Your Roof and Proper Solar Panel Installation

Some solar companies damage roofs by attaching the solar arrays with giant wood screws. According to Jon Aikele, owner of Roofmax, a Diamond Certified company, “You should never screw anything through the roof without proper flashing.” Wind and rain will cause these types of penetrations to pull loose and leak, and on top of that, “lag-screwing,” as it's called, will void your roof warranty. “Even if the company puts caulking on the screws," said Mr. Aikele, "these areas can leak in three to five years.”

Mr. Aikele also wants you to know that it simply doesn’t make sense to have solar panels—which will last between 30 and 50 years—installed on an old and deteriorating roof. Avoid the risk and the expense of having to remove and reinstall the solar system because your roof needs replacement. Make sure the roof is in good condition before making this significant home improvement.