These days, enjoying the benefits of a solar panel is much easier. Due to continued technological innovation, solar panels have become more affordable compared to before. A lot of homeowners are now taking advantage of lease options to eliminate their maintenance and financial-related responsibility for the solar panels while slashing their home’s energy spending at the same time.
The type of roof material over which to install the new solar panels is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to this type of upgrade to a business or home. A common problem is a potential for leaks brought about by the installation of solar roof panels. In general, there are only a few roofs covering materials that can bear with the mounting hardware without causing resulting leak points and penetrations.
Solar companies in South Africa have long favoured metal roof structures for the systems, although most roof types are compatible for a solar installation some cost more than others.
Metal roofs and a few concrete tiles are common examples of roofs that could be configured to allow the installation of the mounting hardware in such a manner as to hide or remove altogether the specific point at which the solar hardware’s fixing point attaches to the roof structure.
It’s different from a composition roof where you have to literally punch holes via the roof to affix the solar panels. This is not an ideal option, and although solar panels are not that heavy, they do add some load to a roof structure. Because metal roofs are generally 1/5 the weight (or even less) of concrete, it implies that they are the most suitable type of roof when it comes to roof-top additions such as solar panels.
Reasons Why Metal Roofing is the Ideal Choice
- Here are some of the top reasons why metal roofing is the ideal choice to use with any roof-top solar component:
- Metal is the most environmentally friendly roof material and complements the environmental reasons for using solar energy collectors. If you even give it a second thought, it makes no sense to make use of eco-unfriendly, petroleum-based products such as asphalt shingles with an energy-efficient and green solar panel system.
- Metal roofing provides profiles that enable installation of solar panels that literally have zero holes punched in the roof. Undoubtedly, no other material would make such a claim.
- When it comes to resisting damage from very high winds, metal roofs are the most suitable roofs. Therefore, it’s a crucial consideration for those who want to keep off from potential damage of their solar panels, especially from flying roof debris.
- Another advantage is the long-term costs. Having to remove and re-install a solar panel array since the roof beneath it requires replacement is an added expense beyond the cost of the roof itself. Opting for a long-lived metal roof does away with this costly maintenance problem down the road.
- High weather durability. Typically, metal roofs are uniquely designed to put up with hurricane-force winds, as well as ice loads and heavy snow. Some specialized protective coatings allow them to be practically impervious to UV rays, water, and other area-specific environmental toxins. Its durability is the prime reason why a lot of metal roof manufacturers tend to feel comfortable providing warranties that last up to 40 years.
- A positive impact on the life cycle. Metal and steel building products are considered some of the most sustainable materials available. Apart from being made from a high percentage of both pre-and post-consumer materials, they are also 100% recyclable once their lifespan is over. When you add this to the fact that a well-kept roof can last between 50 and 70 years or even longer, you can have peace of mind that your metal roof installation plays a role to a positive materials’ life cycle.