This is a picture of delaminated wood that's possibly under your roof right now.

This is why you need a professional roofer to inspect your roof, because so much of the damage that would warrant a roof claim isn’t visible from the ground nor detectable to the naked eye even if you were standing on your roof.

A bad deck happens more often than you think, believe it or not. A house with shingle damage from hail but also, really bad decking as a result of many prior roofs installed in the same sheathing or just simply because the house is old and it doesn’t meet building code anymore.

Did you know the building code for the decking on roofs states you have a solid deck? And it’s also in the manufacturer's specifications that you have a solid, even surface.

Why is this important? Because when you’re updating or renovating your roof and you rip out the shingles from the old plywood, you often cause splinters. This is called delaminating the wood, and overtime it can make the surface unlevel in certain areas.

This can decrease the strength of the wood and make it less safe to stand on. No one wants to fall through their roof the next time they are putting up holiday lights!

Well all love certain things about the 80’s and 90’s (parachute pants, crimped hair, neon colors…), but the building code wasn’t the best back then. In some of the older homes they only used ⅜’ or 1-¼” plywood across 2 feet of space between rafters. This means they have thinner plywood than we use now (7/16” OSB currently) stretched across a much longer rafter span. Over time, the shingles laying on top of this plywood start to dip in the span since it can’t support the weight, and it creates dips and ridges in your roof! Not only that, but there are places the shingles won’t sit properly and it’s much harder to lay new shingles on these roofs.

Thankfully, building code has changed and the span between 2 rafters must now be 16”, making roofs much safer in addition to using thicker plywood.

Another other big thing to consider is the safety load rating. We know from our experience in replacing roofs and the safety measures we take that we don’t want to be ripping off the roof of a home that has ⅜” or 1-¼” decking without being extra cautious. If one of our roofing crew members weighs 200lbs and they’re carrying an 80lbs bundle of shingles, they could easily put a foot through not just the old roof, but also straight down through the drywall in a customer’s ceiling! Not only do we want to avoid that for our customers’ sake, but also for the safety of our roofing crew.

We also check a couple other areas when doing a roof inspection in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. We put a level on top of the roof to measure the deflection between the rafter span. Checking to see if there's enough deflection between the rafters where the shingles is important to see if the shingles are sitting well or not. If there isn’t enough deflection, the shingles simply won’t sit well and you won’t be happy with your roof replacement. On the flip side, if the rafter span is too wide and the decking too thin, then there’s the chance of falling through those weaker spaces when walking on the roof.

Before we even install a new roof, we make an inspection of the attic. Why? Because we want to make sure we can:

- Measure the thickness of the wood.

- Measure the distance and width of the rafter span.

Look for signs of nail patterns. This can show us how many roofs have been installed on the current sheathing/decking. The more roofs that have been installed on the decking, the weaker it will be. Documenting all this in our roof inspections with photos and notes, gives us the ability to provide you with a quality estimate. Most reasonable insurance companies will pay for the sheathing/decking replacement, if needed.

Here at Becker Roofing we will make sure that we're putting the roof done above industry standards and codes each and every single time. Our main focus is to build roofs and relationships that last!

Roofs done right!

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Solar Panel Roof Repair Keller TX: What You Need to Know

