Considering Installing Rooftop Solar Panels? Here’s What You Need to Know

Investors are increasingly steering towards sustainable solutions for their commercial buildings as these solutions increase the value of the property and have other long term benefits. These are also some of the reasons investors are including solar systems in their commercial building structures. The solar systems provide various benefits, some of them being saving environment and energy bills. Though the solar-powered buildings are gaining popularity, they need professional expertise to ensure proper and hassle-free installation of solar panels. There are, however, a few things that you must get checked with your commercial roofing contractor before you begin with the installation process.

1. Condition of your Roof

Before you make your roof solar powered, it is best to check the condition of your roof. Even if it requires a few minor fixes, do them before solar panel installation as it saves you from the extra hassles and cost of undoing the solar panel installation work and then doing it all over again. You can ask a commercial roofing contractor to inspect and fix the roof for any damage or repair anywhere in the roof.

2. Area of the Roof

Area is another important aspect that must be considered before getting the solar panels installed. If your commercial roof is too small to accommodate the required number of solar panels then it is not worth going through the entire process as you’ll not get the benefits you expected out of your investment.

3. Direction of the Roof Slope

Solar panel system must be installed at a specific angle and position to get the maximum power output out of it. The basic idea behind the placement s to ensure the solar panels receive direct sunlight and for a longer period of time. Some professionals suggest solar panel placement facing the West direction while some suggest placing them in the south direction. Consult solar panel installation experts of your area to know in which direction your solar panels must face to get the maximum benefit out of it.

4. Water Drainage System

If it rains in your area then water drainage of the roof is another essential consideration that must be planned before you get the solar panels installed. It is essential to consider water drainage of roof because racking and wire harnesses of solar panels can prevent the water from draining properly. Water pooling on the roof can further create troubles for your commercial structure such as leaks. These problems further require repair for which the solar panels will needed to be removed and reinstalled. To avoid these hassles, share your concerns with your commercial roofing contractor. They will hopefully suggest a good solution to overcome this issue.

Way Forward

Solar-powered commercial buildings are beneficial not only to the investors but also to the environment. The solar panels can add great value to the commercial structure if installed properly. Investors must, therefore, ensure that they hire an experienced and reliable commercial roofing contractor. A professional roofing contractor will know the know-how of the installation process and the challenges of it. The contractor will perform the installation task seamlessly.

Commercial Roof Maintenance: 3 Key Benefits

Ever imagined the condition your car would be in if it didn't go for regular maintenance? It would look rugged and lose its value. The same goes for your roof. Roofing is a major investment that many homeowners overlook by some property owners. Roofing protects your commercial building from the external elements and keeps it safe. Ongoing maintenance is required to identify minor problems before they culminate into a major issue that eventually calls for expensive roof replacement. This why you need to consult commercial construction contractors. This blog lists three key benefits of maintaining your commercial construction. Take a look.

1. Maximize Roof Service Life

After you get roofing done in your commercial construction, schedule at least semi-annual inspection so that you can identify roofing issues and get them fixed right away. Most property owners often fail to understand the benefits of regular inspection in maintaining the proper functioning of roofing systems for longer timeframe. If your roof doesn't leak, do not assume that it is in a perfect state. Always aim to maximize the service life and reduce its life cycle cost.

2. Prevents Moisture Damage

Commercial building owners in the US invest more than $12 billion annually in repairing and re-roofing caused by various types of damages. Developing a regular roof maintenance plan can help prevent most damage and unscheduled capital expenditures. No matter the type of roof, heavy rain, snow, scorching heat, and hailstorm take their toll and your roof ultimately develops leaks. Moisture ruins and degrades the mechanical integrity of the insulation system and corrodes metal components such as metal decks and fasteners, declining its thermal resistance.

3. Protects Warranty Coverage

Most manufactures require the owners to go for roof inspection twice in a year and document the findings. If the owner fails to carry out the inspections, warranty will get void on the basis that the owner is not able to carry out proper maintenance of the roof. Regular maintenance and inspection necessary as they help prevent costly repairs and validate the warranty of the roofing system.

A Word of Advice

Leaks don’t get better on their own, rather the condition worsens if proper maintenance is not done. Studies have shown that a roof gone for regular inspection and maintenance will last roughly double the time of a roof that is not maintained. Regular maintenance keeps the roof of your commercial in an ideal condition t along with proper initial design and installation. If you own a new roof or a roof not been inspected for long, contact a reputable commercial construction contractor and check its condition so you do not face unwanted trouble in future.