Solar panels are popping up on rooftops across Belfast and Northern Ireland at a rate we've never seen before. With energy bills showing no signs of dropping and government incentives making the switch more attractive, it's no wonder homeowners are keen to harness the power of the sun.
But here's what many people don't consider: your roof needs to be ready for solar panels before you commit to installation.
Think about it. Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years. Your roof needs to match that lifespan : or you'll face the expensive headache of removing panels, fixing roof problems, and reinstalling everything. That's a bill nobody wants.
So how do you know if your roof is up to the job? A professional roof survey tells you everything you need to know.
Why You Must Check Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels
Here's the reality many solar installers won't tell you: they're focused on selling and fitting panels. They're not roofing experts. They'll mount panels on your roof and move on to the next job.
What happens if your roof has underlying problems? You discover them three years down the line when water starts dripping through your ceiling. Now you're paying to remove panels, repair the roof, and reinstall the system. We've seen this scenario play out dozens of times across Northern Ireland.
A professional roof survey before solar installation identifies these issues while they're still manageable. It's the smart move that saves you thousands in potential repair costs.
What Does a Professional Roof Survey Actually Reveal?
When our team at Advanced Construction & Roofing conducts a pre-solar roof survey, we're examining several critical factors that determine whether your roof can safely and effectively support panels for decades to come.
Structural Integrity Assessment
Can your roof handle the weight? This is the first and most important question.
Solar panels typically add 3 to 4 pounds per square foot to your roof. Most residential roofs are designed to support 20+ pounds per square foot, so the weight itself usually isn't a problem. However, that assumes your roof structure is in good condition.
Our surveyors examine:
- Roof framing for signs of damage, rot, or structural weaknesses
- Rafter size and spacing to confirm the timber can handle additional load
- Foundation stability to ensure the overall structure is sound
- Previous repairs that might have compromised structural integrity
If your roof has hidden damage from previous storms or years of wear, adding solar panels could accelerate problems you don't even know exist yet.
Roof Condition Evaluation
How old is your roof, and what condition is it really in?
A roof that looks fine from ground level might tell a very different story up close. Our surveyors look for:
- Granular loss on shingles indicating age and deterioration
- Curling or lifting tiles that could allow water ingress
- Pooling water on flat roof sections
- Cracked or slipped slates
- Deteriorating flashing around chimneys and vents
- Moss and algae growth that can hide underlying damage
If your roof has 5 to 10 years of life left but your solar panels are designed to last 25+ years, you've got a mismatch. Better to know now and plan accordingly than discover it when panels are already installed.
Physical Layout and Mounting Considerations
Not every roof is ideal for solar panels. Our survey measures and evaluates:
- Roof pitch (the slope angle) and how it affects panel orientation
- Available unobstructed space after accounting for setbacks from edges
- Obstructions like chimneys, skylights, vents, and satellite dishes
- Roof type : whether you have slate, tile, metal, or felt flat roofing
Different roof materials require different mounting approaches. Standing seam metal roofs are relatively straightforward to work with, while slate and some tile roofs need more careful handling. If you have a flat roof, you'll want to understand the differences between EPDM and felt systems and how they affect solar installations.
Shading Analysis
Solar panels need sunlight. Seems obvious, but the amount of shading your roof receives throughout the day : and across different seasons : dramatically affects how much energy you'll generate.
Our survey identifies shading from:
- Nearby buildings
- Trees (including seasonal leaf coverage)
- Chimneys and other roof structures
- Terrain and hillsides
A roof that gets full sun in summer might be heavily shaded in winter when energy demand is highest. Understanding this helps you make informed decisions about panel placement and realistic energy expectations.
Common Issues We Find During Pre-Solar Surveys in Belfast
After conducting hundreds of roof surveys across Belfast and Northern Ireland, we've identified the most common problems homeowners don't realise they have:
Storm damage that was never properly repaired. Northern Ireland weather takes its toll. Many roofs have lingering issues from past storms that were patched rather than properly fixed. Learn more about what to look for after storm damage.
Deteriorating felt on flat roof sections. Many Belfast homes have flat roof extensions or dormers. These sections often show wear before the main roof and need attention before adding panel weight.
Ventilation problems. Poor roof ventilation leads to condensation, damp, and timber rot : all of which weaken your roof structure over time.
Failed previous repairs. Not all roofing work is created equal. We regularly find botched repairs that are actually making problems worse. If you've had roof repairs that keep failing, a survey will reveal why.
The Real Cost of Skipping a Roof Survey
Let's talk numbers.
A professional roof survey costs a fraction of what you'll spend on solar panels. But skipping that survey could cost you:
- £500 to £2,000 to remove and reinstall panels when roof repairs become necessary
- £1,500 to £5,000+ for roof repairs that could have been done more cheaply before installation
- Lost energy generation while your system is offline during repairs
- Potential warranty issues if panel mounting has been disturbed
Compare that to the peace of mind that comes from knowing your roof is ready to support solar panels for the next three decades.
Book Your Pre-Solar Roof Survey for Just £295
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we offer comprehensive roof surveys designed to give you complete clarity about your roof's condition.
Our £295 roof survey includes:
- Full visual inspection of all roof surfaces
- Structural assessment for solar readiness
- Photo evidence of any defects or concerns
- Detailed written report with recommendations
- In-depth analysis of repair priorities
- Clear guidance on whether your roof is solar-ready
This isn't a quick glance from ground level. Our experienced surveyors get up on your roof and examine every detail. You'll receive honest, professional advice about what your roof needs : whether that's a green light for solar installation, minor repairs first, or a more comprehensive roof overhaul.
Don't let a solar installer tell you what you want to hear. Get an independent professional assessment from roofing experts who understand Northern Ireland conditions and construction standards.
Request Your Roof Survey Today
Ready to find out if your roof can handle solar panels? Contact Advanced Construction & Roofing today to book your comprehensive roof survey.
Our team serves homeowners throughout Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Newtownards, and across Northern Ireland. We'll give you the facts about your roof's condition so you can make informed decisions about solar investment.
Call us or visit adv-group.co.uk to schedule your £295 roof survey.
Your solar panels deserve a solid foundation. Let's make sure your roof is ready.