Many homes in Canada have a combination of steel roofing and solar panels. According to experts, steel roofing is a great surface for solar panel installation. However, a lot depends on the contractor installing the roof and the solar panels.
The best combination: steel roofs and solar panels
Solar panels have an average lifespan of 25-30 years, while steel roofs can last 50 years or more. Installing a steel roof may mean you don’t need to remove or reinstall your solar panels as often. Both have an extended life span.
Steel roofs are also very strong. They can bear the additional weight of solar panels without any structural problems. Other roofing materials may not provide this support. Atlantic Canada faces significant concerns about snow loads. So, roof strength is an important factor.
Main mounting approaches
- Standing seam clamp systems – You are lucky if you have a standing seam steel roof. Steel roofing contractors can use clamp-based mounting systems, which attach directly to the seams without affecting the roof surface. As there are no holes, there are no potential leak points. As the clamps grip the raised seams, the roof’s integrity remains completely intact.
- Penetrating mounts for steel shingles – Steel shingle roofs need a different approach. Contractors create penetrations through the roofing material to fix the mounting hardware. They must apply high-quality sealants at metal-to-metal contact points. The key is to find contractors who know and understand steel roofing and solar installation.
Sequencing is important: solar first or roof first?
This is an area that confuses homeowners. What should you do first – the roof or the solar panels?
If you are replacing your roof or building a new one, install the steel roof first, then install the solar panel. Contractors can complete the roof work without having to work around solar equipment. The solar panel installer can then optimize panel placement.
However, if you already have a steel roof, the solar panel obviously comes second. However, if your steel roof is 10 years old or more, let a roofing contractor inspect it before solar panel installation. You would not be happy to find that the roof requires repairs after the solar panel installation is complete.
Thermal expansion, snow shedding, and panel placement
In Atlantic Canada, temperatures range from -25°C in winter to +30°C in summer. Both solar mounting systems and steel roofing expand and contract with temperature changes. Smart contractors from Artisanroofing.ca will keep this factor in mind. They are certified professionals.
Another factor is snow shedding. Steel roofs shed snow readily, but that may affect solar panel placement. Contractors must consider how snow will slide off the roof and whether snow guards are needed below solar arrays.
Summing it up
Before you hire a contractor for steel roofing and solar panel installation for your home, check if they have experience in both fields. Also, see if they are certified for roofing and solar panel installation. When done correctly, the combination of a steel roof and solar panels work well.