Every bolt or screw that goes through a roof makes a hole. Solar panel mounts, satellite dishes, antennas, and rooftop equipment all need to be attached, and each attachment has to be sealed. When the sealing is done well, it can hold for years. When it is not, the roof starts to leak.
How these leaks happen
- Fasteners that miss the rafter. A mount that is not anchored well can loosen and let water in.
- Poor flashing. Mounts need flashing, or a sealed base, under the shingle layer; otherwise they become flashing leaks. Sealant alone on top of the shingle is not as reliable.
- Shingles damaged during installation. Cracked or lifted shingles around a mount can be missed.
- Cables and conduit. Wires that pass through the roof or the wall need their own seal, much like the seals described in our guide to roof vent leaks.
- Movement. Wind, snow, and temperature swings can shift mounts, and sealant can crack.
A leak may show up within weeks, or only after years, when the seals age.
Signs to watch for
Look for a stain or drip on the ceiling near the equipment, wet insulation or damp wood around a mount in the attic, rust streaks around fasteners, or sealant that is cracked or peeling. Check the area after the first heavy rain following an installation.
Who is responsible
If a leak shows up soon after installation, the company that installed the equipment may be responsible for fixing it. Check your contract and any workmanship warranty, and contact the installer first. Ask them to put the repair in writing. Be careful not to have someone else alter the work until you know how it affects your warranty, since some warranties have conditions on who can touch the system.
What a roofer can do
A roofer can find the source of the leak, which may be one mount among many, and perform the roof leak repair around it. That may mean re-flashing the mount, replacing damaged shingles, and resealing penetrations. A roofer can work with the installer when needed. With solar panels, the system may need to be removed temporarily for the repair, which is something the solar company should handle.
Before you install
If you are planning solar or other roof equipment, ask the installer how the mounts will be flashed and sealed, who is responsible for leaks, and what the warranty covers. Have the roof inspected first. If the roof is near the end of its life, it is easier to replace it before the equipment goes on than to remove the equipment later.
Do not ignore a small drip
A slow leak around a mount can soak insulation and rot wood without much sign inside the house. Check the attic if you can, and call for help early.
Get the roof around the equipment checked
Call Roof Leak Repair Carol Stream IL at (630) 866-1445. Tell us what is mounted on the roof and where the stain is.
Carol Stream Leak & Restoration is a free referral service. We connect Carol Stream homeowners with independent local roofing contractors — no fees to you, ever. Call (630) 866-1445 for fast help with a roof leak.