If you’re considering solar panels for your home, you may be wondering if they can cause any damage to your roof. This is a great question to consider. And naturally, there are both pros and cons to having solar on your roof. But an overwhelming opinion seems to be that the pros outweigh the cons. So, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of having solar panels on your roof.
They prolong the roof’s life.
First and foremost, rather than damage your roof’s life, solar panels tend to prolong your roof’s life. Why? It’s simple. Solar panels act as a protective covering for the shingles underneath. They, therefore, keep your roof cool and act as a shield from the sun’s heat and UV radiation. This protection is great for your roof’s longevity, especially in states where the sun can be particularly harsh.
In addition to prolonging your roof’s life, solar panels also decrease the amount of heat transferred into your home (again, acting as a sort-of blockade). Less heat transfer means less strain on your energy bill and less stress on your air conditioner unit. So, solar can benefit your pocketbook by both producing your own energy and keeping your air conditioning prices a little lower.
Well, don’t they cause leaks?
But what about leaks? Because installing solar panels typically requires that the installer drill holes into your roof, it’s only natural to wonder whether the holes will cause a leak in your roof. And while leaks have, in some cases, resulted from the installation, this isn’t a common problem.
Solar panel installation is a very precise process that takes into account things like your roof’s pitch and age. If you choose the right installation company, there is little-to-no chance of water leakage as a result of installing solar panels. Just do your research to ensure that you’re choosing a reputable company for the installation. If you do, you can rest assured knowing that your roof is in good hands.
But if you’re still worried about potential leaks in your roof, simply call up a trusted roofing company like Mighty Dog Roofing West Nashville, TN. These roofing companies have agents who are happy to walk you through any concerns you have about your roof.
What about the weight?
Finally, many potential solar purchasers question whether their roofs can sustain the weight of solar panels. However, panels are actually lighter than you might expect, averaging out to be around 40 pounds per panel. So, your roof should actually have no problem sustaining the weight.
If you live in an area that snows, you know that snow buildup can be extremely heavy–much heavier than solar panels. And how is your roof supposed to withstand the weight of both the panels and the snow? It’s simple. The panels can actually help your roof in case of a snow buildup. Why? The snow doesn’t stick to solar panels the way it sticks to shingles. So, in the case of a big snowstorm, your solar panels will likely help to prevent too much snow from gathering on your roof.
Conclusion
All in all, solar panels are not a threat to your roof. In fact, they can actually help prolong the life of your roof and protect it from harmful UV radiation that would otherwise go straight through to the shingles underneath. So if you’re considering solar for your home, don’t worry about potential damage to your roof–the benefits of having solar far outweigh any costs!
