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vicky

Jun 02
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Roof Inspection After a Major Storm: Protecting Your Investment in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

By Residential Inspections, Uncategorized

In the wake of the recent major storm that swept through the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, homeowners and commercial property owners are left with the daunting task of assessing potential damage to their roofs. Storms of this magnitude can cause significant damage, from dislodged shingles to structural impairments, making a thorough roof inspection crucial.

Before you open the door to the next roofer knocking, it’s essential to understand the condition of your roof and know what options are available if repairs or replacements are necessary. ARIEL Inspection can help take the worry out of this process by providing an unbiased inspection report that is not tied to any roofing company trying to pressure you into costly replacements.

The Importance of Post-Storm Roof Inspections

Identifying Hidden Damage

Storm damage isn’t always immediately visible. High winds, hail, and flying debris can cause subtle but significant damage that may lead to leaks and structural issues down the line. An expert inspection can uncover these hidden issues before they escalate into more costly repairs.

Insurance Claims

An accurate and detailed inspection report is invaluable when filing an insurance claim. Insurance companies require clear evidence of damage to process claims efficiently. ARIEL Inspection provides comprehensive reports that meet insurance company standards, ensuring you have the documentation needed to support your claim.

Avoiding Scams and Pressure Sales Tactics

After a storm, it’s common for roofing companies to canvass neighborhoods, offering free inspections and pushing for immediate repairs or replacements. While some may be legitimate, others might use high-pressure tactics to sell unnecessary services. By obtaining an independent inspection from ARIEL Inspection, you can make informed decisions based on unbiased assessments, avoiding the risk of being pressured into premature or unnecessary work.

ARIEL Inspection: Your Trusted Partner

State-of-the-Art Technology

At ARIEL Inspection, we use the latest infrared and high-resolution drone technology to conduct thorough roof inspections. Our advanced equipment allows us to capture detailed images and identify issues that might not be visible to the naked eye. This technology ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your roof’s condition, providing you with the most accurate information possible.

Comprehensive Inspection Reports

Our inspection reports are detailed and easy to understand, including high-resolution images and infrared data that highlight areas of concern. These reports are not only useful for your records but are also designed to meet the requirements of insurance companies, streamlining the claims process.

Unbiased Evaluations

As an independent inspection service, ARIEL Inspection has no affiliations with roofing companies. Our goal is to provide you with an honest assessment of your roof’s condition without any ulterior motives. This impartial approach ensures that you receive a fair and accurate evaluation, allowing you to make informed decisions about necessary repairs or replacements.

Steps to Take After the Storm

  1. Schedule an Inspection: Contact ARIEL Inspection to schedule a comprehensive roof inspection as soon as possible.
  2. Review the Report: Once the inspection is complete, review the detailed report to understand the extent of any damage.
  3. File an Insurance Claim: Use the inspection report to support your insurance claim, ensuring you have the necessary documentation to expedite the process.
  4. Find a Qualified Roofer: If repairs or replacements are needed, use the information from the inspection report to find a reputable and qualified roofer. Avoid making hasty decisions based on pressure from unsolicited contractors.

In the aftermath of a major storm, ensuring the integrity of your roof is critical to protecting your property and investment. ARIEL Inspection offers a reliable and unbiased solution for assessing storm damage, providing you with the peace of mind and confidence needed to navigate the repair process. Don’t let the aftermath of the storm leave you vulnerable—contact ARIEL Inspection today and take the first step towards restoring and safeguarding your home or commercial property.

For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact us or call us direct (972) 400-5800 Let us help you protect your roof and your peace of mind

May 21
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How Hail Damages Solar Panels and When to Replace

By Residential Inspections, Uncategorized

As a homeowner or commercial customer with solar installations, understanding the potential for hail damage and knowing when to replace your panels is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your solar energy system. Whether you have a rooftop array or a dual-axis solar tracker, this article will guide you through the essentials.

