Solar Power World

  • Home
  • Top Solar Contractors
  • Articles
    • Most Recent Posts
    • News
      • Latest News Items
      • Solar tariffs
    • Featured
      • Latest Feature Stories
      • Contractor’s Corner
      • Trends in Solar
      • The Solar Explorer
  • Policy
    • Monthly Snapshots
  • Markets
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Community Solar
    • Utility
  • Products
    • 2021 Top Products
    • Batteries and Storage
    • Inverters
      • Global Manufacturing Locations
    • Racking and Mounting
    • Software
    • Solar Panels
      • U.S. solar panel manufacturers
      • Global Manufacturing Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Resources
    • About SPW
    • Digital Issues
    • Event Coverage
    • Podcasts
    • Product Manufacturing Locations
      • Global Inverter Manufacturing Locations
      • Global Solar Panel Manufacturing Locations
      • U.S. solar panel manufacturers
    • Solar Classrooms
    • Suppliers
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • Whitepapers
  • Leadership
    • Vote for the 2022 Leaders!
    • 2021 Winners
    • 2020 Winners
    • 2019 Winners
    • 2018 Winners

Install tip: Evaluate a roof’s structural support before designing solar

By SPW | March 5, 2018

Share

This installation tip was provided by Chris Fisher, product manager for CertainTeed Solar

When considering if a roof is suitable for solar, many people start with solar design considerations like roof orientation and shading. But a complete inspection of the roofing system and its structural support is especially important. While solar technicians are careful about installation practices, like flashing and sealing roof penetrations, roofing contractors can best recognize roof deficiencies. After a solar install, it’s difficult to access the roof and make repairs.

One should first find out the roof age, expected lifetime and warranty terms. There might be a product warranty and a manufacturer or contractor’s workmanship warranty. Installing solar typically doesn’t void the product warranty except where roofing was altered, like where a hole is poked through. Usually, the workmanship warranty is only affected if the original workmanship is disturbed, such as by breaking shingle sealant to slide flashing underneath. Ideally, the solar installer knows about roof age and warranties up front.

Many factors affect roof condition: age, location, system design, materials, workmanship, maintenance, roof deck and underlayments.

Each roofing system component helps maintain the roof’s integrity. One sign of asphalt shingle roof deterioration is when the surface granules wear off, leaving the substrate exposed. Other signs are curling or missing shingles. For tile roofs, leaks, tile cracks and degraded underlayment should be promptly addressed.

If decking material fails, the fasteners holding the roofing material can come loose and cause damage from below. These trouble signs cannot always be detected from the rooftop, so the roof should be inspected from the attic and issues like sagging rafters or dry rot should be addressed immediately.

If neighbors are replacing roofs, it’d be wise to get an inspection because nearby roofs may be due for replacement if they’re the same age. If in need of a new roof, one might consider purchasing roofing and solar from one manufacturer with a warranty covering both products and the entire installation.

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

Related Articles Read More >

Contractor’s Corner: Solar apprenticeships are key to meeting renewable energy goals
IREC is working to build solar apprenticeships in the U.S.
Will energy storage live up to the hype? 
Part 1: Factors shaping the energy storage industry
Solar Spotlight: Waterproofing solar projects on tile rooftops
Should you install bifacial solar panels on tracking systems?

SPW Digital Editions

Solar Power World Digital EditionBrowse the current issue and archived issues of Solar Power World in an easy-to-use, high-quality format. Bookmark, share and interact with the leading solar construction magazine today.

Contractor's Corner Podcast

May 23, 2022
Contractor’s Corner: Solar apprenticeships are key to meeting renewable energy goals
See More >

Solar Policy Snapshot

Solar policy differs across state lines and regions. Click to see our monthly roundup of recent legislation and research throughout the country.

Read More >

Solar Power World
  • Top Solar Contractors
  • Solar Articles
  • Windpower Engineering & Development
  • Battery Power Tips
  • Top Products
  • Leadership
  • About/Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Advertising
  • WTWH Media

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Site Map | Privacy Policy | RSS

Search Solar Power World

  • Home
  • Top Solar Contractors
  • Articles
    • Most Recent Posts
    • News
      • Latest News Items
      • Solar tariffs
    • Featured
      • Latest Feature Stories
      • Contractor’s Corner
      • Trends in Solar
      • The Solar Explorer
  • Policy
    • Monthly Snapshots
  • Markets
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Community Solar
    • Utility
  • Products
    • 2021 Top Products
    • Batteries and Storage
    • Inverters
      • Global Manufacturing Locations
    • Racking and Mounting
    • Software
    • Solar Panels
      • U.S. solar panel manufacturers
      • Global Manufacturing Locations
  • Subscribe
  • Resources
    • About SPW
    • Digital Issues
    • Event Coverage
    • Podcasts
    • Product Manufacturing Locations
      • Global Inverter Manufacturing Locations
      • Global Solar Panel Manufacturing Locations
      • U.S. solar panel manufacturers
    • Solar Classrooms
    • Suppliers
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • Whitepapers
  • Leadership
    • Vote for the 2022 Leaders!
    • 2021 Winners
    • 2020 Winners
    • 2019 Winners
    • 2018 Winners