Installing Solar in New Braunfels? Start With the Roof
Solar panels last a long time on a roof. The roof under them has to keep up, or the panels end up coming off for a roofing job.
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Four roof checks before panels go up
Age
How many years the current roof has left compared with the life of the panels.
Decking
Whether the boards are solid where mounts will be fastened.
Storm damage
Hidden hail damage that will be covered by panels and hard to reach later.
Layout
Vents, valleys and edges that panels should not block.
New Braunfels roofs at a glance
Half of the homes in New Braunfels were built before 2006 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). Many roofs are around 20 years old, an age when shingles are often nearing replacement. Putting panels on a roof in that range can mean taking them down again in a few years.
Hail is the other factor. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 44 hail reports within 10 miles of the city from 2015 through 2024, with large hail in 5 of those 10 years. A roof that took damage in 2021, 2022 or 2023 should be inspected and repaired before anything is mounted on it.
About 65 percent of occupied homes here are owner-occupied (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024). Solar is a decision for the property owner, so renters should start with their landlord.
How the install works
Roof inspection
GemSco checks the roof first and fixes what needs fixing. Book a roof inspection in New Braunfels.
Plan the array
Panels are placed to keep water flowing around vents and valleys.
Mount and flash
Every mount is fastened to the structure and sealed against water.
Written estimate
A free estimate shows the scope before work starts.
Hail and panels
Solar panels are built to handle some impact, but large hail can crack the glass, bend frames and damage wiring. In an area that saw hail of 1.75 inches or more in 5 of the 10 years from 2015 through 2024, it makes sense to check both the panels and the roof after every big storm.
The roof around and under the array matters as much as the panels. Damaged shingles next to a mount can let water follow the fastener into the decking. Because that area is hard to see, photos from an inspection are the best way to know what is going on up there. Keep those photos with the rest of your home records.
Questions to ask any solar installer
Who checks the roof's condition before the install?
How will each mount be sealed against leaks?
What happens if a leak appears around a mount later?
Can the panels be removed and reinstalled when the roof needs work?
How does the installation work with my roof material?
Will the layout leave room to reach vents and valleys for future repairs?
Roof first, then solar
If your roof is near the end of its life, doing roof replacement in New Braunfels before installing panels avoids paying for removal and reinstallation later. If you are considering impact-rated shingles, ask about products tested to UL 2218 Class 4. Financing is available on our roof financing page.
Already have panels and need roof work? See solar panel removal and reinstallation in New Braunfels. For more, visit our solar panel installation service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much life should my roof have left before adding solar?
Ideally as much as the panels, since removing them for a roof job adds cost. If your roof is around 20 years old or has hail damage, an inspection tells you whether to repair, replace or go ahead as is. Doing roof work first is usually simpler.
Do solar panels cause roof leaks?
They should not if mounts are fastened and flashed correctly. Leaks around panels usually trace back to a poorly sealed mount or to a roof that was already damaged. That is why a roofing company checking the roof and the mounting details matters.
Can solar panels go on a tile or metal roof?
Yes, but each material needs a different mounting method. Tile must be handled carefully around mounts, and some metal roofs allow clamps on the seams. Your roof type should be part of the plan from the start so the roof stays watertight.
More Roofing Help in New Braunfels
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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.