Roof Work Under Solar Panels in Pasadena: Remove, Repair, Reinstall
A roof cannot be repaired properly with panels sitting on it. This is how the removal and reinstallation process works and what to plan for.
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The problem with working around panels
When a leak starts under an array, or the roof needs replacement, the panels are in the way. Some crews try to patch around them, but that rarely reaches the real cause. The patch may stop the drip for a while, but water keeps working under the shingles where nobody can see it. Shingles under the panels, the flashing at each mount and the underlayment all need to be accessible for a proper repair.
The answer is a planned sequence: take the panels down, fix or replace the roof, then put the panels back on new, sealed mounts.
Done in that order, the roof gets the same care as any roof without panels, and the array goes back on a surface that is ready to carry it for years.
Common reasons Pasadena owners need it
Hail damage
Shingles under and around the array were bruised or cracked in a storm.
Aging roof
The panels went on a roof that has now reached the end of its life.
Mount leaks
Flashing at one or more mounts has failed and water is reaching the attic.
Storm debris
Branches or flying debris damaged the roof near the array. Read tree limbs and debris roof damage.
What the local record shows
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 28 hail reports within 10 miles of Pasadena from 2015 through 2024. Seven were 1.75 inches, and large hail returned in 2019, 2023 and 2024. Roofs that carry panels faced each of those storms, and damage under the array is hard to see without taking panels off.
Housing age plays in too. Half of Pasadena's homes were built before 1977 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). On older houses, the deck under the array may need work once the shingles come off. For homes east of State Highway 146 with TWIA coverage, roof work generally needs windstorm inspection and a WPI-8 certificate.
Step by step
Inspect and photograph
The roof and the panels are documented before anything is removed.
Take the array down
Panels and racking are removed in order and stored safely.
Repair or reroof
Damaged decking is replaced, and new underlayment, shingles and flashing go on. See roof repair in Pasadena.
New mounts
Each attachment is flashed and sealed into the new roof. Old holes from the previous mounts are covered by the new decking and roofing, not left open.
Reinstall and check
Panels go back up, and the roof around them is checked for drainage and seal.
Planning tips
Book the roof and panel work as one project so nothing waits on another trade.
Clear the driveway and side yard, since panels and racking are staged on the ground during the work.
Ask for photos of the panels before removal to record their condition.
Ask how the mounts will line up with rafters on the new roof.
If the work follows a storm, review your policy. Coverage depends on your insurer. See roof insurance claims.
Use the chance to choose Class 4 shingles tested to UL 2218 for the new roof.
Learn more on our solar panel removal and reinstallation page or roofing in Pasadena.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the leak is from a panel mount?
Leaks from mounts usually show up as stains on the ceiling under the array or as damp wood near the attachment points in the attic. A roof inspection can confirm it. If the cause is under the panels, they usually need to come off for a proper fix.
Can the same panels go back on a new roof?
In most cases, yes, if they are in good condition. Panels are photographed and checked before removal, and any damage is noted. They are then reinstalled on new, sealed mounts once the roof work is finished.
Should I reroof now if my panels are new but my roof is old?
If the roof is near the end of its life, it will need replacement while the panels still have years left. Doing it now means one removal and reinstall instead of dealing with leaks under the array later. An inspection helps you decide with real information.
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