Can I Add Solar Panels to My Roof ?

Depending on what type of home you have, your bills may have you looking for another (read: cheaper) energy source. That’s where solar panels come in! Solar panels can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year, which is why more and more homeowners are looking into them as a power source. But what about your roof? Will they damage it? The answer is: it depends. Here’s what you should keep in mind if you’re thinking of getting solar panels.

The Load Capacity

Before installing them, all good solar companies will make sure that your roof can handle the extra weight of the panels and pieces used to secure them. Luckily, most systems today are built with very lightweight materials, so they don’t add that much weight to your roof anyway.

The Installation Method

This usually has the biggest affect on your roof. Solar panels that are properly installed won’t cause any damage to your roof, but ones that are not installed the right way can harm it. Ballasted systems are usually the better option for protecting your roof, since they don’t have as many penetration points. However, it’s important to check your local building codes to see what requirements they have.

The Age of Your Roof

No reputable solar company will put panels on your roof if it is anywhere close to needing a replacement. Usually, they would prefer your roof be less than five years old. If you are dead-set on getting solar panels for your home, you should replace, or at least repair, your roof first. If you don’t, you might end up paying more money to have the panels removed and reinstalled when you eventually need a new roof.

If your roof needs some touching up before you get solar panels, contact All Aluminum Gutters. We provide roof installation , roof repairs, leak repairs, and more, so your home or business stays safe from the outdoors and is ready to handle solar panels. For help with your roof on Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens , in New York City, or Westchester, call us at 631-816-2498