Many homeowners are making the switch to solar energy to take control of their energy, electric bills, and to reduce their carbon footprint. Many wonder, can solar panels cause roof leaking? The good news is that when solar panels are properly installed, they are highly unlikely to cause roof leaks. However, there are a few factors that can potentially lead to issues. In this blog post, we’re sharing the most important factors in preventing roof leaks and how you can ensure you get your solar panels installed properly.
Can Solar Panels Cause Roof Leaking?
As modern solar panel technology and techniques have improved, roof leaking is not a common problem when they are installed properly on a compatible roof for solar panels. However, poor installation or a lack of maintenance can lead to issues, such as roof leaks.
That’s why the biggest (and most important factor) to consider when preparing to install a solar panel system is to hire a reputable solar installer with a proven track record of success, great customer reviews, and a solid warranty that they stand behind.
These professional solar experts will ensure your solar panels are installed properly using the highest quality materials, mounting systems, techniques, and scheduling regular maintenance to catch potential issues before they turn into costly, damaging problems.
There are a lot of solar scammers out there, so be sure to vet your installer before you sign any contracts with them.
Solar Panels and Roof Leaks: How Does It Happen?
Solar panels and roof leaks aren’t impossible and often occur in situations where the panels weren’t installed properly, the installers skimped on materials or steps, or the roof was simply not compatible with the solar panels.
Here are a few situations that may lead to roof leaks:
Poor Installation
Most commonly, roof leaks occur when the solar panels are installed poorly. This can happen if the installation job is rushed, the solar panels aren’t installed according to best practices, the mounting hardware is faulty, or the flashing and sealing around the panels and fasteners is inadequate.
Damaged Roofing Materials
During the installation process, roofing materials can be damaged if the solar installer doesn’t follow proper techniques. This can lead to broken tiles, cracked shingles, or dented metal sheeting during installation. If the roofing materials are damaged, there is a higher risk of roof leaks. A solar panel installer should also look for pre-existing roof damage before they begin the installation process. If these problems go undetected and the installer moves forward with the process of putting solar panels on the roof, it can lead to more roof damage and leaks.
Insufficient Sealing
When solar panel mounting hardware penetrates the roof, it must be sealed properly using flashing and sealing to prevent water from seeping through. If the flashing isn’t installed correctly or the bolt holes aren’t sealed completely, water can seep in, causing major issues.
Lack of Routine Inspections & Maintenance
Once solar panels are installed, it’s essential to schedule routine inspections and maintenance. This can keep your solar panels operating at maximum efficiency while also ensuring no problems arise. Leaks can develop over time due to minor damages that go unnoticed. Routine inspections and maintenance can prevent these issues from becoming major problems and protect your roof from leaks and further damage.
How Are Solar Panels Installed to Prevent Leaks?
If you’re ready to go solar, there are a few things you can do during the installation process to prevent roof leaks from occurring.
Choose a Reputable Solar Company
The best way to prevent roof leaks is by working with a licensed professional solar company that is known for their exceptional work and use of high-quality materials and techniques. There’s a lot of solar companies out there that make big claims, but don’t back them up with warranties. Make sure the company you choose has a workmanship warranty in place that they stand behind. This warranty should cover roof leaks caused by installation errors.
Quality Materials & Techniques
Make sure that the solar installation company you choose uses high-quality solar panels and materials, such as mounting hardware and flashing and sealing (to create a watertight seal). The installer should complete a thorough assessment of your roof beforehand and use proper installation and roof penetration techniques to protect your roof and prevent leaks. Drilling holes into the roof is part of the mounting process, but with the proper steps of installing flashing and sealants, water shouldn’t be able to come through.
Routine Inspections & Maintenance
Regular inspections and annual maintenance checks can keep your solar panels in tip-top shape, maximize your energy efficiency, and prevent big issues from occurring (such as roof leaks!). If you have a severe weather event, it’s also a good idea to schedule an inspection and maintenance check. Being proactive can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle!
Did you know… if installed properly, solar panels can actually help protect your roof from UV radiation, heat, and other elements, potentially extending its lifespan?!
Is a Solar Company Responsible for Roof Leaks?
So what happens if a roof leak does occur? Is your solar company responsible for it?
In most cases, the answer is… yes. A solar company is responsible for any roof leaks that are caused by improper installation – if that’s stated in their warranty.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a company that offers a solid workmanship warranty that covers potential damage to your roof.
When vetting solar companies to work with, ask these questions to learn more about their warranty and coverage:
- Does the company guarantee their work against roof leaks?
- What is the warranty coverage period?
- Will the company cover repair costs if a leak occurs?
At Blu Solar, we follow a strict installation process to prevent roof leaks and triple-check our work before leaving the job site. You can learn more about our process and what it’s like to work with Blu Solar here.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks with Solar Panels?
Most homeowners insurance policies do cover roof leaks caused by solar panels, as long as the installation was done correctly and the panels are an approved modification to your home.
Coverage may vary depending on your policy details, so be sure to check with your insurance provider before installing your solar panels.
A few great questions to ask are:
- Is solar panel installation covered under my policy?
- Does my policy cover roof leaks caused by solar panels?
- Are there any exclusions or additional riders required?
Ready to Partner with Blu Solar?
While solar panels do not typically cause roof leaks when installed correctly by experienced professionals – things happen and every situation and home is different.
By partnering with a reputable solar company such as Blu Solar, you can feel confident that your solar panels will be installed properly and protected by a solid warranty.
By taking the precautions shared in this blog post, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without worrying about roof leaks!
If you’re ready to take control of your energy and go solar, contact Blu Solar today to request your estimate.
We look forward to serving you and giving you the peace of mind you desire with our expert solar installation services!
