Removing and Reinstalling Solar Panels for Roof Work in Richardson
When a roof under solar panels needs repair or replacement, the panels have to come off first. Planning that step well protects both systems.
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Reasons panels come off
The roof under them needs replacement.
Hail damaged shingles across the array area.
A leak traced to a mount or to flashing under the panels.
Rot or soft decking near the mounts.
An older roof that should be redone before more years under the array.
Older homes with panels in Richardson
Half of the homes in Richardson were built before 1986 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). When panels went onto one of those roofs a few years ago, the shingles may already have been in the second half of their life. Now they are wearing out under an array that has to move before anyone can fix them. Leaks under an array are also harder to notice, because the panels hide the shingles from view.
Hail speeds things up. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 41 hail reports of 1.75 inches or larger within 10 miles of the city from 2015 through 2024. The biggest was 4.25 inches on April 11, 2016. Hail that size can damage both the panels and the roof around them. After a storm like that, both the glass and the roofing deserve a close look before anything is put back.
How the job is sequenced
Inspect and document
Photos of the panels, mounts and roof before anything is touched, plus a written estimate.
Remove the panels
Panels and racking come off.
Repair or replace the roof
New underlayment, flashing and roofing go on, and decking is fixed where needed. See roof replacement in Richardson.
Reinstall with new flashing
Mounts go back on sealed and flashed so the new roof stays watertight.
Final check
We review the roof and mounts once the array is back in place.
Things to plan ahead
Timing
Pair panel removal with a full replacement when it makes sense, so the panels only come off once.
Insurance
If hail caused the damage, coverage depends on your policy and your insurer. Read about the roof insurance claims process.
Photos of the system
Ask for photos of the panels before removal and after reinstall for your records.
Roof material
This is a good time to consider Class 4 shingles rated under UL 2218.
What a good reinstall looks like
New flashing at every mount
Old flashing is not reused on a new roof. Each attachment gets fresh flashing set into the shingle courses.
Mounts into solid framing
Attachments go into rafters or blocking, not just decking, so they hold in high wind.
Clean water paths
Racking should not block valleys or trap debris against the roof.
Photos at the end
Pictures of the finished mounts and array give you a record if questions come up later.
A look from the attic
After the first heavy rain, check the attic under the array for any sign of water.
Next steps
See our solar panel removal and reinstallation service, hail damage roof repair in Richardson and the page for roofing in Richardson. Call (844) 980-5506 for a free estimate. GemSco is fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of roofing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a roof be repaired without removing the panels?
Small repairs outside the array area usually can. Anything under the panels, or close to the mounts, generally means removing at least part of the array so the crew can reach the damage. Trying to patch underneath panels without lifting them often leads to repeat leaks and a second visit.
Will removing the panels damage them?
Careful removal, storage and reinstallation keep that risk low. Ask for photos of the panels before removal so their condition is on record. If a panel was already cracked by hail, that should be noted before the work begins, so nobody confuses old damage with new.
Should the roof be replaced before the panels go back?
If the roof is old or hail-worn, yes. Once the panels are off, replacing the roof under them is far less disruptive than taking them off again in a few years. If the roof is young and the damage is limited, a targeted repair and a quick reinstall may be enough.
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