As a Queensland homeowner, you might be wondering if it’s possible to restore your roof when you have solar panels installed. If your roof is looking a bit worse for wear or you’ve noticed you have some leaks or water damage inside your home, it may be time to engage professionals for a thorough roof restoration. If you have solar panels, though, this does leave more to be considered.
The Short Answer: Can a Roof Restoration Be Done with Solar Panels?
The short answer to this important question is yes, a roof restoration with solar panels can definitely be completed. However, as you’d imagine, there are some important factors to consider in these cases, and they do become somewhat more complex. Let’s dive into the details of how you can maintain your roof’s integrity without compromising your solar energy system.
What Actually is a Roof Restoration?
If you’re not familiar with the term, a roof restoration is a process that involves cleaning, repairing, and recoating your roof with high-quality paint to extend its lifespan, keep water and pests at bay, and improve the external appearance of your property.
In Queensland’s harsh climate, regular roof maintenance is crucial to protect your home from the elements. A roof restoration is a popular service we perform at Coverage By Design for houses of all ages and roofs of all styles. You can read our guide on tile roof restoration costs or contact us for a chat about your particular roofing needs.
Restoring a Roof with Solar Panels
When a professional roofer works to bring a home’s roof back up to scratch, they often have the whole surface area of the roof to work on and can easily see any potential issues that need repair, such as tiles that have dislodged or broken.
When you have solar panels installed, though, they occupy a significant portion of your roof space. This can make the restoration process more complex than a roof without solar panels. However, this doesn’t mean the job is impossible, and at Coverage By Design, we pride ourselves on being experts at restoring a roof with solar panels, whether you have just a couple of panels or lots of them.
5 Key Steps for a Roof Restoration with Solar Panels
When professionals restore a roof that has solar panels on it, they will typically take the following steps to get the job done right:
- Assessment
The roofer will inspect both your roof and solar panel setup to determine the best approach for the job.
- Quote
The roofing company will then provide you with a detailed quote for the roof restoration work. Keep in mind, though, that this figure may need to be adjusted if additional problems are found when the work begins. Some issues aren’t visible upon an initial inspection if the solar panels are in the way.
- Temporary or Partial Removal
One option for tile roof restoration is to have an electrician remove only the solar panels, leaving the rails and mounting hardware still attached to the roof. This allows us full access to inspect and replace any broken tiles under the panel area, ensuring the roof’s integrity before reinstallation.
Alternatively, the panels can remain on the roof, with our team masking them to prevent paint from getting on the panels while painting as far under them as possible.
- Roof Restoration
Once the panels are removed, the restoration process can proceed as normal. This includes cleaning, repairing any damage, and applying protective coats of quality (and usually UV-reflective) paint.
- Reinstallation
After the restoration is complete and the new roof surface has completely dried, the solar panels can be reinstalled. Again, this job must be done by an experienced and licensed professional.
Benefits of Proceeding with a Roof Restoration
While the process might seem daunting, there are significant benefits to restoring your roof, even with its solar panels. Here’s why:
- Extended Roof Life
A well-maintained roof can last significantly longer than a neglected one, protecting your home and your solar investment.
- Improved Energy Efficiency
A restored roof with proper insulation and UV reflective coatings can improve your home’s overall energy efficiency and lead to lower power bills in turn.
- Leak Prevention
Addressing potential weak spots prevents leaks that could damage your home and solar system, as well as belongings inside your property.
- Aesthetic Street Appeal
A freshly restored roof enhances your home’s curb appeal and can, in turn, make it more appealing to buyers if you decide you want to sell the property.
Choosing the Right Professionals to Restore a Roof with Solar Panels
To ensure a smooth process for your roofing project, it’s crucial to work with professionals who have experience in both roof restoration and solar panel systems. Look for:
- Licensed and insured roofing contractors.
- Companies with positive reviews and case studies of similar projects.
- People who communicate in detail and don’t leave you wondering what the costs will be or when the job will be completed.
- Roofers who are used to working on roofs in Queensland and understand the types of weather conditions we have on the Gold Coast and in northern NSW.
Planning Ahead
If you’re considering installing solar panels but your roof is nearing the end of its life, it’s wise to restore the roof first, before you add the solar. This ensures a solid foundation for your solar investment and avoids the need for an extra cost of panel removal in the near future.
Get in Touch for a Comprehensive Roof Restoration
While having solar panels does add an extra step to the roof restoration process, it shouldn’t deter you from maintaining your roof. With proper planning and the right professionals, you can enjoy the benefits of both a restored roof and solar energy.
Call now to learn more about our restoration services or get a free quote to get started. We are here to help you keep your Queensland home in top shape by addressing your roofing needs, solar panels and all!