Prepare Your Roof for PV Panels

It seems like everywhere you go, people are talking about solar energy, and for good reason.

More and more Hawaii homes and businesses are looking into solar installation to help fight rising energy costs. The number of homes and businesses installing solar panels has been on an enormous upswing during the past few years for both residential and commercial properties statewide, or might we say worldwide. And why not? With solar energy, homeowners receive great deals and tax credits and have their own mini power plant; these are definitely things to be excited about.

Before installing a solar panel array, it is important to assess the condition of the existing roof the panels are going to be mounted to. 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 wood shingle or shake roofs can present challenges to the solar contractor such as cracked tiles or loose shingles. By having your roof inspected and getting the necessary repairs done prior to solar installation, you can ensure that your roof is in proper condition for solar and less likely to cause you problems.

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 in solar. Removing solar equipment to make repairs to a damaged roof can be quite costly. Therefore, it is important to know your warranty; what does it cover and when does it expire? With this data, you will be able to make the right decision concerning your home and roof.

Here is some information regarding roofing options from coatings to metal that Surface Shield Roofing Company offers.

Coating system

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 water-tight 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. Coating your roof prior to solar installation creates a water-tight membrane that will not allow water to penetrate and cause leakage in the future.

Standing seam metal

For steeper roofing surfaces, Standing Seam Metal is the roof of choice when installing Solar. The seam allows the solar installer to fasten the panels to your roof using a special clip and therefore little to no penetrations into your new roof. The price range is $8 to $10 per foot.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles also are a great option. They are 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.

Whichever option you choose, the staff at Surface Shield will help you from start to finish and ensure your roof is in perfect condition for solar installation.

SURFACE SHIELD
contact // 396-9599
email // surfaceshield@hawaii.rr.com
web // www.surfaceshieldroofing.com