Recent and ongoing advancements in the development of photovoltaic energy have caused residential and commercial property owners to re-evaluate the potential to reduce energy costs, and to consider technology when designing, building or maintaining a new or existing roof. When installing PV on your home, it is important to consider how the installation may compromise the integrity of your roofing system.
Here are things to consider before installing PV:
1. What kind of roof do you have, and is it okay for people to walk on your roof?
Many roofs are easy to walk on and will not incur any damage during installation. However, it is important to speak with your PV installer if you have a tile roof. These roofs are more susceptible to damage when they experience heavy traffic. Tile roofs are sturdy substrates for PV installation, however more care must be taken when walking on them so as not to crack or break tiles.
2. How old is your roof, and what condition is it in?
A roof in poor condition or at the end of its warranty can lead to costly PV removal in the future when you need to re-roof. It’s advantageous for the homeowner to weigh the cost of investing in a new roofing system prior to PV install if the roof is at the end of its lifespan. It is wise to consult with a licensed roofing contractor to ensure your roof is in proper condition for PV installation.
3. What shape is your roof?
It’s easiest to install panels on a large square roof. A general rule of thumb is that for each kilowatt of your system size, you will need about 100 square feet of roof space. Keep in mind that things like dormers, turrets and skylights will affect the amount of available space.
4. How will the installer mount PV panels on your roof?
There are a variety of mounting systems for installing PV on your home. Consult with your PV installer to ensure that all penetrations will be properly sealed after installation. This will prevent future leaks and potential water damage to your home.
With the ability to install and service all manner of roofing and PV materials, Surface Shield is a one stop shop for customers, allowing them to confidentially invest and bundle both PV and roofing services. This saves Surface Shield’s customers considerable time with paperwork and scheduling because they only have to coordinate with one entity. As a fully licensed roofing contractor, Surface Shield Roofing has proven its ability as an industry leader utilizing its owner’s 20 years of industry experience.
The range of customers Surface Shield has serviced is a clear indication that no job is too big or too small for the growing company. Its commercial customers include Island institutions like Local Motion, City Mill, Love’s Bakery and Servco Toyota. Surface Shield serviced more than 200 residential customers in 2012, with jobs ranging from minor repairs and roof installation to solar repairs and PV system installation.
“We’ve been able to increase our customer base because of our ability to meet any roofing need,” said Gregory. “The fact that we are a locally owned and operated family business in a time when the demand for the services we provide is on the rise has also been an advantage for us. We’ve kept abreast of advances in PV technologies, and that makes us able to effectively evaluate our customers’ needs and develop cost-effective and reliable, long-lasting solutions,” said Gregory. Contact Surface Shield to schedule your free consultation at 739-9599.
SURFACE SHIELD ROOFING
contact // 739-9599
web // www.surfaceshieldroofing.com
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