Installing Solar in Lancaster: A Roofer's Checklist
Solar panels change how your roof works for many years. Getting the roof ready first is the step most people skip and the one that saves the most trouble.
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Ask these questions before anything else
How old is the roof covering, and how much life does it have left?
Is the deck solid where the mounts will go?
Is any flashing, vent or boot near the array already worn?
Is the roof material suited to the mounting system planned?
Who seals each mount, and who handles a leak at one later?
What impact rating do the panels carry?
Will the mounts be photographed before the panels cover them?
What happens to the panels if the roof needs repair in a few years?
Lancaster's homes, hail and ownership
Half of the homes in Lancaster were built before 1991 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). Many have a replacement roof by now, but that roof may itself be several years old. If panels go on a roof that needs replacing soon, they have to come off and go back on when the work is done.
Hail is part of the picture. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 49 hail reports within 10 miles of Lancaster from 2015 through 2024, with 8 at 1.75 inches or larger. The largest, 2.5 inches, came on June 13, 2023. Panels are rated for impact, and ratings vary, so compare them before you buy.
About 68 percent of Lancaster homes are owner-occupied, per the same Census survey. Solar on a rental is the property owner's call.
The roof-first sequence
Inspect
A roof inspection in Lancaster shows the condition of the shingles, flashing and deck, with photos.
Repair or replace
Fix weak spots now, or replace the roof if it is near the end of its life.
Lay out the array
Mounts are placed on rafters with room around vents, ridges and edges.
Flash each mount
Every penetration is flashed so it sheds water like the rest of the roof.
Install and record
Panels go up, and photos of the mounts are kept for future service.
How roof types handle panels
Asphalt shingle
The most common base. Condition matters more than type.
Metal
Standing seam roofs can take clamp mounts with fewer holes in the roof.
Tile
Doable with care, since tiles break easily when walked on.
Flat or low-slope
Uses tilted racks. The membrane under them needs protection from wear.
Older roofs of any type
If the covering is near the end of its life, replace it first. Removing and reinstalling panels later adds a step you can avoid.
One team for roof and solar
Once panels are up, the shingles beneath them are hard to see and harder to reach. That is why the roof and the array should be planned as one project. GemSco handles solar panel installation along with roof repair and replacement. We are family owned, fully licensed and insured, and estimates are free.
Already have panels and need roof work? See solar panel removal and reinstallation in Lancaster. More on our solar panel installation service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace my roof before adding solar?
If the roof is close to the end of its life, it usually makes sense. Otherwise you pay to remove and reinstall the panels when the roof is replaced. An inspection tells you how much life the roof has left so you can choose the right order.
Are solar panels heavy for a Lancaster roof?
Most residential roofs in good condition can carry a standard array, but the deck and rafters must be sound where the mounts go. Soft or rotten decking should be repaired first. A roofer checks this from the attic and on the roof before the layout is set.
What happens if a solar mount leaks?
A mount that leaks usually has a flashing or sealing problem. It should be fixed at the mount, not covered with more sealant. Knowing who is responsible for the roof penetrations before the install avoids confusion if it ever happens.
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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.