Path-Q Solar
How should a landlord compare installer proposals that assign roof repair responsibility differently?
Answer
Compare proposals by the total risk and cost of roof-related work, not only by installation price. Prefer terms that clearly assign responsibility for pre-existing conditions, installation damage, leaks, inspections, removal and reinstallation, and future roof replacement.
Key points
- Separate responsibility for pre-existing roof defects from damage caused by installation or later maintenance.
- Check who pays to diagnose a leak when its source is disputed.
- Check whether roof removal and system reinstallation are included, excluded, or priced through a defined formula.
- Review the roof warranty, attachment method, expected roof life, and coordination between the roofer and solar installer.
- Compare financial security, insurance, warranty duration, claim procedures, and responsibility after a contractor changes or closes.
What it depends on
- Roof age, condition, remaining useful life, and warranty
- Attachment method and roof type
- The proposed responsibility and reinstallation terms
- Ownership structure and tenant access requirements
Risks and trade-offs
- A proposal with broader installer responsibility may cost more but reduce dispute risk.
- A low-price proposal may leave the landlord responsible for investigation, roof repairs, or system removal.
- Ambiguous terms can create tenant disruption and lost generation during roof work.
Information you may need
- A roof inspection and remaining roof-life estimate
- Each proposal's roof responsibility language
- Removal, storage, reinstallation, and downtime terms
- Insurance, warranties, and financial responsibility of each party
Your next step
What to do next
Create a side-by-side roof-risk matrix and ask each installer to price the same responsibility package, including future removal and reinstallation.
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SQ02281