Residential solar power is still a relatively new space, but it’s growing rapidly and it’s not hard to see why. According to the US Department of Energy, not only will solar power lower your current energy costs, but it will also increase your home value, work in any US location, and produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions. For those making the switch to solar, it’s important to make sure your house is ready for this upgrade, especially your roof. Gutter protection, roof maintenance and mounting options all need to be taken into consideration beforehand. Here are a few tips to avoid clogged gutters and other roof hazards when adding solar to your home.
Gutter Protection and Roof Maintenance
Gutter protection and roof maintenance should both be key focuses before considering solar options. Clogging of gutters and downspouts can be a real headache and can even cause damage to trim, window sills, foundation and landscaping. Leaves and other debris that collect in your gutters can cause clogging and gutter overflow which can lead to damage, wood rot, and even termites and pests. Installing GutterBrush simple brush gutter guard is a quick and easy way to greatly decrease any gutter cleaning and ensure your gutter stays free and clear of clogging; and poses no harm to your home.
It’s also important to regularly maintain your roof in order to make sure that it’s stable and functioning properly. Make sure to check your attic or top floor for any possible roof leaks, wash your roof to prevent algae growth, and trim any large overhanging branches. Proper maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your roof and help you save money in the long run.
Roof Replacement and Adding Solar Panels
It’s essential to make sure that your roof is in good enough condition to support solar panels. This is also a great time to install gutter guards to prevent gutter clogging; which will help make sure you won’t have to deal with any clogs in the future. It’s recommended that before installing solar, you have your roof surveyed by a professional. If there is a potential need for repair, look into how much a roof replacement costs, especially for your specific situation. While this might increase the immediate cost, you’ll not only be saving money with your solar panels, but are likely eligible for tax breaks due to their energy-saving nature!
When replacing your roof, always scout several local businesses to find a reliable and budget-friendly option. You can read reviews and ask for quotes from several companies, and choose the one that fits your needs best.
Do your research on home solar panel options beforehand to find the right kind that works for you. There are several different types of solar panels available, and each type has its pros and cons. Solar panels generally last for around 25-30 years, so the investment will last quite a while, especially if you take proper care of them with routine maintenance.
Solar, Gutter Protection and Maintenance
Maintenance is a key part of roof, gutter, and solar panel welfare. The less effort you put into keeping the solar panel and the gutter clean and functional, the shorter their life, and it could cause you large problems down the road. With gutters, if you pick the right gutter protection, a.k.a. leaf guard, you will solve gutter clogging and have less maintenance. All gutter guards eventually will require maintenance so choose a gutter leaf guard that stops gutter clogging and is very easy to maintain. GutterBrush is great gutter protection in its simplest form; it is very easy to install, requiring no fasteners, can be used all year long, and is the best gutter guard for snow and ice dams. Instead of having to worry about ice freezing, the brush gutter guard actually absorbs warmth from the sun aiding gutter ice melting and decreasing gutter icicles that could cause issues. Click here to see all 5 sizes of Gutter Brushes.
Here's a cool tool ladder stand-off, ladder accessory that protects the gutter from denting because it puts the ladder's force onto the roof instead of the gutter.
Solar panels typically don’t require much maintenance, especially if they are tilted to let rain wash away any debris. Solar panels should be cleaned to remove dirt and debris. If you notice them generating less energy than normal, that could mean that they need a bit of upkeep to keep producing at their peak. For cleaning, just a quick wash down with a hose or using a blower to remove any debris should take care of it!
When considering home solar panels, it’s important to make sure that your roof is ready for them. From buying high-quality gutter guards to ensuring the integrity of your roof, checking all the boxes before installing can save you a great deal of trouble down the line.