Planning Solar Panels on a Dallas Roof
Solar on a Dallas home starts with two questions: is the roof ready to carry panels for years, and who owns the roof?
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Before you sign for solar
Find out the age of the roof, not just the age of the house.
Get the roof checked for hail and wind damage.
Confirm the decking is solid where the mounts will go.
Ask who is responsible if a leak starts under the panels.
If you rent, get the owner's approval first.
What Dallas census and hail data tell a solar buyer
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that half of the homes in Dallas were built before 1981 (American Community Survey 2020-2024). On older homes, roofs have usually been replaced, but the replacement may already be well into its life. Installing panels on a roof with few years left means paying later to take them off and put them back.
The same survey shows 42% of Dallas homes are owner-occupied. Most households in the city rent, so for many people the solar decision belongs to a landlord. For owners who rent out property, the roof plan and the solar plan should be made together.
Hail is part of the picture. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 58 hail reports within 10 miles of Dallas from 2015 through 2024, including 10 that were 1.75 inches or larger and a 2.5-inch stone on June 2, 2017. Any roof with storm damage should be repaired before panels cover it.
Older homes need a closer look
On a house built decades ago, the roof structure was not designed with panels in mind. That is usually fine, but it means the decking and rafters where mounts will be fastened deserve a look, especially where past leaks may have softened the wood. Check the attic too: stains near the planned array area are a warning sign. Read common causes of roof leaks in Texas homes for what to look for.
Our order of work
Roof inspection
Shingles, flashing, vents and decking are checked and photographed. See roof inspection in Dallas.
Roof repair or replacement if needed
If the roof is near the end of its life, a roof replacement in Dallas comes first.
Layout around the roof
Panels are placed to avoid valleys, vents and edges where water and crews need room.
Flashed mounts
Every attachment is a roof penetration and is flashed and sealed as one.
Install and walk-through
Panels are mounted, and you review the work and the roof around it.
Roof types and solar
Asphalt shingle
The most common roof for panels. Mounts fasten through the shingles into the structure with flashing.
Metal
Some metal roofs allow mounts that clamp to the seams, with fewer holes in the roof.
Tile
Tile needs special hooks and careful handling, since tiles crack when walked on.
Flat roofs
Low-slope roofs use racking that tilts panels, with attention to drainage under the array.
Why a roofer for solar
A solar array only works as long as the roof under it stays dry. GemSco is a roofing contractor first: family owned, fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of experience and elite contractor status with Owens Corning and GAF. Financing is available. Learn more about our solar panel installation service or our work in Dallas.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Dallas roof is middle-aged. Should I replace it before solar?
It depends on its condition, not just its age. A well-kept roof with no storm damage may have years left. One with hail bruises or worn shingles may not. An inspection with photos will show which case you are in, so you can decide before the panels go on.
Can I install solar panels on a home I rent in Dallas?
Only with the owner's approval. The panels attach to the roof, and the roof belongs to the owner. With 42% of Dallas homes occupied by their owners, many residents will need to talk to a landlord first. Owners can call GemSco to check the roof.
What happens if hail damages the roof under my panels?
The panels may need to come off so the roof can be repaired. GemSco documents the damage and gives a written estimate, including removal and reinstallation. Coverage depends on your policy and your insurance company. See solar panel removal and reinstallation in Dallas.
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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.