How Hail Damages Solar Panels

Solar panels are designed to withstand a variety of environmental conditions, including hail. However, the severity of hailstorms can sometimes exceed the durability of even the most robust panels.

Impact Damage:

  • Glass Breakage: Hailstones, particularly those larger than 1 inch in diameter, can crack or shatter the tempered glass covering solar panels. This can expose the internal components to further damage from the elements.
  • Cell Fractures: The impact from hail can also cause micro-fractures in the solar cells themselves, reducing their ability to convert sunlight into electricity efficiently.

Surface Erosion:

  • Over time, even smaller hailstones can erode the surface of the panels, wearing down protective coatings and reducing their overall efficiency.

Encapsulation Compromise:

  • The encapsulant layers that protect the solar cells can be compromised by repeated impacts, leading to moisture ingress and further degradation of the panels’ performance​ (Energy Theory)​​ (Durability Matters)​.

When to Replace Solar Panels

Knowing when to replace damaged panels is key to maintaining a productive solar installation. Here are the signs that indicate it’s time to replace your panels:

Visible Damage:

  • Cracked or Shattered Glass: If the glass on your panels is cracked or shattered, it’s often best to replace them to prevent further damage to the internal components.
  • Bent or Damaged Frames: Severe hail can dent or bend the frames of solar panels, which can affect the alignment and efficiency of the entire system.

Performance Drop:

  • Reduced Energy Output: A noticeable drop in energy production can indicate internal damage. Monitoring your system’s output through your inverter or energy management software can help detect such issues.

Moisture Ingress:

  • Delamination: If you notice delamination, where the layers of the panel start to separate, it’s a sign that the encapsulant has been compromised, often due to impacts and subsequent moisture ingress.

Safety Concerns:

  • Electrical Hazards: Damaged panels can pose electrical hazards, such as short circuits or potential fire risks. Safety should always be a priority, and replacing compromised panels is essential.

Specific Considerations for Dual-Axis Solar Trackers

For those utilizing dual-axis solar trackers, the impact of hail can be slightly different:

Movement Mechanism:

  • Dual-axis trackers have more moving parts, which can be affected by the physical impact of hail. Ensuring these components are free of damage is crucial for maintaining optimal alignment and efficiency.

Increased Exposure:

  • Trackers, especially those positioned in open fields, might be more exposed to severe weather than rooftop arrays. Regular inspections post-hailstorm are essential.

Apply a Methacrylate Coating

Methacrylate acts as an effective guard against light hail impact. Applying a layer of this coating can limit damage to solar panel modules while still allowing light through.

Ensure Hail Damage Is Covered by the Warranty or Insurance

Many solar panel modules have warranties, but not all cover hail damage. Investing in solar panels with the best warranty against hail can reduce replacement costs in the event of hail damage. However, home insurance with adequate hail damage cover will probably be the best bet long term.

Choose Hardy UL 61730 or IEC 61730 Rated Panels

The best quality-manufactured solar panels generally get tested for hail resistance. However, the type of test, testing company, and results vary. Look for solar panels rated UL 61730 (North America) or IEC 61730 (International), as these are currently the most rigorous hail testing standards. Solar panels that earn these ratings can generally withstand hailstones sized 1-3″ at speeds of 16.8-88.3 mph.

Power Demands:

  • Systems operating large-scale equipment, such as pivot irrigation systems, rely heavily on consistent power. Ensuring your panels are fully functional is crucial for these high demand applications​ (Durability Matters)​.

Hail can pose a significant threat to both residential and commercial solar installations. By understanding how hail damages solar panels and knowing the signs that indicate replacement is necessary, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your solar energy system. Regular inspections and timely replacements not only protect your investment but also ensure continued performance and safety. For tailored advice and solutions, consider consulting with a professional solar technician who can provide a detailed assessment based on your specific installation.

For more information on maintaining and protecting your solar panels, contact our team at Solartron. We’re here to help you maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your solar energy system.

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