You're spot on about the flashing and sealing—I've inspected plenty of roofs where solar installations were done hastily, and trust me, it's not pretty. I remember one house in particular: brand-new roof, looked great from the ground, but once I got up there, it was a mess. The installers had skipped proper flashing altogether and just globbed on sealant around the mounts. Within a year, water was seeping into the attic, causing mold and rot issues.
The thing is, sealants alone aren't enough—they degrade over time with weather exposure. Proper metal flashing is key because it channels water away from vulnerable spots. And honestly, even with good flashing, regular check-ups are smart. I've seen cases where squirrels or birds messed with the mounts, loosening things up and creating leaks down the line.
Bottom line: solar panels won't ruin your roof if they're installed right...but cutting corners can definitely come back to bite you later.
- Good points, but honestly, even proper flashing isn't foolproof.
- I've inspected roofs where flashing was done right, but the weight and wind stress from panels still caused issues over time.
- Older roofs especially can struggle with added load—shingles crack, nails loosen...seen it happen more than once.
- Bottom line, sometimes it's smarter to replace an aging roof first rather than risk costly repairs later.
"Older roofs especially can struggle with added load—shingles crack, nails loosen...seen it happen more than once."
Fair point, but honestly, panels these days are lighter than they used to be. If the roof's structurally sound, a proper inspection beforehand can usually catch potential issues. Not always doom and gloom...
"If the roof's structurally sound, a proper inspection beforehand can usually catch potential issues."
True, but have you considered the installation itself? When I had panels installed a few years back, the roof was structurally fine, but some shingles still got damaged during the process. Installers walking around, drilling holes...it can take a toll. Might be worth asking the company how they'll handle minor damage or repairs—saved me a headache later on.
"Might be worth asking the company how they'll handle minor damage or repairs—saved me a headache later on."
Good point about installation damage. I've seen plenty of roofs that were structurally solid but ended up needing patchwork after panel installs. Honestly, it comes down to the installers' experience and care. A reputable company should have no problem explaining their process and how they handle accidental damage. Did your installers cover the repairs themselves, or did you have to push them on it?
