We recently completed the installation of a new roof which included solar panels in Gilberts, IL. After the old roof shingles and underlayment were removed, the deck was exposed. All nails were removed, irregularities were corrected and damaged wood replaced.
A work in progress picture is shown above. At this stage, we were preparing the rear roof for new shingles and solar panels from GAF. The smaller front roof was similarly treated since it also was having new shingles and solar panels installed.
My purpose here is to explain the difference between the layers we install for a typical asphalt shingled roof as versus those where solar panels are also being installed. I will leave roof penetrations and wiring as the subject of another article.
New Shingled Roof
Regular shingled roof underlayments include a leak barrier, or ice and watershield. It is installed starting at the eaves (gutter line) and extending some 3 to 6 feet. (Note: code says it must be at a minimum of two feet inside the exterior wall of the house). It is also installed at roof valleys and rakes to three feet and around penetrations (i.e. vents and chimneys).
These barriers help prevent leaks caused by ice dams (and melting water), water backing up from your gutters as well as rain driven by wind. These leaks could cause stains on your ceilings and walls as well as ruined insulation and drywall. All of which can lead to costly repairs.
Underlayment is installed on the rest of the roof’s deck. This offers additional moisture protection between the deck and the shingles. There are several grades of underlayment. Some are reinforced, some are UV stable, etc.
New Shingled Roof With Solar Panels
As you can see from the picture, there are actually four different layers added onto the deck when installing solar panels and shingles.
The ice and watershield as well as the underlayment that will be under the shingles are both basically installed in the same fashion. There are, however, two other layers that were installed under the solar panel area.
We used GAF’s WeatherWatch®, a mineral-surfaced ice and water leak barrier. It is reinforced with fiberglass and seals itself around nails or metal fasteners. Then came a layer of GAF’s Versashield® SOLO™ Fire Resistant Slip Sheet which offers protection against flames penetrating the deck.
These layers provided additional protection for the finished asphalt shingle and solar panel roof so the homeowners can enjoy the full benefits of solar power for years to come. Learn more at our Solar Roofing page.
Call GroupXL at 224-400-9500 or use our Contact form to find out how a new roof equipped with solar panels can actually pay for itself with energy savings, federal tax credits and State of Illinois rebates.