Q: Is it feasible to install solar panels on a roof covered with tar and gravel?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s possible to install solar panels on a tar and gravel roof, but it does increase the risk of roof leaks more than installing solar on a sloped roof would. Flat roofs pool water in heavy rain and hold onto snow longer than sloped roofs do, so all aspects of the roof will be exposed to moisture and water more readily. Adding roof penetrations to install the solar racking system will increase that risk further.</p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of a roof?

• <div><p>The average life span of an asphalt-shingled roof is <b>25 to 30 years</b>. Some roofing materials, like slate, wood, copper, and clay, can last 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend the life of your roof and prevent costly damage, such as cleaning gutters and replacing damaged shingles.</p></div>

Q: How waterproof is roof underlayment?

• <div><p>The level of underlayment&rsquo;s water resistance will depend on the type of underlayment. The most popular underlayment, felt, is water-resistant, but it can&rsquo;t withstand long direct exposure to rain or the elements. </p><p>Synthetic underlayment is more waterproof, but asphalt is the only fully waterproof type of underlayment.</p></div>

Q: What are the downsides of a spray foam roof?

• <div><p>Spray foam roofs don&rsquo;t stand up well to impact, so they won&rsquo;t <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/foam-roof-vs-tar-and-gravel.htm">last as long as something like a tar and gravel roof</a> and other flat roof materials in areas where extreme weather is common. Due to the reduced durability, you&rsquo;ll also need more frequent maintenance and repairs for a spray foam roof, and those costs will add up over time. Spray foam roofs are relatively uncommon, so you may also struggle to hire a roofing contractor who can install one. </p></div>

Question 1

Is it feasible to install solar panels on a roof covered with tar and gravel?

Accepted Answer

•

It’s possible to install solar panels on a tar and gravel roof, but it does increase the risk of roof leaks more than installing solar on a sloped roof would. Flat roofs pool water in heavy rain and hold onto snow longer than sloped roofs do, so all aspects of the roof will be exposed to moisture and water more readily. Adding roof penetrations to install the solar racking system will increase that risk further.

Question 2

What is the life expectancy of a roof?

Accepted Answer

•

The average life span of an asphalt-shingled roof is 25 to 30 years. Some roofing materials, like slate, wood, copper, and clay, can last 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend the life of your roof and prevent costly damage, such as cleaning gutters and replacing damaged shingles.

Question 3

Can I repair the roof myself?

Accepted Answer

•

Roof work is dangerous and exacting, and a misstep could lead to even more costly repairs, so we do not recommend DIYing. If you are dead set on giving it a go, practice safety measures. Wear a harness, only work during mild weather, and have a partner to help. Potentially DIY-friendly jobs include patching up small leaks, sealing areas around the chimney, and replacing a few shingles.

Question 4

How waterproof is roof underlayment?

Accepted Answer

•

The level of underlayment’s water resistance will depend on the type of underlayment. The most popular underlayment, felt, is water-resistant, but it can’t withstand long direct exposure to rain or the elements.

Synthetic underlayment is more waterproof, but asphalt is the only fully waterproof type of underlayment.

Question 5

What are the downsides of a spray foam roof?

Accepted Answer

•

Spray foam roofs don’t stand up well to impact, so they won’t last as long as something like a tar and gravel roof and other flat roof materials in areas where extreme weather is common. Due to the reduced durability, you’ll also need more frequent maintenance and repairs for a spray foam roof, and those costs will add up over time. Spray foam roofs are relatively uncommon, so you may also struggle to hire a roofing contractor who can install one.