Are you thinking of installing solar panels or have them installed already?
Switching to solar power is an excellent investment. Having solar panels installed will reduce your electricity bill, add value to your home and reduce your consumption of non-renewable energy.
But before you take the next step, there is main thing that you should be considered – your roof.
The solar panels will be installed on your roof. Is it up to the job? You may need to look at a tile roof restoration or repairs if you already have solar panels or you are thinking of installing them.
I have solar panels already, and my roof needs attention
If your tile roof needs repairs or restoration and you have solar panels already installed it can still be achieved. The repairs or restoration to the roof will most likely cost more and take longer to complete. In most cases, the solar system will need to be turned off and then the panels removed from the roof, then your roof restoration can commence. In some cases, for smaller repairs, it may be possible to complete the work with the panels in place. The system will still need to be switched off and the panels wrapped to protect them from any overspray or debris. Any tile roof restoration involving solar panels is not a DIY job and should be left to professionals.
I am considering installing panels, but my roof needs some work
Before solar panel installation, it is important to check if your tile roof needs repair. Solar panels are built to last, often for several decades. You don’t want your roof needing urgent work just after solar panels have been installed. The installation of solar panels can cause damage to older roofs. This is because the tiles are more brittle and may not cope as well with the panel installation process. It is recommended to get any issues rectified before installing solar panels. Another important reason to fix the roof first – not all solar panel companies will honour warranties if you need a roof restoration or painting completed after the panels have been installed.
There are three main factors to consider before installing solar panels.
- The age of your roof – solar panels can last 25+ years so you will need to do some roof maintenance during that lifetime. Get your roof in the best condition possible before installing the panels and then you should hopefully not need to worry about things for at least 10 years.
- The condition of your roof is just as important as the age – check for damage or weak points in the roof. If there are any areas of concern it is best to get expert advice on repair or restoration before going ahead with solar panel installation. Any problem areas are going to deteriorate over time and it will be easier and cheaper to fix problems before solar panels get fitted.
- The cost difference of a roof restoration with or without solar panels installed – a roof restoration with solar panels installed will be more costly, as the panels need to be removed for the roof to be restored. If your tile roof is going to need attention in the near future it would be better to get it fixed before the solar panels get installed. The installation will be easier with the roof in better condition and you won’t need to pay extra for panels to be removed. You will save money on roof maintenance over the next decade if you restore your roof before installing solar panels.
Conclusion – If possible restore the tile roof before the Solar Panels are installed
It is quite likely that your solar panels will outlast your roof. By restoring your roof before the solar panels are installed then you shouldn’t have to take them down for quite a while.
If solar panels are already installed and your roof needs repairing it still can be accomplished. It will likely cost more and take longer. The solar system needs to be turned off and then the panels removed from the roof before your roof restoration or repair can start. Any roof restoration involving solar panels is not a DIY job.
If you would like to discuss a tile roof restoration and solar panels (and you live in Brisbane north to the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane South to Logan and Brisbane Bayside or Redlands) contact us at Bayside Roofing. We specialise in tile roof restorations & repairs and tile roof & gutter painting . We also have a tile roof maintenance service so we can check your roof on a regular basis. For single story metal roofs up to 2.4m we offer roof and gutter painting only
