Supplemental Guide - Roof Quality

The roof must be installed according manufacturer guidelines based on product type

Example Violations Include:

Roofing material should be installed directly to decking, and not installed over another roof type. Shingles should be no more than 2 layers.

As the asphalt roof ages and dries, it becomes brittle, leading to cracks from wind, debris, or applied pressure.

Extensive cracking, particularly at the ridge, compromises waterproofing and must be addressed if near the solar array.

Shingle cracks appear as thin, dark lines lacking granules.

Workmanship-related cracks usually occur where shingles were manipulated during installation.

Missing shingles, due to weather, inadequate nailing, or installation damage (especially in high heat), compromise system waterproofing and signal broader issues.

They must be addressed if near the array.

Missing shingles are often identifiable by a distinct discoloration in the affected area compared to adjacent shingles. The exposed shingle layer, having received less UV light than surrounding materials, typically appears darker. Though can sometimes be harder to identify.

Granules are a critical component of shingle design, serving as a UV barrier that extends the life of both the underlying fiber mat and the overall roofing system.

When evaluating granule loss, it is essential to distinguish the root cause, as the nature of the loss determines its impact.

The underlying tar and fiberglass mat will show lighter if the missing granules are due to the normal aging process.

Darker mat showing is an indication of installation related wear and scarring.

Exposed fibers in the center of the shingle mat are more problematic as that indicates a total failure in the weather proofing of the system. Solar attachment points cannot waterproof these areas when installed over.

When the fiber mat dries or and the asphalt wears away the fibers will start to fray off, at this point the shingle is no longer providing weather proofing.

Excessive granule loss indicates the roof is at end-of-life, exposing fiberglass (white fibers/spots). This typically starts at the shingle edges as a sign of natural, long-term aging. Exposure in the shingle's interior or "field" suggests a more serious problem.

Damaged or missing hip/ridge caps above the solar array compromise system waterproofing, leading to leaks, mold, and structural issues. Incorrect cap type or application can also result in premature failure or leaks.

Missing or damaged hip/ridge caps look discolored compared to adjacent shingles. The exposed underlayer of a missing shingle often appears darker because it had less UV exposure than its neighbors.

Organic buildup that is impacting waterproofing, excessive growth in installation areas, or clear evidence of sealant over buildup. Moss, lichen, or other organic materials can deteriorate a composite roof. Applying sealant-based waterproofing over growth compromises adhesion and leads to early failure.

Organic buildup commonly affects roof planes that have a shallow pitch, are shaded, or do not face directly south. This is recognizable by discoloration along the shingle edges or sections of the shingle that are raised above the roof plane.

ANY roof with clear signs of more than 2 layers is an immediate issue with waterproofing as well as against building code.

Occasionally, the customer will have excessive layers of roofing material on their residence, leading to structural deficiencies and the inability to properly waterproof solar attachment methods.

Bubbling, waviness and planar sag are all indications of excessive roofing material layers as roofs degrade significantly faster with multiple layers.

Other signs are present around flashing (if provided) you can easily see if the flashings were not upgraded or moved to the top layer of roofing.

Waterproofing materials used in conjunction with the array must comply with all manufacturer specifications and building code requirements.

Common issues often encountered include:

The most accurate way to determine pitch is often by measuring the rafter tails or other supporting structures.

A small amount of dirt accumulation will occur on the shingle surface due to the slight deflection of the material causing water to pool.

The incorrect use of field shingles is readily apparent.

Repairs must follow all manufacturer best practices and ensure that they are completed PRIOR to project Submission.

This includes the remediation and removal of outdated solar equipment.

Identification of repairs needed and completed is often not a challenge as they stand out based on a mismatch of new and old materials.

NOTE - The surface upon which the coating is applied must be an approved roof type per Palmetto LightReach Policy AND inline with general manufacturer standards AND compatible with Solar Attachments.

Cracks and tears represent potential water intrusion points, ranging from small, hard-to-spot cracks to large rips in the membrane.

Older roofs are more susceptible to cracking and tearing due to the natural degradation of materials and sealants over time. Tears commonly originate at seams or architectural transition points in the roof design.

Cracking or tearing of the material, typically originating at edges or seam intersections, is visible. This is commonly associated with uneven surfaces (undulations) or areas where materials have detached from flashings.

Materials that show signs of UV related degradation are in the process of age related failure.

