ROOF CONDITION AND CRITERIA FOR RE-ROOF

PURPOSE: 

This Reroof Standard Training establishes clear, consistent guidelines for the reroofing process. This training aims to enhance safety, ensure quality workmanship, and promote efficiency in all solar projects.  This document is built to standardize between installation and sales of when it is required to re-roof before the solar installation. for all departments at ION.

1. COMPOSITION SHINGLE ROOF MEMBRANE

Roof Life

The roof's age will not be a determining factor. Decisions regarding reroofing will be based solely on the roof's condition.

Roofs deemed to have four years of life or more will not be called out for reroofing unless there are damages that fall within the outlined standard operating procedures. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Roofs with less than four years of life will likely exhibit damages or granule loss that do not comply with the safety guidelines mentioned in this SOP.

Shingle Condition

The condition of shingles is assessed based on factors such as brittleness, granule loss, cracking, and the visibility of fiberglass. Shingle condition is not a qualifying factor unless the following is present:

Fiberglass and Missing Granules. If more than half an inch of fiberglass is showing, the shingles will be considered to be in poor condition and will require replacement. This will be the same for granule loss. If the edges of the shingles have shed ½ inch of granules around the shingle we will know the granules are way too loose and we will cause extensive damage to the shingles when installing. 

Missing Granules Impacting Installer Safety.  If the surveyor is unable to walk on the roof due to loose granules, a reroof will be required. Walking on the shingles while connected to ropes will cause further damage to the shingles. The risk of slipping and dropping tools or panels presents a significant safety concern. This SOP will be applied to roofs with a pitch of 5/12 (23 degrees) or greater. Granule loss will still be considered for roofs with a pitch of less than 23 degrees, but the safety aspect is significantly less of a concern compared to steeper roofs. While loose granules may indicate wear, the risk of damage or accidents is lower allowing for different evaluation and maintenance approaches. 

Reroof Required Example(s):

Missing Shingles

Missing Shingles are only a qualifying factor for a reroof if they are located where placing the pv array and there are more than 2 locations of missing shingles.  If only a couple of shingles are missing under where placing the array it will be assumed that shingle replace will be adequate without a reroof. 

Reroof Required Example(s):

Ridge Cap Damage

 If there is damage to the ridge cap or shingles near it, a complete/ partial reroof will not be necessary as long as the damage has not allowed extensive water damage under the roof section being installed. Damaged ridge caps can be addressed after the solar installation is complete. By fixing the ridge cap post-installation, we can ensure that the solar system is securely in place while still maintaining the roof's integrity. This approach allows for effective repairs without the added cost and effort of a full reroof as long as the damage has not allowed extensive water damage.

Water Stains

Water stains do not necessarily warrant reroofing unless there is visible extensive damage to the shingles or if water is pooling and unable to drain off the roof. In such cases, it’s important to address the underlying issues to prevent further damage. If the shingles are only discolored, reroofing will not be required as discoloration alone does not indicate a structural issue.

A lot of times a swamp cooler will cause discoloration but not cause damage to shingles or sheathing. If the sheathing in the attic has water damage it will be known it is not just discoloration but rather water damage that needs to be fixed. 

Reroof NOT Needed Example(s):

Reroof NOT Needed Example(s):

3. Flat Roof Membrane

Wear

Unless there are rips, or tears or cracking that has gaps greater than 1/4", no reroof is required.  A reroof is required if these otherwise exist.

Flat Roof Water Pooling

Pooling water in the center of a flat roof membrane can lead to serious issues, including membrane damage and leaks. Over time, standing water can weaken roofing materials and encourage mold growth. 

If a flat roof has puddles that last longer than 36 hours, then a reroof is required to resolve these problems. Since it's often difficult to inspect the sheathing in the attic, it's required to take a cautious approach and address any visible issues before proceeding with installation. We will be looking for pooling but also permanent indentation that we can tell pools in the wetter times of the year. Additionally, tares and hail damage are required to be repaired, as they are likely entry points for leaks and can further compromise the roof's integrity. 

Rolled Comp will be looked at the same way as regular shingles as far as granule loss and cracking. It will also follow the pooling rules mentioned for flat roofing material.

Reroof Required Example(s):

Reroof NOT Needed Example(s):

Reroof NOT Needed Example(s):

Physical Damage

Unless the physical damage is a hole that someone on the roof can indent in to, or reaches from rafter to rafter, it is not something to worry about,  Sheathing physical damage is not a structural concern for the roof framing.  We can be mindful of these areas avoid if possible, but if not can mount right on top of them.

Mold

Excessive mold in the attic can be a safety concern for anyone in the attic.  Unless a site review shows it is squishy and bouncy, or the mold is reflected on the roof rafter, it does not merit a reroof.  However, any type of mold found in the attic needs to be escalated to field personal as it will be a safety hazard and can cause illness.