Solar panels can reduce energy bills and help protect the roof when installed correctly. Professional installation is critical to prevent leaks, since flashing and lag bolts must be placed precisely. Panels can also extend the life of a roof by blocking UV exposure and reducing heat and weather damage from snow, hail, and debris. For asphalt shingles, it’s smart to schedule a restoration treatment before installation, as it can add several years to a roof’s lifespan and lower maintenance needs.
| Time to Read | 6–8 minutes |
| What You’ll Learn |
|
| Next Steps |
|
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 about the impact they can have firsthand. Find out what you need to know before you install them, how they’ll interact with your roof, and how you can get the most benefit from them below.
Before you have solar panels installed, it’s critical to make sure your roof and the materials on it are 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, and that can be costly and complicated.
But there’s another even more important reason to check the condition of your asphalt shingle roof before you get started: shingles can dry out and become brittle or hard as they age. Try to force lag bolts through them to install solar mounts and they just might shatter, comprising your roof!
Roof Maxx’s plant-based roof restoration solution turns this around by softening the shingle’s asphalt core and making it flexible again. We’ll tell you why it’s such an excellent pre-treatment later on in the post.
ProTip: Not sure how old your roof is because you aren’t the original owner? Try these strategies for tracking down the info you need.
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 do help to slow deterioration caused by heat exposure. They also hold heat in at night, which improves indoor energy efficiency.
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. We’ll share a few different best practices in the next few sections.
Always have a professional inspect your shingles, flashing, and overall structure before you have solar panels installed. While it’s okay to inspect yourself from the ground after storms, this is one case that calls for a more thorough assessment. They’ll identify any vulnerabilities that need addressing beforehand.
If your roof has asphalt shingles, consider a Roof Maxx treatment to rejuvenate and strengthen them. Roof Maxx contains a plant-based formula that restores flexibility by replacing the petrochemical oils your shingles lose naturally as they age.
A single treatment can also:
Best of all, Roof Maxx costs up to 80% less than a new roof. That means you have more money to spend on solar panels and waste less on new materials over the life of your home.
Solar panels, when installed correctly, can extend your roof’s life by protecting it from UV rays, heat, and weather damage. Regular inspections and Roof Maxx treatments can help set your asphalt shingle roof up for success so they have a stable foundation to rest on.
If you’re considering solar panels for your asphalt shingle roof, we strongly recommend treating your shingles with Roof Maxx first. Get a free roof quote right now!
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
