Articles
May 6, 2026
You can’t extensively repair or replace an asphalt shingle roof with solar panels in place without taking them off first. Paying someone to uninstall, store, and reinstall them without damaging your roof in the process can be expensive, so it’s best to take care of any roof work or treatments before they go on. Roofing experts recommend scheduling an inspection first, then addressing the findings one-by-one. Cleaning the roof and treating the surface with Roof Maxx is also helpful.
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When asphalt shingles are new, they contain petrochemical oils that let them expand, contract, and bend without breaking. These oils begin to dry out from the day your new roof is put on, and by around year 10, most of the shingles on your roof will be noticeably less flexible or even brittle to the touch.
This is a big deal for homeowners who are planning to add solar panels, because drilling pilot holes for mounts into shingles that aren’t in the best condition can cause them to disintegrate or split. Even if you do get them on safely, as soon as you need any roof work, they’ll have to come off again.
In this guide, you’ll learn why this is so important, how Roof Maxx can help, and what you need to do to make sure your roof is ready for panels so they can stay in place long-term once they go on.
You can expect a well-maintained mid-range asphalt shingle roof to last around 25-30 years. Solar panels will typically last just as long, if not longer, and while they don’t really need as much maintenance over the years, your roof does need to be in good enough condition to support them.
The roof itself is a different story. Age-related wear and tear starts accumulating from day one, and the older your shingles get, the more likely you are to need repairs or restoration. This is such a well-known phenomenon that many solar installers will jump straight to recommending a total roof replacement first.
Their reasoning isn’t entirely without merit:
If your roof is already over 30 years old, replacement might be the best choice because that’s maximum lifespan for most asphalt shingles anyway. But for asphalt roofs that are still in generally good condition, Roof Maxx treatments can help you prepare for solar panels and extend the life of your shingles for less.
The step-by-step guide in the next few sections will teach you how to prepare for solar panels like a pro. Follow them closely, and you should get better performance and more life out of your new solar system and your asphalt shingles.
You can’t fix what you aren’t aware of! Getting your roof checked out by an expert is the best way to understand what you need to do before installation day arrives.
You have two main options:
Our dealers will typically provide a list of their findings along with pictures of any problems they spot. We’re also happy to talk through your options for fixing them if it turns out your roof needs more than a little basic TLC.
The next step is to take care of any repairs that came up during the inspection or assessment process. It’s never wise to put these off, because what starts as a small crack in your caulking today can turn into a serious leak that costs you thousands to fix later on.
The highest priorities include:
While it is technically possible for a homeowner to DIY some of these repairs, we always recommend calling a professional roofer instead. There’s just too much that can go wrong up there, and all of it is either expensive or difficult to correct.
Learn More: Why Roofing Tune-Ups Are Critical for Extending Shingle Life
Dirt, moss, algae, tree fall-out, leaves, and other debris can make your shingles age faster, trap moisture against your roof, and raise your risk for structural damage and leaks. It also makes the perfect breeding ground for squirrels and other pests that may chew the wiring on your new panels.
Solve all of these issues at once by:
Soft washing can be really effective for treating organic growths and removing stains, but keep in mind that most formulas use a combination of bleach and salts that will dry your shingles out faster. Roof Maxx can help you replenish those lost oils so you get the same benefits without causing damage.
Get more info on how to safely clean your roof here.
Roof Maxx treatments rejuvenate your shingles by replacing the petrochemical oils they lose over time with safe, all-natural bio oils. The best time to have your roof treated is somewhere between years 5 and 10, but it’s also an excellent option for homeowners who are getting ready to go solar.
It only takes one treatment to:
The dealer who works with you will schedule the treatment on a mild, dry day. The spraying process itself takes just a couple of hours, but Roof Maxx will continue to absorb into your shingles and soften them for up to 72 hours
Wait! Is Roof Maxx Safe for Solar Panels?
This is a great question, and we’re thrilled to say the answer is YES.
Most solar panel mounts are made from a combination of EPDM gaskets, waterproof polyolefin polymers, and thermoplastic vent boots that keep water out of penetration points. Airable Lab exposed shingles and parts like these to over 400 times the usual dose of Roof Maxx.
The shingles did become softer, but that’s expected. That’s the whole point of Roof Maxx: to restore flexibility to aging asphalt shingles.
Everything else they tested held up spectacularly well:
The takeaway? Roof Maxx makes your shingles stronger without interfering with your ability to install solar panel mounts and other related accessories. In fact, older shingles that are treated with Roof Maxx first are much less likely to crack or break when your installer drills into them.
If you already have panels on, we can still treat them. The spray will easily flow under and around each one and penetrate into your shingles in the same way, and it is never applied to the face of the panel itself. Your dealer will work carefully to ensure you get the most benefit, even if you don’t take them off.
This step isn’t always necessary, but your solar installer will definitely appreciate it. Spend some time making sure the area where they’ll be working is safe, accessible, and clear of anything that might cause accidents or slow them down.
The day before your appointment:
Pull your warranty paperwork, assessment findings, and Roof Maxx treatment record together into an envelope or folder in case your installer needs them.
You can have solar panels installed just a few days after your Roof Maxx service, so you won’t have to wait long to move the project forward. Ask your solar installer to give you written confirmation of their work at the end of the job, too, so you have it for the future.
Installing solar panels can be a fantastic way to save money on energy or even make it back by selling your excess back to the grid. But none of those savings will matter if your shingles end up on the ground or completely bare long before the natural lifespan of your solar panels is up.
Treating your asphalt shingle roof with Roof Maxx first is one of the best ways to keep them in good condition longer and get more value from your investment. Get your free, no-obligation quote today!
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.