If you need a guide on how to fix roof leak under solar panels, you are definitely not alone! Solar panels save energy, okay, but sometimes, especially if they are not installed properly, unexpected leaks can occur on the roof. No one wants to hear the sound of dripping water in the house, right? Here in this guide, we cover in detail how you can find and repair roof leaks under solar panels. Sometimes things can be solved with a simple repair; sometimes it takes a little work.
How Will You Detect the Leak?
Locating a leak can often be more difficult than you think. Solar panels already cover the roof surface, so it’s really a detective’s job to see where the water is coming from. One of the best methods may be to choose a rainy day and take a tour of the attic Decking. Where the water flows from, it would be easier to monitor.
It happened to a friend of mine, his roof was dripping, but he couldn’t find where the water was leaking from. One day, while it was raining, he wandered through the attic and noticed a stain on the wood Decking. Turns out the leak was coming from the panel ports! One of the first places you will look at may be these connection points. If you can’t find traces in the attic, it’s useful to Decamp to the roof and take a look around the panels.
If you find a noticeable crack or a worn area, that’s probably the source of the leak. Nevertheless, it is necessary to look carefully, examine every small detail.
Providing the Necessary Materials and Security Measures
It is imperative that you collect the materials you need before you start the repair process. Waterproof insulation materials, roof adhesive, nails, a hammer and, of course, a sturdy ladder and safety rope. Working on the roof can be really risky, especially on a windy day, so you need to keep everything under control. It would also not be bad if you take a friend with you when going to the roof.
Another thing to pay attention to, since you will be working under the panels, is that the cables will not be damaged. Temporarily disconnecting the electrical connection is recommended, especially for safety. Both your safety will be ensured and any electrical damage will be prevented.
Remember, safety comes first. Especially if you are on a high roof, you need to take yourself on trust. Roof repair is a job that should be taken seriously.
Temporary Removal of Panels
Removing the panels may seem like a difficult task, but sometimes it is impossible to skip this step in order to fully repair the leak. Removing the panel from its position requires great caution as a mistake may damage the panels or their connections.
When lifting the panels, carefully untie the cables and do not forget the mounting points of the panel. After everything is out of place, you can examine the roof surface in detail. If you find a cracked, broken or damaged area, this is most likely the source of the leak. When checking the roof surface under the panels, it is important to look at every detail. Even a small crack can lead to large leaks.
Repair of Damaged Areas
You need to follow a few steps to repair the damaged areas that you find on the roof. First of all, clean the surface. If there is dust, dirt or moss on the roof, remove these residues. Thus, the insulation material that you will apply keeps it better. Choose a quality material to make the insulation solidly.
If there are any especially large cracks, apply a waterproof patch or additional insulation layer to these areas. This stage is important to provide waterproofing because if you use low-quality materials, you may experience leakage again in a short time. If you make repairs with high-quality materials, you will not have problems for a longer time.
When the repair process is finished, check the surface again. Make sure everything is intact so that you don’t have the same problem again.
Resetting and Sealing the Panels
It’s time to put the panels back in position after the damaged sections have been healed. Making ensuring the panels fit correctly at this stage is rather crucial. Should the panels not precisely fit together, you can find leaks once again.
You can use additional insulation material under the panels to provide sealing. Carefully apply silicone or another waterproof insulation product to the junction points of the panels. This prevents water from entering from these areas. After installing the panels, tighten the connection points thoroughly and reconnect the electrical cables properly.
It is also important to check the connections. When all the parts are placed firmly, the roof becomes sheltered again and the risk of leakage is reduced.
Regular Maintenance and Prevention of Future Leaks
Regular maintenance of the roof and solar panels is the most effective way to prevent leaks that may occur in the future. Reviewing your roof and the connection points of the panels every year or during seasonal transitions allows you to notice possible problems early. It is especially important to do maintenance before the winter and spring months.
Cleaning the dust or leaves accumulated under the solar panels also makes your roof more durable. Not having regular maintenance for years, a friend of mine had a large leak from leaves gathered on the roof. But he could have avoided this issue with far less cost if he had checked often every year.
Thanks to regular maintenance, you get rid of major repair costs and ensure that your solar panels have a long service life. It would be best not to disrupt maintenance works in order to benefit from both energy saving and long-term durability.