Been thinking about getting solar panels installed, but I'm kinda worried about how they'll fit with my current roof. It's not exactly brand new—got some wear and tear, you know? Don't wanna end up causing leaks or damage down the line. Anyone had experience installing solar on an older roof? Should I get the roof checked out first or just go ahead and trust the solar company to handle it?
Definitely get your roof checked out first—trust me on this one. Solar companies are usually pretty good, but their main focus is installing panels, not necessarily assessing older roofs thoroughly. I had a similar situation a couple years back; my roof wasn't ancient, but it had seen better days. Decided to skip the inspection (rookie mistake), and ended up with leaks after the first heavy rainstorm. Not fun.
If your roof's already showing wear and tear, it's worth having a roofer come out and give it a once-over before you commit to solar. Might cost you a bit upfront, but it'll save you headaches—and cash—in the long run. Plus, if repairs are needed, it's way easier (and cheaper) to handle them before the panels go up rather than after they're installed. Just my two cents...
Yeah, totally agree with getting a proper roof inspection first. Did the solar company mention anything about warranty issues if your roof isn't in good shape? Sometimes installing panels on an older roof can actually void certain warranties or make repairs way more complicated later on. Seen it happen a couple times already...definitely something you'd wanna double-check before diving in.
I was installing solar panels on the old roof, and I was advised to first invite an ordinary roofer for a look. If the roof is more than 10-15 years old or there are visible damages, it is better to first make a repair or replacement, otherwise the panels can only aggravate the situation, and then repairing will be more expensive. Do not rely only on the solar company - they usually do not repair roofs.
Definitely agree with getting a roofer to check first. When I did mine, the roofer found some weak spots I hadn't noticed. Fixed those up beforehand, and it's been smooth sailing ever since. Worth the peace of mind for sure.