October 28, 2025

Key Highlights Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about roof replacement involving solar panels: A roof replacement on a home with solar panels requires specialized expertise to protect your investment. The process involves safe removal, storage, and reinstallation of your solar panels by a qualified team. For Keller homeowners, addressing roof issues promptly is key to maintaining your home's integrity and your solar energy system's efficiency. Hiring a contractor skilled in both residential roofing and solar, like Becker Roofing and Exteriors, ensures a seamless project. Our project managers' services manage the entire process, and insurance often covers the costs associated with panel removal and reinstallation for a covered claim. Introduction You’ve made a smart investment in solar power, but what happens when the roof underneath your panels needs attention? For many homeowners in North TX, this question arises when their roof reaches the end of its life or suffers storm damage. Replacing a roof with an existing solar array is more complex than a standard project. It requires careful coordination and specialized skills to protect both your home and your energy system. Understanding the right way to manage different roofing materials and solar technology is the key to a successful project. Understanding Roof Replacement with Solar Panels When your home has a solar system, a roof replacement becomes a two-part project. It’s not just about shingles and underlayment; it’s about carefully detaching and resetting your valuable solar energy equipment. This process demands a team that understands both roofing and solar technology to avoid damaging your panels or voiding their warranties. For Keller homeowners, this means you can't hire just any roofer. You need professionals who offer roofing services that include a clear plan for managing your solar panels. The process involves a detailed inspection, safe panel removal, roof replacement, and finally, precise reinstallation to ensure your solar system functions perfectly. Why Roof & Solar Panel Integration Matters for Homeowners Your solar panels are a significant solar investment, and protecting them during a roof replacement is crucial. Handling a solar setup improperly can lead to cracked panels, damaged wiring, or a less efficient system upon reinstallation. A specialized contractor ensures every component is disconnected, stored, and reinstalled according to manufacturer specifications, safeguarding your system’s performance and longevity. Furthermore, the integrity of your new roof depends on correct panel reinstallation. In almost all cases of full replacement, panels must be removed. Attempting to work around them can compromise the new roof, leading to leaks around the mounting hardware. Proper integration ensures your roof is watertight, preserving your home’s structure and the aesthetic appeal of your solar array. Ultimately, hiring a team that masters both roofing and solar provides complete peace of mind. You can trust that your home is protected and your commitment to energy efficiency is preserved without the stress of coordinating multiple contractors or worrying about potential damage. Common Reasons for Roof Replacements with Existing Solar Panels Even with solar panels, your roof is still exposed to the elements and natural aging. Many homeowners find they need roof repair services or a full replacement for reasons that have little to do with the panels themselves. Understanding these common causes can help you plan for your residential roofing needs. The most frequent reasons for a roof replacement under solar panels include: Storm Damage: High winds, hail, and falling debris common in Texas can cause significant damage that requires a new roof. Roof Age: Most roofing materials have a finite lifespan. If your roof was already several years old when you installed panels, it may be time for a replacement. Material Failure: Over time, shingles can curl, crack, or lose their granules, and underlayment can degrade, leading to leaks. Leaks under solar panels often stem from failed flashing around the panel mounts or from pre-existing roof issues. Regular inspections and standard maintenance are vital, but sometimes a replacement is unavoidable. When that time comes, addressing the roof and panels together is the most effective approach. Step-By-Step Process: Roof Replacement & Solar Panel Removal A successful roof replacement with solar panels follows a precise, multi-stage plan. The first step always begins with a thorough inspection of the job site, including your roof and the solar array. This allows us to create a detailed strategy for a safe and efficient solar panel removal before any roofing work begins. We manage the entire process to ensure a smooth transition from start to finish. Once the panels are safely removed and stored, our team proceeds with the full roof replacement. After the new roof is installed, we reinstall the solar panels, ensuring every connection is secure and your system is ready to generate power. Safe Solar Panel Removal & Protection Procedures Safely handling your solar panels is our top priority. The process requires more than just unbolting hardware; it demands the expertise of a trained solar installer or technician. Our team methodically disconnects the electrical wiring, labels each component for accurate reinstallation, and carefully detaches the panels from their mounting racks. We follow strict safety protocols at every job site to protect both our crew and your property. Key procedures include: Using specialized tools designed for solar panel handling to prevent scratches or damage. Adhering to all fall protection requirements to ensure a safe work environment on your roof. Once removed, the panels are securely stored away from the work area. This attention to detail ensures that when we reinstall them on your quality roof, you get the most efficient possible solar power system, just as you had before. Having a specialist handle this is essential to protect your system's warranty and function. Timeline: What to Expect During Roof Work A roof replacement involving solar panels naturally takes a bit longer than a standard roofing project. The extra steps of removing and reinstalling the solar array add time, but our decades of experience in the Fort Worth metroplex help us streamline the process. A typical project can often be completed in three to five days, depending on the size of your roof and solar system. After our thorough inspections, we provide you with a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect. While we perform our roof repair services, we work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily life. Our goal is to get your home protected and your solar panels back online as quickly as possible. Here is a general outline of the project timeline: