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The Best Commercial Roofing For Solar Panel Installation

Installing solar panels is increasingly becoming a popular way to lower energy bills in the U.S. Today, there are more than 2 million solar installations in the U.S. The number is likely to double by 2023.

However, before installing solar on your roof, you need to consider; its viability. How will the solar panels affect your roof, and how long will the roof last?

Do you want to know the best commercial roofing materials and types and how they will affect the efficiency of your solar panel installation? Read on to learn.

Composite Roof

The composite roof is one of the common types of home roofing. It is made using laminate, asphalt shingles, and wood. Asphalt shingles are also available and are made using either textile mat or fiberglass material.

Both options of composites shingles offer a more durable option than their asphalt counterpart. They are also suitable for solar panels installation. This is because composite roofs are pretty simple and can easily be attached using standard penetration mounts.

Also, your solar installers will be able to slide the footing under the composite roof and secure them to the rafters. Then, they will comfortably proceed to install cables on the racking system.

Once the solar panels are installed on your roof, composite shingles roof will provide an amount that can last up to 20 years. Composite roofs are also not expensive, thus making them an excellent choice for installing solar panels.

If you decide to install solar panels and have an older composite shingle roof, you must decide to re-roof before proceeding.

Metal Roof

This is one of the best roofs for solar panels.

So, if your property has a metal roof with standing seams, it will be easy to attach solar panels since no drilling will be needed for attachment. Thus, you will not need to hire a crew for your solar panels installation. This will, in turn, save you the costly labor.

Metal roof is also becoming popular for homeowners who want to install solar panels. This is because they are durable and will outlast your solar panels. Thus, you will not need to re-install your solar panels and racks unless they are worn out.

Thus, if you turn to solar power, a metal roof will offer you the best rooftop. However, this type of roof cost more than any other roofing material.

Tile Roofs

If your property has a tile roof, you can install solar panels using standard penetrating mounts that will raise them above your roof.

However, since tiles don’t have a uniform shape, removing or cutting some tiles will be needed before mounting. However, need some extra labor for the installation is required.

Furthermore, tiles shingles are usually slate, concrete, and clay. Thus, installing solar panels on the roof will be more challenging than installing them on standard shingle roofs.

First, installers must be cautious while working on your roof; clay is not resilient to footsteps. Thus, you should hire appropriately trained professional roofers who will move on your roof without breaking your tiles.

Though tile shingles are appealingly pleasing and come with a varying range of appearance, they are expensive but not like a metal roof. They are, however, long-lasting and will generally outlive your solar.

Tar and Gravel Roofs

Installing solar panels on tar and gravel roofs is possible.

But if you are installing solar on a flat tar and gravel roof, you will need to mount them angled at 30 degrees. This will allow your panels to receive optimal sunlight and thus maximum energy generation in your home.

Mounting on flat tar and gravel roofs does not require penetration mounting; weight mounting is most preferred. This will keep your panels’ stables and your roof intact.

One benefit of installing solar on tar and gravel roofs is that it is easy to maneuver the roof. However, you will still need to hire a mounting crew who understand the different orientation of solar panel system.

Tar and gravel roofs are popular among homeowners since they are budget-friendly. They also have a lifespan of up to 25 years, almost the same as your solar panels.

They will indeed provide great, flat surface support for your solar panel system.

Cedar Shake Roofs

Installing solar panels on a cedar shake roof is the most difficult. It will also require a very experienced professional installer to make the attachments. First, you need to be careful when installing solar on cedar shakes.

Cedar shake roofs are extremely brittle, but solar panels can still be safely installed on this roof with the latest installation methods. Furthermore, experienced technicians will also avoid damaging existing structures and materials.

During installation, solar panels system framing will be bolted on the rafter by maneuvering the flashing and layer of underlayment. There is no need to worry that solar panels will be too heavy and damage the roof. Solar panels only weigh 4 pounds and are unlikely to be a threat to your roofing.

Choose the Best Roof for Solar Panel Installation

It is essential to have a new roof if considering solar panel installation. By doing so, your solar will have a sturdy roof to sit on. Additionally, you will not need to retrofit your solar panel system since most roofs have a lifespan of more than 20 years.

Does your roof need replacement?

At HP Roofing PRO, we are a professional commercial roofing contractor based in California. If you want to take advantage of the state’s sunny climate all year round, you can trust us with roof installation.

Contact us today for a free roof inspection.