Apart from being a way of protecting the planet, solars panels also help minimize one’s monthly energy and utility bills. These are some of the strongest reasons why the demand for these panels has steadily increased for the past years. Did you know that as per 2018 estimates, around 2 million solar installations were down in the United States? This figure is projected to double in three years.
However, roofing companies baltimore remind homeowners that their roofs should be structurally sound first before installing solar panels on them. In this article, we’re discussing how to prepare your roof if you’re planning to join the solar panel bandwagon.
Identifying Common Roof Damages
If a roof is not leaking, it most probably means it’s fine.
Believing this statement is one of the most common mistakes people do. In reality, there are other things you need to look out for — apart from leakage — if you want to ensure your roof is still well-functioning.
Before installing solar panels, one of the first steps you need to do is to check if your roof is sturdy enough to accommodate the panels’ added weight. According to roofing companies Baltimore, here are the most common roof damages you need to be aware of:
Broken or loose tiles. Damaged tiles are not only an eyesore, but they also make your roof generally weaker. Visually inspect your roof to search for broken o loose tiles (or shingles).
Worn-out materials.Roofs last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, given that they’re properly maintained. If your roof is already old, you have to watch out for worn-out components like having bare shingles and rust.
Punctures and cracks. A home’s roof goes through a lot — and if something falls on it, it can give trauma to the roof and eventually cause it to crack.
Structural damage. Was your area hit by an earthquake or a tornado? In very rare instances, such mishaps can cause the supports of your roof to shift. Structural damage can put your roof at risk of collapsing.
Factors You Need To Consider
While roof inspection can be done DIY-style, it’s still safer to get help from roofing companies Baltimore. Apart from making sure your roof is structurally capable of supporting solar panels — and subsequently repairing any issues or advising you to replace it with a new one — they can know if your existing or soon-to-installed new roof is compatible with the solar panels.
The following are the key factors.
The shape and size of your roof. The surface area of your roof should be at least 300 feet to be able to accommodate a 5-kilowatt solar panel installation.
The pitch or angle of your roof. The ideal angle for a solar panel is estimated to be 30 degrees. Therefore, your roof’s pitch (its vertical rise, divided by the horizontal run) should be about 7/12 inches.
The orientation of your roof. In the northern hemisphere, solar panels that face south are proven to be significantly more effective.
The amount of shade around your roof. If there’s too much shade, the solar panels you’d be getting might not be that effective in harnessing light and utilizing it to provide power to your home.
WF Schmidt Construction Company is one of the leading roofing companiesbaltimore. Let our team of professionals take care of your roofing, siding, and gutter needs. Contact us today for more info.