Roof Inspection Before Solar Panel Installation

Are you planning to get a solar panel installation? If yes, then you need to have a roof inspection first.

Clients need to be vigilant about their roof’s condition. Why? Because most solar companies only focus on solar installation and don’t do an in-depth roof inspection.

Solar panels installation is a major undertaking. If you haven’t had a roof inspection and solar panels are installed in a bad shape roof, you could suffer a big problem later.

In most of the inspections we conducted, we found that the roof tiles are fragile, and the solar company has damaged the tile as they install the solar panels.

With the government rebates, several co-owners install solar panels for free. They forget that the contractors who install solar panels lack experience in the roof inspection. We noticed when we walked on the roofs that there were broken roof tiles that allow water entry into the roof space, damaged insulation, and awesome ceiling lining, which can also extend to having mould issues in the ceiling space.

Last week’s inspection revealed over 20 broken tiles that the homeowner didn’t know about any heavy inclement rain weather the roof leak. This is a huge problem and a major additional expense that could be avoided with a roof inspection ahead of time.

Since solar companies don’t have the expertise to conduct roof inspections, you need to hire a certified building inspector who can check your roof and advise you before installing solar panels. 

Considerations on Roof Inspection Before Solar Panel Installation

Roof Age

Solar panels are expected to last 20 years or more. On average, the roof lifespan ranges from 15 to 30 years. Hence, it doesn’t make sense to install  a solar panel system on a roof that’s more than 10 years old as the roof may end its useful life. 

If your roof doesn’t have proper insulation and ventilation, it can break down sooner.

Roof Tile Deterioration

Roof tile is meant to last a long time, however, the moisture barrier beneath it won’t last a lifetime. It’s not usually covered under warranty. Over time, the moisture barrier dries out which results in roof tear leading to leaks.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Deterioration

Sun rays can tear down on your roof as time passes by. Solar panels’ job is to capture the sun’s energy. But the thing is the sun dries out the asphalt composition of the shingle roofs, which make it brittle and flaky. If solar panels are installed during this state, the roof can crack easily which leads to leaks.

Besides, having an asphalt shingle roof is not a type we would recommend you to use continually as it contains toxic compounds that may be dangerous to occupants.

How Can Effective Building & Consultancy Can Help You with Your Roofing Project

Before solar panel installation, you should hire a professional building inspector who does roof inspection to ensure that your roof is in good shape. If your roof shows signs of age and needs repairs, a building inspector will advise you to repair those sections prior to adding solar panels.

At Effective Building & Consultancy, we can ease your roofing project by inspecting your roof first and confirming its good before the solar panels go up. 

Contact us on 02 9613 3353 so we can go over your roof inspection details before solar panel installation.

For more information about Sydney building inspection, visit our Help Centre.