Rowlett Solar Installation Starts With a Sound Roof
Solar panels can stay on a roof for many years. Before they go up, the roof under them should be ready for the same stretch.
Schedule Your Roofing Inspection Today
Fill out the information below and we’ll reach out to complete your estimate as soon as possible!
Roof facts that shape a solar decision
Home age
Half of Rowlett homes were built before 1997 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024).
Ownership
75 percent are owner-occupied, so most residents control what goes on their roof.
Hail frequency
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 94 hail reports within 10 miles of Rowlett from 2015 through 2024.
Largest hail
5.25 inches, reported on April 11, 2016.
Why roof age matters for solar
A roof that is 29 years old, or even half that, may not last as long as the panels. If it fails, the panels come off for the repair and go back on, which adds cost and hassle. Checking the roof first lets you decide whether to repair, replace or install as is.
Hail is the second reason. Panels and roofs both take hits, and a weak roof under an array is harder to inspect and fix. See what a roof inspection after hail includes. Large hail near Rowlett showed up in 6 of the 10 years on record, so the odds of a storm during the life of an array are real.
Ownership matters as well. With 75 percent of homes owner-occupied, most Rowlett residents can plan the roof and the panels as one project. If you rent, the owner makes the call, so bring them the inspection photos.
Questions before you commit
How much life is left in the roof?
Is the decking solid where the mounts will go?
Are there valleys, vents or chimneys in the array area?
How does your homeowners policy treat roof-mounted panels?
Who handles the roof if a mount leaks later?
Does the panel maker publish a hail rating for the product you are considering?
GemSco's roof-first approach
Inspect
Photos and notes on the roof surface, flashing and attic.
Install with sealed mounts
Each penetration is flashed to keep water out.
Free estimate
You get a written estimate before any work begins.
What a roofer looks at that others may miss
A solar layout is usually drawn from satellite images and sun angles. A roofer looks at different things: soft decking near the eaves, flashing that is due for replacement, vent boots that will end up under the array, and whether the shingles still bend or have turned brittle. Those checks take little time on an open roof.
Each of those is easy to fix on an open roof and hard to reach once panels are in place. GemSco has 20+ years of roofing experience and is fully licensed and insured, which is why the roof check comes before the panels.
Attic ventilation is part of it too. Panels shade the roof, but the attic still needs proper airflow to keep heat and moisture from building up under the decking.
Learn more
Visit our solar panel installation page, solar panel removal and reinstallation in Rowlett and the page for roofing in Rowlett, or call (844) 980-5506.
Ask for photos of the roof before the panels go on, so you have a record of its condition under the array.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install solar on a roof that has hail damage?
It is not a good idea. Damage under the array becomes harder to reach and repair once panels are in place. Fix or replace the roof first, then install. If you plan to file a claim, document the damage and talk to your insurer before work begins, since coverage depends on your policy.
What roof materials work with solar?
Asphalt shingles, metal and tile are common bases, each with its own mounting method. Stone-coated steel and wood shake need extra care. The condition of the roof matters as much as the material, so an inspection should come before any layout or design work on the array.
Is it better to replace my roof and add solar at the same time?
If the roof is aging, doing both together avoids removing panels later. The roof goes on first, then the panels. If the roof is newer and sound, installation can go ahead without it. An inspection with photos helps you make that call with confidence.
More Roofing Help in Rowlett
Roofing in Rowlett, TX
City overviewRoof Repair in Rowlett
Learn MoreRoof Replacement in Rowlett
Learn MoreStorm & Hail Damage in Rowlett
Learn MoreRoof Inspection in Rowlett
Learn MoreCommercial Roofing in Rowlett
Learn MoreGutters in Rowlett
Learn MoreSolar Removal & Reinstall in Rowlett
Learn MoreSolar Panel Installation Near Rowlett
We’re Here to Help!
GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.