Going Solar in Balch Springs? Get the Roof Ready First
Solar panels change how your roof is used for years to come. A little planning before installation saves a lot of trouble later.
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A pre-solar roof checklist
How old are the shingles, and how many good years do they have left?
Is the decking solid, with no soft spots or past water damage?
Is the flashing at walls, chimneys and vents in good shape?
Has the roof been checked since the last hailstorm?
Where will the panels sit relative to valleys and vents?
Balch Springs homes and the solar decision
Ownership comes first. 65 percent of homes in Balch Springs are owner-occupied (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). If you rent, the decision belongs to the owner, and any roof work tied to the panels does too.
Age is the second factor. Half of the homes in Balch Springs were built before 1990, according to the same survey. A roof on a home that age may already have been replaced, but if yours is nearing the end of its life, putting panels on it now means taking them off again for the reroof. Our article on how long roofing materials last in Texas can help you estimate where your roof stands.
Hail and panels
The local record
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 36 hail reports within 10 miles of Balch Springs from 2015 through 2024, the largest at 2.5 inches on June 2, 2017.
Panels can crack
Panel glass is tested for impact, but very large hail can still break it. Check panels and roof together after a big storm.
The roof below matters
Hail that misses the panels can still damage the shingles around them. Those areas need the same care as the rest of the roof.
How a roof-first install works
Repair or replace
Fix weak spots or replace an aging roof before any rails go up.
Design around the roof
Place panels so they do not block drainage or sit over valleys.
Mount and flash
Seal and flash every attachment point.
Review
Check the roof around the array once the job is done.
What changes on your roof once panels are up
Panels shade the shingles beneath them and create a gap where leaves, twigs and debris can collect. Over time that debris holds moisture against the roof and can block water from draining. A yearly look at the edges of the array keeps it clear.
Access also changes. Future repairs near the array take more care, and some areas can only be reached by moving panels. That is why it pays to fix every weak spot before installation, and why the layout should leave paths to vents and other roof features. Ask to see the layout drawn over a photo of your roof before the work begins.
Why one contractor helps
When one company handles both the roof and the panels, there is no question about who is responsible if water shows up near a mount. GemSco does roofing and solar panel installation, is family owned, fully licensed and insured, and has 20+ years of experience. Estimates are free and financing is available. Learn more on our solar panel installation page or our Balch Springs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much life should my roof have left before solar?
Ideally, enough to match the time you expect the panels to stay up. If the roof is likely to need replacement in the next few years, doing it first avoids paying to remove and reinstall the panels. An inspection gives you a realistic picture of what is left.
Can solar panels go on any roof type?
Most asphalt shingle, metal and many tile roofs can carry panels, but the mounting method changes with each one. Tile and older roofs need extra care. A roofer can tell you what works on your roof and what prep is needed.
What should I do if hail hits my panels?
Look from the ground for cracked glass and check the system's monitoring for drops in output. Then have the panels and the roof inspected. Take photos with dates, and talk to your insurer about how your policy treats the panels and the roof.
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GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.