Is your tile roof looking a little tired? Maybe it’s been soaking up the Australian sun for 30 or 40 years and it’s time for a refresh. If you’re thinking about restoring your roof and installing solar panels, you’ve come to the right place.
Many people don’t realise that these two projects go hand-in-hand. Combining a roof restoration with a solar installation can save you time, money, and headaches. But it needs to be done right, and that’s where expert planning comes in.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we’re experts at installing solar systems. We’ve got some great tips on how to avoid common mistakes and make sure your roof and solar system look and work great together.
In this article, you’ll learn the following:
- Why You Should Restore Your Roof Before Installing Solar
- How to Get the Right Roof Restoration and Solar Setup
- Step-by-Step Guide to Coordinating Your Roof Restoration and Solar Installation
- Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
By the end of this article, you’ll understand why you should restore your roof before adding solar, how the process works, and what to watch out for to have a seamless experience.
Why You Should Restore Your Roof Before Installing Solar
Restoring your roof before installing solar is essential if you want your investment to last. Your roof needs to be in top shape because your solar panels are going to stay up there for at least 25 years. A quality roof restoration safeguards your roof’s ability to handle the solar system and continue protecting your home for decades.
Restoration also means your roof will look brand new, which makes your solar installation look even more clean and polished. It will pop and your neighbours will notice.
If your roof needs repairs after the panels are installed, you’ll have to remove the panels, fix the roof, and then put the panels back. This costs time and money that you could have saved by doing it right from the start.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the process of getting ready for your solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, How to Shop for a Solar System.
How to Get the Right Roof Restoration and Solar Setup
Not all roof restoration companies are the same. You need a professional who understands the importance of quality work, especially when solar is involved. At Penrith Solar Centre, we work closely with roofers who know how to get the job done right.
Our preferred partner, DNA Roof and Restorations does restorations with care and attention to detail that’s hard to find. The owner is a great guy named Dave. He does restorations with his son, so it’s a local family business. They don’t cut corners, and they make sure every tile is perfect before the solar panels go on. Their workmanship is impeccable.
We always recommend a full roof restoration before any solar installation. This process protects both your roof and your solar system, making sure they work together seamlessly. The key is coordinating the timing so that the two jobs don’t interfere with each other.
If you weren’t looking at spending money on a roof restoration but you desperately need one, we can even put Dave’s quote into your financing solutions so that you have one easy monthly repayment. And before you know it, you’ll have a roof restored and solar delivered by the best installer in Western Sydney.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about shopping for a solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Solar.
Step-by-Step Guide to Coordinating Your Roof Restoration and Solar Installation
Here’s how we do it at Penrith Solar Centre:
- Design Your Solar System: It all starts with planning. We work with you to design the perfect solar system for your home. We consider your roof size, your energy needs, and your budget. Our goal is to give you a customised system that fits your lifestyle.
- Prepare for Roof Restoration: Once your solar design is finalised, we connect you with our trusted roofer, Dave at DNA. Dave will inspect your roof and provide a quote for the restoration. Prices can vary depending on the size and condition of your roof, but quality is the priority. Dave replaces any cracked tiles and makes sure to apply more than two coats of paint to ensure durability.
- Install Solar Feet First: After your roof restoration is scheduled but before the work begins, our team comes to install what we call the “feet.” These are the brackets that hold the mounting system to the roof trusses. We lift the tiles, grind the underside so they sit flush when replaced, and secure each foot with two large screws supplied by Schletter. It’s important that we use the right screws to receive an engineering document. Your solar panels will be mounted securely without disturbing the restored roof later.
- Complete the Roof Restoration: Now it’s Dave’s turn. His team restores, cleans, and paints the entire roof. This step seals your roof for the next 20 to 30 years, keeping it waterproof and looking great. Many people think roof restoration is just about changing the colour of the roof, but it’s much more than that. The main purpose is to seal the roof tight and make sure it’s ready for the long haul.
- Finish Solar Installation: After Dave has restored the roof, we come back to install the rest of the solar system. We attach the rails to the feet and mount the solar panels. We also install the microinverters, which help manage the power from each panel. This sequence ensures that the roof and solar system are perfectly aligned.
- Final Roof Touches: Dave’s team then returns one last time to “point the ridges,” which are the caps at the top of the roof. These ridges are held in place with pointing. It’s cement-like mortar that seals the tiles together. Dave does a final check, makes sure that everything is solid, and that the roof seal remains perfect.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about planning solar for a new build, you might want to check out the following article titled, How to Plan Solar for a New Home Build in Sydney.
Click here for solar solutions!
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
The main risk when coordinating a roof restoration and solar installation is disrupting the newly restored roof. If tiles are moved or disturbed after painting, it can affect the seal and appearance of the roof.
That’s why it’s important to install the feet for solar before the roof restoration.
Another potential issue is choosing a low-quality roof restoration service. Some companies cut corners by using only one thick coat of paint, which doesn’t dry properly and can cause problems later. Working with a roofer like Dave who takes pride in his work and understands the needs of solar installations, is crucial.
Communication between the roofer and the solar installer is the magic that helps avoid these pitfalls. Both teams need to understand the timing and sequence of the work to prevent missteps.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we have built a process for both teams to work together smoothly, minimising any risk to your home.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about planning solar for a new build, you might want to check out the following article titled, Questions to Ask Your Builder Before They Install Solar on Your Roof.
Conclusion: Trust Penrith Solar Centre for a Seamless Experience
Restoring your roof before installing solar is a smart move that protects your home and your investment. With coordination between these two services, your roof will look great, your solar system will work perfectly, and you won’t face a more costly renovation down the line.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we have years of experience in managing both roof restorations and solar installations. We work with trusted partners like Dave at DNA Roof and Restorations to deliver a seamless, professional service that keeps your home safe and stylish. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from designing your solar system to connecting you with the best roof restoration experts.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the importance of a good installer for your solar (the most important component of any system, seriously), you might want to check out the following article titled, In-house Installers vs. Subcontractors: Which is Better?