UV Damage can occur when the protective veneer of NON ASPHALTIC systems wears off. This allows the sun to further degrade the materials over time. This can be a sign of pending failure or of overall age.

BUILT UP MATERIALS (SPF and Coated) are especially susceptible to UV Damage and need to be recoated every ten years for this reason.

UV Damage shows as discoloration and fading.

This will be prominent around areas of higher traffic, or near areas that are impacted with moving of standing water.

All potential points of water ingress, including every hole, must be addressed during the installation process for all roof types.

Punctures or holes can result from hail, debris, general wear, failing flashing components, or gaps in materials. Because these openings allow water to enter, they require attention and resolution during installation.

Holes can show in a number of ways and can be difficult to identify. Look for small areas of shadow, examples of materials pulling through, or other signs of impact damage.

Materials pulling away are not in itself cause for immediate disqualification, but can be indications of other failure types.

Materials lifting away from surfaces or from flashing details can add to ponding and lead to tearing if not addressed on flat roofs.

See also BUBBLES and SEAM ISSUES

A close review of flashings around the roof plane can easily identify if materials are losing adhesion or separating.

Look also for areas that are showing ripples or uplift in the field of the system as well. (especially important to identify in fully adhered SINGLE PLY materials)

Water or air trapped between layers of roofing materials or blistering in patches is a sign of installation failure or other issues such as water ingress, gas / vapor build up, or poor application.

Bubbles and Blisters are prone to additional puncture damage or early failures.

Look for areas of the installation that are either intended to be adhered, or are composed of multiple layers. Flashings on EPDM and BUILT UP MATERIALS (SPF and Coated) are more prone to this failure type.

Any seam issues will lead to leaks and water ingress.

Seam separation, or fish mouthing is a sign of installation issues on all SINGLE PLY types and allows for water intrusion between layers into the interior of the system.

A close look at seams can be enough to identify separation, generally occurring around the flashing seams, but prevalent in the field seams as well.

Looking for wrinkles traveling to or from the separation can help to identify this issue.

Flashings are a weak point in all Flat Roof systems and will generally show signs of wear or failure earlier than the field. Flashing deterioration is an indicator of larger problems and should be addressed within the array area.

In many instances flashings will have had preventive actions taken as an interim step to delay roof replacement.

Looking at the flashing in proximity to the system it can be apparent when they start to deteriorate as they will show signs of discoloration, cracking and poor performance.

Any perimeter flashing uphill of the system is of particular concern as are transitions from one material type to another.

Flat Roof systems that can no longer properly shed water are a serious issue and ponding WILL lead to intrusion into the home if not addressed and and ponding in the installation area will result in project disqualification

Water ponding can be easily identified if it is currently present, some of the indicators of historical ponding to look for are;

Foam density loss is an indication of system failure and leaves the roof prone to damage and ponding. Loss of density is often a sign of more serious issues.

SPF ROOFS loss of density is a critical issue that signifies a deterioration of the foam substrate.

Look for sunken areas of the system, there is generally discoloration and ponding associated with this effect.

SPF ROOFS a visual indication is a separation of the top layer of coating exposing the foam below which ages to yellow very quickly.

Patches that are not properly applied or signs of excessive patching are indicators of prevalent issues.

Patching is common on low slope roofs as sections tend to age at dissimilar rates. All patches should be noted for performance, adhering to the following guidelines.

Patches are generally very easy to identify and should somewhat follow the FLASHING standards outlined in the sections above.

- The surface upon which the coating is applied must be an approved roof type per Palmetto LightReach Policy

AND

inline with general manufacturer standards

AND

compatible with Solar Attachments.

Often it is easy to identify violations due to the form factor of the material underneath. A close examination must be made when identifying soared single ply products.

S (Spanish) Tile - Concrete

W (Capri) Tile - Concrete

Flat Tile - Concrete

Clay Tile (Various Profiles)

UNAPPROVED ROOF TYPE UNLESS COMPOSITION BACKFILL

Slate (Various Profiles)

UNAPPROVED ROOF TYPE

Missing Tiles and Cracked Tiles both represent a compromise of the water shedding layer of the system.

When the primary water shedding layer is compromised it allows for water and debris to enter the system and accumulate at the lower portions of the roof.

Some amount of corner chipping is acceptable as long as the water proofing is not impeded.

