How To Protect Your Roof From Solar Panels

Can solar panels damage your roof?

If you are considering installing solar panels on your roof, then make sure you prepare the roof’s surface with a clean and treatment. Knowing how to protect your roof from solar panels in advance of an installation will help you prolong your roof’s lifespan.

Solar panels are still a popular renewable energy source. They are made of a mixture of silicon, glass, plastic and a combination of metals to create photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells absorb sunlight, which is then converted into electrical charges. Solar panels are affixed to the roof using special fittings and then wired to a battery. Typically, a standard 60-cell solar panel can weigh up to 18kg, so it’s important to check your roof beforehand.

A professional solar panel installation should not damage your roof when the correct fixing system, fittings and sealants are used. However, prior to installation, the company should always carry out a survey to check the roof’s structural integrity. If you have a clay roof, for example, then this is the opportunity to both replace any missing tiles and clean your roof. A well-maintained roof will save on costly repairs in the long term too.

Do you need to clean the roof before installing solar panels?

Although solar panels add an extra layer of protection to your roof, you will still have areas of your roof that will be exposed. By cleaning and treating the entire surface, you can rest assured that every area of your roof is protected. A dirty roof could also hinder the efficiency of your solar panels and it could even cause them to malfunction.

Once the solar panels have been installed, any dirt, debris or organic matter could be trapped beneath the photovoltaic cells. The last thing you will want is a dull looking roof to contrast with your shiny new solar panels. But a clean roof is not just about aesthetics, it’s about protection too. Exposed to the elements, a rooftop has to typically withstand the vagaries of our British weather. Heavy rain, wind and extreme UV rays can take their toll.

When it comes to moss, algae and lichen, this can grow on the tile surface and in between the tiles. If you leave micro roots unchecked, these will continue to grow and spread, expanding in frosty conditions and leading to cracked roof tiles. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your roof is cleaned, treated and repaired before a solar panel installation.

Never attempt to clean your own roof – this can be very dangerous. Instead, use a professional roof cleaning company. Our team have the necessary experience, insurance, and health and safety training to work at height.

We will inspect your roof to check for any repairs. We can restore and replace clay tiles, as well as recementing any damaged areas around ridge tiles and chimneys (pointing). Our process involves the application of a waterproof protective roof coating.

Clean your roof before installing solar panels

Solar panels are still a good investment for many people, but we would always recommend getting your roof cleaned beforehand. Once installed, your solar panels are likely to be in place for decades. So, this is a good opportunity to carry out any essential roof maintenance, such as roof cleaning, clay tile replacements and roof treatments.

When we clean your roof, we will check for damage and carry out repairs, as necessary. Before we begin, we will kill off any organic matter such as moss, lichen or algae using an anti-fungal wash. As a result, we don’t need to use high-pressure water jets to clean your roof. Instead, we work gently from one area to the next using specialist equipment such as CAT ladders and brushes. We won’t step on any roof tiles, keeping your roof safe and intact.

Afterwards, we will apply two layers of the RENOTEC roof coating. This roof treatment also has fungicidal properties and comes with a 10-year guarantee. Our team are careful and respectful, moving any garden furniture or plant pots safely out of the way before we begin.