Ease of Installation: For certain types of metal roofs, installing solar panels can actually be simpler and less intrusive than on other roofing materials. Westman Steel has an engineered clamp from S5 that specially is designed to work with our Snap Lok panel in attaching a solar panel.
Environmental Benefits: Both metal roofs and solar panels contribute to a greener home. Metal is often made from recycled content and is 100% recyclable itself. Pairing this with clean solar energy amplifies your home's environmental footprint.
Engineering
Engineering is the cornerstone of a successful project. It outlines the materials, panel profiles, clips, screws, and clip spacing required for your assembly. Engineering also ensures compliance with local codes, such as wind uplift standards. Westman Steel offers pre-tested panel profiles, making it easier to select the right systems for your project.
Project Complexity
Metal roofing projects vary widely—from simple structures like picnic shelters to intricate designs on large commercial buildings. The complexity of a project affects installation time, labor needs, and the level of communication required. For more complex projects, precise planning and detailed communication are critical to ensure high-quality results.
Materials
Choosing the right materials is essential. For example, 24-gauge metal is commonly used for standing seam metal roofing due to its durability, but it is thicker and harder to work with than 26- or 28-gauge metal. Ensure your crew is familiar with the materials you select.
Also, be mindful of galvanic reactions, which can occur when dissimilar metals come into contact. For instance, rain runoff from a copper gutter onto steel roofing can cause corrosion. Educate your team on best practices to avoid such issues.
Selecting a Solar Installer for Metal Roofs
It’s true that not all solar installers are experts with Steel roofs, and some might even be hesitant to quote the job if they lack specific experience. This doesn’t mean it can’t be done!
If you have a Westman Steel metal roof, or are planning to install one, it’s highly likely there’s a qualified solar installer in your community who either specializes in metal roof solar installations or regularly partners with a roofer who does. A qualified roofer and solar installer working together in tandem can successfully install solar on a metal roof without causing any damage or compromising your roof’s integrity.
Installation Methods Vary by Metal Roof Type
It’s important to know that different types of metal roofs require different installation methods for solar panels.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
This is where metal roofs truly shine for solar! Standing seam roofs like Snap Lok, feature raised interlocking seams that run vertically up the roof. Every manufacturer of solar racking will have a slightly different design, but with a standing seam roof, installers can use specialized clamps like Westman Steel’s S5, that securely grip these seams without penetrating the metal panels.
This design is a huge advantage because it means you don’t have to worry about creating permanent holes in your roof, significantly reducing any risk of moisture entry points. It’s a clean, non-invasive attachment method.
The Bottom Line
Solar panels are an excellent, long-term investment, and they are perfectly suited for Westman Steel metal roofs. Given the exceptional lifespan of our Steel roofing systems, there’s a much lower chance you’ll face the added cost and inconvenience of having to remove and reinstall your solar panels for a roof repair.
By choosing a Steel roof, you’re building a durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly foundation for your home, ready to harness the power of the sun for decades to come.
