I've seen installations where the mounting brackets weren't sealed properly—water intrusion waiting to happen. Proper flashing and sealant application are critical; installers cutting corners is ...
Yeah, sealing is key, but honestly, even with perfect flashing and sealant, older roofs can be tricky. If your shingles are already brittle or near the end of their lifespan, solar panels might just speed things along... Better to assess roof condition first, then install.
"Better to assess roof condition first, then install."
Exactly this. I've had a few clients insist on installing solar panels over roofs that were already past their prime—against my advice. Sure enough, within a couple years, we were back up there removing the panels for a full reroof. It's not just about sealing brackets; it's about the structural integrity and lifespan of your roofing materials. Always better to replace or repair first, then go solar. Saves headaches and money in the long run...
That's a great point—seen it happen myself.
"within a couple years, we were back up there removing the panels for a full reroof."
Always seems like people underestimate how much hassle (and extra cost) panel removal and reinstall can be. Curious though, has anyone here had experience with partial roof repairs or spot fixes under solar panels? Wonder if that's ever a viable option or just delaying the inevitable...
I've seen a few cases where homeowners tried spot repairs under panels, and honestly, it's usually just kicking the can down the road. Had one client who patched a leak near the edge of their solar array—worked fine for about a year, then water found another way in. Ended up pulling panels anyway. If your roof's already older, partial fixes might buy you some time, but eventually you're probably looking at a full reroof. Better to bite the bullet early if you can swing it.
I get your point, but I wouldn't completely rule out spot repairs under solar panels. I've seen cases where targeted fixes actually held up pretty well—especially if the leak is isolated and the roof isn't totally shot yet. The key is doing a thorough inspection first: check flashing, seals, and shingles around the array carefully. If everything else looks solid, a careful patch can sometimes buy you several years. It's not always just delaying the inevitable...depends a lot on the roof's overall condition and how well the repair is done.
