What Solar and Roofing Have in Common

What Do Solar and Roofing Have in Common?
Who knew that solar and roofing had so much in common? Times sure have
changed over the years! From time to time, we run into situation that makes us
scratch our heads. Lately, solar installation on old roofs has taken over the top spot.
As New Jersey commercial roofing contractors we have plenty of experience in
this area.
Solar installation typically last for twenty plus years. So doesn’t it make sense that
the roof it sits on should last that long as well? Some of the responses we’ve heard
form owners have been, “The roof was in good condition and not leaking” or this
one “The solar guy said he has a roofer who will add another ply of modified
bituminous membrane and we’ll be good to go!”
Our response is that your roof may not be leaking now but now has to mean 20+
more years. As far as “he has a guy…” the primary responsibility of the solar
company is to sell solar and his roofing buddy will be used to install the bare
minimum even if it’s wrong.
Recently, we inspected a roof for a client who just purchased the building with a
solar array on it. During our inspection, the roof felt spongy underfoot which most
of the time means the roof substrate is wet. Core samples were taken and as
expected, the roof was saturated and leaking. What was most upsetting for the new
owner was that the solar panels sat on a new modified bituminous roof that was
installed on a roof that was already saturated.
Because the deck was already showing signs of rust, the insulation substrate was
now becoming a mold issue and the leaks, the roof had to be removed and a new
roof installed. That was bad enough but to make matter worse, the solar array had
to be dismantled, stored and reinstalled by a solar company. If you have ever
experienced that, you know it sometimes can cost as much as the roof!
For more information About …. MJT Roofing New
Jerseyhttps://mjtroofingnewjersey.com/
What we recommend is before you sign a contract for a solar system to be installed
on your roof, call MJT Roofing New Jersey and we will be glad to help. We’ll
inspect your roof and provide a clear non-biased assessment of your roof and its
longevity. If you need a new roof to avoid future problems, we’ll provide a
proposal. Even if you have a new roof already, we can provide you with the help of
working with the manufacturers to ensure your warranty is not voided.