FAQ
If you have missing roof shingles, it needs to be addressed quickly. When shingles start coming off your roof, it’s a sign that the shingles are losing their tar seal. A broken tar seal means the roof is too damaged to fix. It’s time for a new roof.
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Granular is the underlying asphalt base of the shingle. When roof shingles are missing too much granular, they will start to dry and crack. This is a major warning sign for your roof. If you’re not seeing leaks already, you should replace your roof soon before you do.
Algae growth on your roof indicates poor drainage. You may be surprised that the primary function of the roof is to shed water. If your roof is experiencing algae growth, then leaks and further damage are likely to occur sooner rather than later.
Flashing is sheet metal that covers the joints of a roof to protect it from water damage. Caulking is frequently used to “fix” a flashing problem on rooftops but is really just a cosmetic application for flashing and isn’t meant to create a waterproof barrier. Generally, a flashing problem will keep on leaking regardless of the amount of caulking applied. Replacement is the best solution to flashing problems.
When roof shingles blister they will appear cracked and bubbling. Blistering usually indicates that the roof shingles are probably moved out of their original placement. It is time to replace your roof before it breaks more.
FAQ
No. A quality PV installer will assess roof drainage routes and existing rooftop equipment, and will design the system to ensure drainage is not impacted, and access is provided to all rooftop systems to allow for proper maintenance.
No. The solar installer should conduct a roof assessment to evaluate the roof’s structural integrity, and design a PV system to meet snow and/or wind loads specified by local building codes.
No. Reputable PV installers should design PV systems in accordance with recognized fire codes that identify best practices for rooftop PV systems.
Before installing a PV system, the solar installer will conduct a roof assessment and determine if the roof will need to be replaced during the life of the PV system. Typically, if the roof will need to be replaced, building owners are encouraged to replace it prior to installing the PV system. However, contracts can be designed to include the temporary removal of the PV system for roof replacement at a later date. These agreements are negotiated to specify whether the PV system will be removed at the cost of the building owner or system owner, and designate which party will bear the responsibility for lost revenues during system downtime.
There are two primary mounting methods for PV systems on commercial building roofs:
Ballasted Racking – Uses heavy weights, typically concrete blocks, to anchor PV systems on a flat roof. Some hybrid-ballasted systems use a combination of ballast and roof penetrating anchors to fasten the system to the roof. The number of roof penetrations for these systems usually depends on how much weight the roof can handle in terms of ballast, and how much additional support the PV system will need to meet wind load requirements.
Attached Racking – Uses roof penetrating hardware to mount PV systems on any type of roof. There are many types of attached racking systems for different applications, as shown in the images below. The number of required roof penetrations will depend on the roof structure, PV system design, and local building codes.