There is a lot of debate surrounding whether or not solar panels cause roof leaks. Some people say that installing solar panels can void your roof’s warranty, while others claim that they do not cause any problems. So, what do you need to know about this topic? In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of having solar panels installed on your roof, and we will also explore whether or not these panels can lead to leaks.
Do solar panels cause roof leaks?
To install solar panel mounting brackets, holes must be drilled and tiles must be manipulated, which may result in roof leaks. These are potential entry points for water entering the roof if the holes are not adequately sealed and the tiles are not ground down.
How to avoid roof leaks with solar panel installation
Solar panels may cause leaks if they are installed on your roof. The problem is that in order to get the mounting brackets on your roof, holes must be drilled or tiles moved and manipulated.This implies that if you don’t take appropriate care when mounting the brackets, your metal roof or tile roof might rust and have gaps because of improper sealing.
The installation process of a solar panel system is always pushed to the background in favor of panel type and inverter make and model. This mistake can lead to future problems, including water infiltration and voiding of warranties.
You should give the quality of the installation process equal weight to the panels and inverter that are being utilized. When getting quotes and talking to solar companies about the panels and inverters, they’re offering to install, ask them about their installation procedures.
Ask them how they’ll run the cable in your roof, how much surface-mounted conduit they’ll use when installing the inverter, and if you have a tile roof, how many tiles are typically broken during one of their installs.
Also, ask them if they’ll inspect your roof before they start the installation process and if they’ll provide a roof warranty after the installation is complete.A quality solar company will do all of these things to avoid any potential problems with your roof, and they will also be able to provide you with a warranty that will protect you from any future leaks.
Solar panels do not have to cause roof leaks, but if they are not installed properly, they can lead to problems down the road. The roof work is the foundation of the installation, and it is the portion of the job that requires the most time to complete correctly.
Avoiding Tile Roof Leaks
When installing solar power systems on a tiled roof, most installers fear one element of the process: “the grinding of the tiles.”
Grinding the undersides of your roof tiles is critical for keeping the inside of your roof dry and ensuring that the mounting brackets installed between tiles do not create gaps that allow water to enter your roof area. After the mounting bracket is fitted, the roof tile lies flush with the tile below it when the tiles are ground correctly.
Your tiles will sit nearly an inch higher off the roof if “the grinding of the tiles” is not done as part of the installation. When it rains, water is pulled into the ceiling space and can be pushed up and into your roof if your tiles are dislodged from the top.
Tiles shall rest flat after installing tile mounting brackets to ensure the tiles retain their original ingress protection. It may be necessary to grind the tile’s underside to sit correctly.
Not all installers will take the time to grind the tiles because it can add up to 4 hours of labor to a typical solar panel installation.
The grinding of the tiles has a lot of physical labor involved.
The first step is to remove all tiles that require grinding, which can be a difficult task with every second row of tiles fastened to the battens.
The second step entails sanding away the bottom notch of the tile where the solar mounting bracket must protrude with a hand-held grinder.
The final step is to return the tile to its original position, being careful not to crack any of the tiles.
Avoiding Tin Roof Leaks
To avoid leaks while putting solar panels on a tin roof, follow these steps:
- Use a long-lasting, high-quality sealer to seal any holes formed in the tin thoroughly
- Rubber grommets and buffers prevent metal-to-metal corrosion between the top and the mounting brackets.
Point 1’s rationale is self-evident. Even the tiniest openings will allow water to pass through. Any professional will be aware of this and will use the appropriate sealant.
Point 2 is crucial because the roof will corrode, rust, and deteriorate over time if two different types of metal come into touch.
Water will eventually drip through these weak points in the roof. To avoid this, each piece of equipment that must contact the top must be protected by a piece of rubber that functions as a barrier between the various metals.
Do solar panels cause roof leaks? – In Conclusion
To the untrained eye, all solar power systems appear to be the same, and the most crucial aspects of the installation are hidden.
But the truth is, that not all solar companies are created equal, and the quality of your installation will have a direct impact on the longevity and performance of your system.
So, when you have the chance to chat with a possible solar installer, inquire about their installation techniques and the goods they intend to employ.
When it comes to your roof, the old adage “you get what you pay for” has never been more true!
After having solar panels put in, the last thing anyone wants is a leaking roof, and as the adage goes, prevention is better than cure.
