Is Your House Suitable for Solar Panels?

Cleaning your roof is no easy task however these tips will assist you to ensure you go into the job prepared and armed with all the information you need!

It is extremely important to have an expert install the solar panels on your roof as each roof will have a different requirement. We have put some information below regarding the different options in Australia.

To install panels onto a single or double story tiled roof the roof tiles are removed to screw in the mounting brackets. Tiles are then reinstalled in the same position and some rails are mounted on to the brackets. The panels are mounted with enough space to ensure circulation and so they can cool down in extremely hot weather.

When installing the brackets on a metal roof the existing screws are utilised so that there is no additional drilling required. The Australian standard require the existing roof screws be replaced with a larger screw for safety reasons and to ensure the panels are secure. It is important that the screws and brackets are fitted/sealed by a professional so that no leaks can occur over time.

The same principle applies when installing solar on a flat tiled or metal roof however a frame is also included so that there is some pitch/tilt for optimal use of the solar panels.

Many people make the mistake of having solar panels installed before ensuring the roof is in a watertight condition. The reason this is important is due to access issues once the solar panels are installed. When it comes to roof maintenance there are different options available depending on the material of your roof.

If you have an old metal roof with many leaks it may be worth arranging a quote for a Colorbond Roof Replacement or Metal Roof Replacement. There is a higher cost associated with this in comparison to Tiled Roof Maintenance however the quality of material used can last over 50 years with very little maintenance when installed correctly. Further to this you may have extra battens installed to help with reinforcing the structure as well as using thicker sheets (the roof does bare more of a load once you have the solar panels installed).

Get your roof checked before the solar goes on

Solar panels usually stay on a roof for many years, and once they are installed, getting to the roof underneath becomes much harder and more expensive. That is why it pays to make sure the roof itself is in good shape first.

• Tiled roofs: replace broken or cracked tiles, check the ridge capping and repoint it if the mortar is cracking. Fixing a leak under a panel array later can mean removing panels first.
• Metal roofs: check for rust, loose fixings and tired flashings. If the sheets are near the end of their life, replacing them before solar goes on saves paying to remove and refit the panels later.
• Old or ageing roofs: if your roof is due for a restoration or replacement in the next few years, it is often worth doing that work first.
• Gutters and valleys: panels can change how water and debris flow off the roof, so make sure gutters and valleys are clear and in good condition.

Solar and your roof FAQs

Should I restore my roof before installing solar?

If your tiled roof is showing its age, with faded tiles, cracked pointing or moss, restoring it before the panels go on is usually the smarter order. See our roof restoration page and restoration cost guide.

Can solar panels cause roof leaks?

Panels themselves do not cause leaks, but poor installation can, for example cracked tiles from foot traffic or badly sealed penetrations. If you notice a leak after solar is installed, have the roof inspected promptly.

Is a COLORBOND roof good for solar?

Yes. Metal roofs are lightweight, strong and easy to mount panels on, which is one reason many homeowners replace old tiles with COLORBOND before going solar. Read the pros and cons of a COLORBOND roof.

Planning solar? Book a roof check first. Call Roof Guard on 03 8738 3451 or request a free inspection.