Missing tiles are very apparent due to the visible gaps left in the system area.

Cracked tiles can be difficult to identify and if the damage was caused during the installation, efforts will be made to seal the tiles back together using whatever sealants are on hand, which is not an acceptable solution.

As the primary waterproofing the underlayment quality is a critical component.

Dry or cracking underlayment is a clear sign of age and will suffer additional damage through the installation process

Poor underlayment quality generally presents itself as hardened curling at the edge of sheets, but can also show as a browning and fuzzing of underlayment in the field areas of the sheet.

Look to identify that the surface is clear of tears and cracks.

The build up of debris under tile systems or in roof features can negatively impact the system as debris can lead to water damming and the acceleration of material degradation.

Identify signs of debris ingress, most common around rooftop features as well as at the lower edges of the roof. Identity in attachment photos if materials have been properly cleared out of the installation cavity.

Moss, lichen or other organic materials can deteriorate concrete tiles by slowly fracturing the surface and if present in the interior of the roof can be a significant issue.

Organic buildup often occurs on roof planes that have a low pitch, are shaded, or are not directly South-facing. This can be identified as discoloration on the edges of the tile, or sections of the tiles that are non-planar with the rest of the roof.

Tile Roofs do not generally require applied coatings to improve water proofing performance, though sometimes the flashings do.

The general Tile system is a two part exterior and interior system which needs to breathe to perform correctly.

Look for material coatings applied around flashings and around transition features in the roof.

UNAPPROVED ROOF TYPE

UNAPPROVED ROOF TYPE

Rust and corrosion on metal roofs is a prevalent issue and can lead to early failure throughout the system

No holes or obvious signs of excessive pitting or flaking

Generally rust or corrosion appears first around areas of high water traffic or around areas where fabrication occurred during installation.

Look for signs of discoloration or bubbling / pitting in paints for indicators or where rust is present.

Dents are signs of impacts that can compromise attachment locations or loosen fasteners. Bent areas of metal can indicate that the metal was involved in an incident where the material was abused or folded back

Both issues create weak areas of the structure and should be excluded from the installation area.

Areas on the roof that are dented can show as lighter or darker shades as they catch the sun differently or are impacted by weathering in a dissimilar manner to the surrounding area.

Look for lines in the material that are interacting with the vertical features or traveling through areas of fabrication.

Upgrades are indications of earlier resolved damage or leaks. Patches on metal roofs are generally higher risk to their exposed nature, up roof laps, and exposed sealants.

When examining these upgrades close attention should be given to the adhesion and to the likelihood of impeding water/debris.

Upgrades on metal are generally easily distinguished as they show a variable color and sheen to the surrounding area.

Patched areas are more likely to be present around fabricated areas or features of the metal system, including where material overlap occurs.

Fastener quality when exposed is critical to ensure that waterproofing is maintained. Fasteners should be fully seated and free from rust or corrosion.

Corrugated Roof fasteners are required to contain signs of sealing (grometts) to ensure weather proofing.

Most forms of metal roofs will contain blind style fastening with fasteners only exposed when used in conjunction of repairs.

Corrugated Roof fasteners will be generally positioned along the ribs, but not always depending on manufacturer specifications.

When the protective coating or veneer on most metal roofing materials is compromised it allows for rust and corrosion to start.

NOTE - When roofs are coated post installation they are creating a new waterproofing layer that should be treated as a continuous waterproofing layer and subject to the COATED ROOF Requirements above.

Material coating degradation is a sure sign of age, BUT can occur anywhere that damage occurred in the past. Most frequently starting around areas of high traffic or fabrication.

Spaulding or cracking in surface paint or other signs of flaking or separation are very evident and can occur anywhere in the system, but usually start at fabricated (cut) edges.

(Low Slope Application >2/12)

Properly “Lapped” panels should overlap 12 inches vertically or 2 vertical ribs horizontally.

Properly “Sealed” panels should have a continuous bead of hand sealant or applied butyl tape cross horizontal and vertical overlaps.

Often the only way to determine if a system is properly Lapped and Sealed is to collect photos from the rake or eave edges of the roof.

All components used in metal roofing should be rated not only for the general use or the specific use where it pertains to the style of metal roofing.

Please reference the manufacturer's documentation for indication of approved use. Often a key visual indicator

Often the most clear indication of the incorrect hardware is a close examination of flush even contact.