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Solar EnergySolar Energy Tips
Solar roofs & storage
ArmorThaneTalk to an applicator Waterproof the roof before the array goes up.
Panels stay put for decades, so the membrane underneath has to outlast them. We explain how spray-applied polyurea seals roof decks, flashes racking penetrations and lines battery rooms, then connect you with ArmorThane applicators.
Send roof size, deck type and array plans to ArmorThane for a coating quote.
Why coat first
A solar roof is a long commitment.
One membrane, no seams
Polyurea sprays on as a continuous film, so there are no laps or seams under the modules for wind-driven rain to find.
Flashes every mount
Liquid membrane wraps standoffs, L-feet and ballast pads in one pass instead of relying on sealant tubes and boots alone.
Removal is expensive
Pulling an array to reroof means de-energizing, unracking and recommissioning. Coating the roof first avoids that repeat cost.
DecadesTypical service life asked of a rooftop PV array, so plan the roof to match.
Roof readiness
Prep the deck once, then let the panels do the work.
Before installers lay out rails, the roof should be dry, sound and sealed. Applicators clean and repair the substrate, prime, then spray polyurea to a specified thickness so the membrane bonds to metal, concrete, single-ply or modified bitumen.
Plan your roof coatingBattery rooms too
Chemical-resistant floor and curb linings keep electrolyte leaks contained inside the storage room.
What we cover
Coating jobs around a solar system.
Field photos
Roofs sealed and ready for panels.
Real spray jobs on flat, metal and vehicle roofs. Tap any photo to enlarge it.
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SeamlessNo laps under the array
Fast-setWalkable soon after spraying
ReflectiveLight topcoats cut roof heat
ElastomericMoves with thermal cycling
How it works
From bare roof to array-ready.
Inspect
Check moisture, drainage, loose seams and planned mount locations with the solar layout in hand.
Prepare
Clean, repair and prime. Metal gets fasteners and seams treated; concrete gets cracks routed and filled.
Spray
Apply polyurea to specified thickness, building up extra film around curbs, drains and mount points.
Hand off
Verify thickness and adhesion, then hand a sealed, documented roof to the solar installer.
Planning a solar roof?
ArmorThaneTalk to an applicatorGet a quote from ArmorThane for the roof or battery room.
Questions
Common questions.
How big a system do I need?
Start with 12 months of electricity use from your bills, then factor in roof space, orientation and shading. An installer will run a production model.
String inverter or microinverters?
String inverters are simpler and cheaper; microinverters handle partial shading better and monitor each panel. Shading and budget usually decide.
Do I need a battery?
Not to use solar. A battery adds backup power and can help with time-of-use rates, but it adds significant cost.
Should I fix my roof first?
If the roof is near the end of its life, yes. Removing and reinstalling panels later is expensive.
Can a flat commercial roof be coated before solar?
Many are. A properly applied roof coating can restore a sound roof before racking goes on; plan penetrations with the solar installer.
Where do I check incentives?
Check current federal, state and utility programs directly, because amounts and eligibility change.
Solar EnergySolar Energy Tips