
Solar Panels on Saginaw Roofs: What to Check First
Solar is a long-term addition to a home. On an older Saginaw roof, the most important part of the plan is the roof itself.
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Older roofs and solar in Saginaw
Half of the homes in Saginaw were built before 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). That means many roofs here are either original and about 26 years old or already on a second roof that is itself aging. Panels mounted on a roof near the end of its life will have to come off when the roof is replaced, so it pays to know where your roof stands before you sign anything.
Ownership matters too. About 68 percent of Saginaw homes are owner-occupied, per the same survey. Solar is a decision for the owner of the property, so renters and owners of rental homes face different questions. For a landlord, the roof under the array is also a long-term maintenance item to plan for.
There is also the question of what is already up there. Older roofs often carry patches, mixed shingles from past repairs and flashing that has been resealed more than once. Panels hide all of that from view. Fixing it before the array goes up is far easier than reaching it through the racking later.
What hail means for panels
Frequent storms
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 165 hail reports within 10 miles of Saginaw from 2015 through 2024.
Large stones
34 of those reports were 1.75 inches or larger, with a maximum of 3.25 inches on April 28, 2021.
Panel ratings
Panels are tested for hail impact, but large stones can still crack glass. Ask for the model's rating.
Coverage
Check with your insurance company how panels are covered before installing.
Preparing the roof for solar
Repair or replace
Fix what is needed, or replace an aging roof first so it does not need to come out from under the panels soon.
Plan placement
Keep panels clear of valleys, chimneys and vents, and leave access paths.
Seal each mount
Flash every mount like any other roof penetration.
Questions worth asking before you commit
How many years of life does my roof have left?
Will the decking hold the mounts securely?
How will leaks under the array be handled in the future?
What will it take to remove and reinstall the panels if the roof needs work?
Has the roof been checked for hail damage from recent storms?
Is attic ventilation adequate, since the roof will be harder to work on once the panels are up?
Who will look at the roof under the array after the next hailstorm?
One team for roof and panels
GemSco installs solar panels and works on the roofs under them, from shingles to metal and tile. One team checking both avoids gaps between the roof and the array. Learn more about our solar panel installation service, read how long roofing materials last in Texas, or call (844) 980-5506. Estimates are free.
If the inspection shows replacement is due, see roof replacement in Saginaw. Roof financing is available for the roof work, and planning both jobs together means the panels sit on a surface that should not need to be disturbed for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar panels be installed on an old roof?
They can, but it is usually not the best plan if the roof is near the end of its life. The panels would need to come off for a replacement later, adding time and cost. An inspection tells you if the roof should be replaced first.
Do panels make roof leaks more likely?
Not if the mounts are properly flashed and sealed. Each mount passes through the roof, so poor installation can create leak points. Ask how the mounts will be sealed and how the roof under the array will be serviced later.
What happens to panels during a hailstorm?
Panels are built and tested to take hail impacts, but very large stones can crack glass or damage frames. After a storm, check the panels from the ground and have the roof around and under them inspected, since that area is easy to overlook.
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