Many homeowners think about installing solar panels so they can save money on their electricity bills—but how will they affect your roof? Will they cause damage, or could they actually help your roof last longer?
The short answer is: solar panels can protect your roof and extend its lifespan, but only if your roof is in good condition before the installation and the panels are correctly installed.
We’ve applied Roof Maxx treatments to extend the lifespan of asphalt shingle rooftops all over the US, so we know all about the impact different roofing projects can have—including solar panels. Read on as we show you how solar panels interact with your roof and how you can get the full benefits of this technology.
When professionally installed, solar panels shouldn’t damage your roof. The key is to make sure your roof is structurally sound before installation—and work with a qualified contractor who knows how to anchor panels securely without compromising your roof’s integrity.
Follow those principles and your home should be just fine. Here’s why solar panels won’t damage your roof (and might even help protect it):
Before you have solar panels installed, it’s critical to make sure your roof is in good shape. If the roof needs to be replaced or repaired in just a few years after your solar panels are installed, the panels will need to come off as well. This adds to the complexity of the repairs or roof replacement, and can drive up the costs.
If your roof has plenty of lifespan left, though, you’ll have nothing to worry about. That’s why it’s important to check the condition of your roof—and treat or upgrade it before you start. We’ll show you how to make your shingles last longer with Roof Maxx later on in this article.
Solar panels can act as a protective barrier for your roof, shielding it from the elements and reducing wear and tear. Here’s how:
One of the primary causes of roof aging is exposure to harmful UV rays. Over time, sunlight can dry out shingles, causing them to crack and lose their protective granules. Solar panels absorb sunlight that would otherwise hit your shingles, reducing UV damage and preserving their integrity.
Solar panels create a gap between the roof and the panels themselves, allowing air to flow through. This air circulation reduces the temperature of your roof by an average of 5 degrees. By keeping your shingles cooler, solar panels can help slow deterioration caused by heat exposure. And that’s not all—they also help hold heat in at night, which makes your building more energy efficient 24/7.
Solar panels shield your roof from direct contact with harsh weather conditions like snow, ice, hail, and debris. By taking the brunt of these elements, the panels prevent damage to your shingles and extend your roof’s lifespan.
Before installing solar panels, it’s crucial to ensure your roof is ready to support them. Here are some key steps to take:
Like we said above, it’s vital to have a professional roofer inspect your shingles, flashing, and overall structure before you have solar panels installed. This inspection will identify any vulnerabilities that need addressing before panels are installed.
If your roof has asphalt shingles, consider a Roof Maxx treatment to rejuvenate and strengthen them. Roof Maxx uses a plant-based formula to restore flexibility by replacing the natural oils your shingles lose over time. This prevents granule loss and makes them more resistant to the elements, which helps them last longer once your solar panels have been installed.
Solar panels, when installed correctly, can extend your roof’s life by protecting it from UV rays, heat, and weather damage. Proper preparation—including roof inspections and Roof Maxx treatments—can restore your roof’s condition before your panels are installed and ensure that it will last after the installation.
When you take steps to proactively maintain your roof, you can maximize its lifespan and set yourself up to enjoy the long-term benefits of solar energy. Give your roof the care it needs before going solar—find a Roof Maxx dealer near you today to schedule a treatment.
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
Roof Maxx Technologies LLC
