What you need to know before installing solar panels

As more and more Hawaii homes and businesses are looking into solar installation to help fight rising energy costs, the number of homes and businesses switching to solar panels is on the rise for both residential and commercial properties statewide.

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Before installing a solar panel array, it is important to assess the condition of the existing roof. By ensuring the integrity of the existing roofing system, you will avoid future problems such as leakage, repair or the need to remove panels to re-roof. Certain types of roofs, such as tile and shingle, can present challenges to the solar contractor that include cracked tiles or loose shingles. By having your roof inspected and getting the necessary repairs prior to solar installation, you ensure that your roof is in proper condition for installation and is less likely to cause you problems in the future.

Your existing roof’s warranty is another important factor to consider. Knowing the warranty of an existing roof is vital when deciding to go solar. If the warranty will expire soon or a homeowner has experienced persistent leakage, it is a good idea to install a new roof before making the investment for solar. Removing solar equipment to make repairs to a damaged roof can be quite costly. Therefore, it is important to know how much longer you have until your warranty expires, so you can make the best decision.

An inexpensive way to enhance the integrity of the substrate (roofing surface) on your flat or low pitch roof is through the installation of a coating system. This watertight system ranges in price from roughly $3 to $5 per foot and holds material warranties ranging from five years to the lifetime of the structure. It is advantageous to coat your roof prior to solar installation because this creates a watertight membrane that will not allow water to penetrate and cause leakage in the future.

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For steeper roofing surfaces, asphalt shingles are a great option. They are also cost-effective and have many great warranty options from 20 years to the lifetime of the structure. Pricing for this roofing system ranges from $3.50 to $5.50 per foot.

Here at Surface Shield Roofing we work on a daily basis with many local solar companies to ensure that the integrity of the roof isn’t compromised and remains sound before and after solar installation. We will assist you with an assessment of the existing roof, and help you determine the most cost-effective and efficient way to go solar without needless costs long-term. Whether it be a watertight coating system for flat and low-pitch roofs, a new metal roof or a new asphalt shingle roof, we will help you from start to finish and ensure your roof is in the perfect condition for solar installation.

Call us today and make an appointment. Let us help you reduce your energy costs!

CONTACT: 396-9599 • surfaceshield@hawaii.rr.com
WEBSITE: www.surfaceshieldroofing.com

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