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 11 Metal Roof Problems That Need To Be Rectified Before Installing Solar Panels

11 Metal Roof Problems That Need To Be Rectified Before Installing Solar Panels

Metal roofs have been in use for many years. They are known to be the most durable, affordable and energy efficient roofing material today. But, what is more important is that it will protect your facility from the ravages of natural elements. They also offer a lot more protection than traditional roofs do. However, when you install solar panels on your roof it becomes even more important to take care of the roof beforehand if you don’t want to deal with further complications later. It’s simply a matter of prevention being better than cure.

Metal Roof Problems To Rectify Before Solar Panel Installation
  1. End Lap joints movements/cracking

The end lap joints are the areas where two sheets of metal overlap each other. The integrity of the end laps is vital to the durability of your roof. Many issues can occur with this joint including movement, cracking and corrosion.

Roofs with issues with their end laps will require repairs before solar panels can be installed. The best way to repair these areas is by using a torch to burn away any damaged material and then replacing it with new metal or flashing.

2. Side Lap joints cracking

The section of the metal roof that is at the seam of two panels, known as the side lap joint, is beginning to crack. This can lead to water damage and could cause a leak in the roof. The most common reason this happens is because the metal panels are not properly joined or fastened together.

The second most common reason is because the metal panels were installed incorrectly and there was not enough support for them when they were put up.

Therefore, before installing your solar panels, have an experienced waterproofing contractor UAE come out and take a look at your existing metal roofing system. They will be able to tell exactly what needs to be done in order for you to get the best performance from your new solar panels.

3. Sheet Damages

Sheet damages are caused by the sun’s rays and they appear as dark spots on the surface of your roof. They can be repaired easily so long as they have not spread over an extensive area. You can fix these spots using a special paint or sealant. However, if the sheet damage is extensive, it may be best to consider replacing the affected part of the roof completely. This is because a damaged panel will lead to reduced energy production, which can increase your electricity bills and make you lose money.

4. Sheet sagging

Sagging roofing sheets are a common problem for roofs that have been installed using poor quality materials or poor installation methods. The sagging roofing sheets can cause solar panels to lose their shine, and also lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the solar panels. The solution is to remove the sagging sheets and replace them. This requires you to cut out any damaged areas and then secure new metal sheets into place using roofing nails or screws.

5. Skylight Damages

Skylights are a common roofing problem that can cause solar panel installation problems. Skylights are installed on the roof to provide natural light into the home or business. Over time, skylights can suffer from heat damage and become brittle. Have it sealed properly before installing solar panels on the roof. If this is not done properly, water may leak into the shingles and damage them. When this happens, the shingles will not be able to hold up under the weight of the solar panels, which could cause them to fall off or break apart when wind blows through them.

6. Missing Bolts/Rivets

Missing bolts and rivets are important because they help hold the material together and maintain the integrity of the roof. Missing bolts can lead to leaks, which may cause damage to other parts of your interiors. This roof problem may cause the panels to be loose, which can affect their performance. To avoid this, ensure that all the bolts and rivets are properly in place before installing your solar panels. These can be easily identified and rectified by an expert skilled in roof maintenance in UAE.

7. Ridge/Expansion Cover Damage

Ridge/expansion covers are part of a metal roof system that protect your home from water leaks caused by rain and snow melt. The ridge/expansion cover is what separates the different parts of your metal roof system from each other, so if there’s any damage to this area it could lead to problems with your solar panel installation process later on down the road.

8. Rusted Roof

As roofs age, it is inevitable that they will get rusted. This is a common problem in areas where there is high humidity and little sunlight. In most cases, the solar panels are installed on top of the roof before it gets rusted. When solar panels are installed on a rusted roof, the rust particles may fall into the panels and cause damage. The panels can also be damaged by rainwater leaking down from a rusted gutter. Therefore, when you notice that your roof is getting rusty, you have to replace them or apply a Rust Arrestor coating to combat and remove the rust.

9. Gutter Damages

Most roofs have gutters that are installed along the edges of the roof. They are designed to divert rainwater away from your home by channelling its downspouts. In case you have a damaged gutter, it can lead to water damage and rusting of frames and nails. The solar panel installation will not be done properly if you do not repair the gutter damages. If the damage is severe enough, then it may be a good idea to replace the gutters altogether.

10. Presence of incorrect or old waterproofing system

The roofing system is one of the most important elements in the building envelope. It is the barrier that protects the interior spaces from water leakage and moisture penetration. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the roofing system is properly installed and maintained. An incorrect or an old waterproofing system can result in a number of problems such as leaks and mould growth. Hence, you should book an appointment for metal roof waterproofing Dubai/UAE before the solar panel installation process begins.

11. Improper flashing techniques

Flashings are small sections of roof that connect two different parts together and provide a proper seal between them. Flashings are usually installed above roof penetrations like vent stacks, chimneys, skylights, dormers and plumbing vents etc., in order to prevent water from entering inside the structure through these openings or penetrations. In most cases flashings are made out of metal which makes them strong enough to withstand high wind loads during storms and heavy rains without tearing off from its position on the roof surface. However, improper flashing techniques may lead to multiple problems such as leaks around vent stacks or chimneys which can result in extensive damage.

Handle These Warning-signs Before Solar Panel Installation

Because of the unintended consequences identified above, it is important that these issues be rectified prior to a solar PV installation. Consult with a licensed professional in roof waterproofing Dubai/UAE during the initial stages of planning your solar energy installation. This will allow you to have a better idea of your final costs and avoid any last-minute issues that could get in the way. And also restore the integrity of your roofs and maintain the solar panels.

 

 

Contact us today for a FREE roof evaluation and get a detailed roof report from us.  Our waterproofing team will inspect the roof home and provide you and provide you a working solution, including a written contract that spells out each detail for you, without any hidden agendas.