our extended family.