Are you looking into getting your industrial roof repaired or replaced?
Maybe your metal roof has developed rust and is dripping water. You are likely worried the structure is on the verge of collapsing. Or perhaps you want to get the repairs out of the way before installing solar panels on top.
Be it for whatever reason, if you are thinking of removing your old sheet roof to get a new one, here’s why getting a solar roof would be a much better alternative.
Metal roofs are lightweight, durable, and affordable. Such factors make them a popular roofing choice for industrial units. Though this type of roofing looks attractive in the short run, it can be prone to issues in the long term. This especially holds if you hope to install a rooftop solar plant in the future.
1. Leakage Issues
One of the most common problems businesses face with sheet roofing is leakage. Roof leaks can develop due to misaligned roof screws, corrosion, lack of proper sealing at the overlapping spots, etc.
The water that seeps through can be disastrous for the equipment, machinery, and stock. If water comes into contact with the electrical wires, this seemingly small issue can develop into a much greater safety risk.
One can opt for waterproofing, but it will be an additional expense.
2. Prone to Rusting
Be it steel, aluminum, or tin, when sheet roofing comes in contact with moisture, it begins to rust. There are protective coatings available to prevent this problem, but their effectiveness eventually subsides with time.
Galvanic corrosion is another type of deterioration associated with these roofs. It happens when different metal types interact in the presence of elements like rainwater.
3. Overheating
Metal roofs can overheat, which turns the interior of the building stuffy and warm. High temperatures can also become a major impediment if you install solar panels on top.
The amount of energy a solar panel generates is inversely proportional to the temperature of that module. If a panel gets too hot, your generation goes down. If an adequate gap between the solar panels and the sheet roof is not provided and they get too hot, the energy generation will go down.
4. High Roof Repair Cost
Metal roofs are not easy to repair. In case of serious damage, like corrosion or cracks and dents, the entire roof has to be replaced. This process is time-consuming and costly.
Further, if solar panels have been installed over the roof, one will have to remove and reinstall the entire system before starting on the repairs. The process adds to the maintenance cost.
5. Not Sustainable
Corrugated sheets are a popular choice for industrial factories and sheds. You can recognize them through their distinctive folds design. Even though they look good, their manufacturing process can be notoriously unsustainable.
Approximately 1.85 tons of carbon dioxide is emitted to produce one ton of steel sheet.
The Solution
We now know that metal sheets are less than ideal roofing material. Then what is the alternative? Solar Roof is your answer.
Installing solar power systems is a great way to generate clean energy and reduce electricity costs. You can also take care of your roofing needs through a solar roof. The great news is that one can install a solar roof, without damaging or removing the steel building structure under the previous roof.