Solar Panels in Garland Start With a Roof That Will Outlast Them
Panels can only be as reliable as the roof they are bolted to. On older Garland homes, that roof deserves a careful look before anything is installed.
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A pre-solar checklist for your roof
How old is the current roof, and is there paperwork from the last replacement?
Is there more than one layer of shingles?
Are there soft spots, stains or daylight in the attic?
Has the roof been inspected since the last storm with large hail?
Is the flashing at walls and chimneys sound, or patched with caulk?
Do you own the home and have the final say on roof work?
The Garland factors that shape a solar project
Half of the homes in Garland were built before 1978 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). The house may be about 48 years old, and the roof may be newer, but it is rarely brand new. If the roof will need replacing in a few years, the panels will have to come off for that job. It is usually better to replace first and install once.
Hail is the other factor. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 112 hail reports within 10 miles of Garland from 2015 through 2024, with 28 of them 1.75 inches or larger. Hail can damage both the roof and the panels, and damage under an array is harder to find and fix.
Ownership matters as well. About 62 percent of occupied homes in Garland are owner-occupied (ACS 2020-2024). If you rent, the decision belongs to the owner.
Why one company for roof and solar helps
One inspection
The same team that installs the panels decides whether the roof is ready for them.
Mounts sealed by roofers
Every attachment is a hole in the roof. Flashing it properly is roofing work.
Clear responsibility
If a leak shows up near the array later, there is no back-and-forth between two contractors.
How the project runs
Inspect
We check shingles, flashing, decking and the attic. A roof inspection in Garland is the starting point.
Plan the layout
Panels are placed to keep valleys, vents and drainage paths clear.
Install and seal
Mounts are flashed into the roof, panels are set, and the roof is checked again.
What older roofs need before panels
Older homes often have details that a newer roof does not. There may be a second layer of shingles, decking boards that have shifted, or flashing that was patched with caulk rather than replaced. Panels make all of these harder to reach, so they should be dealt with before the array goes up.
Ventilation is another one. A roof that runs hot ages faster, and panels can change how air moves over the surface. We look at the attic airflow during the inspection and explain whether it needs changes. Our guide on why roof underlayment matters covers another layer that matters under panels.
Next steps
GemSco is family owned, fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of experience in roofing and solar panel installation. Estimates are free and financing is available. Visit our solar panel installation page, or read how long roofing materials last in Texas to gauge how much life your current roof has left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace my roof before installing solar?
If the roof is near the end of its life, yes. Removing and reinstalling panels later adds cost and work. Replacing first means the panels go onto a fresh surface. If the roof is in good shape, an inspection can confirm that and the panels can go on as is.
Can panels go on a roof with two layers of shingles?
It is not ideal. Mounts need to reach solid framing, and extra layers make sealing harder and add weight. On older Garland homes with layered roofs, a tear-off before solar usually gives a cleaner, more reliable result.
What happens to the panels if hail hits?
Panels are built to handle some hail, but large stones can crack the glass or damage frames. The roof under them can be damaged too. How that is handled depends on your homeowner policy, so ask your agent how solar panels are covered before installation.
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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.