Roof Audit for Solar Power Plants: Preventing Hidden Defects
An audit of a roof for a solar power plant (SPP) is not just a check for holes. It is an in-depth technical investigation conducted by the engineering company GlobalBud Ukraine before you spend money on purchasing photovoltaic equipment. In Ukraine, where many buildings are over 20-30 years old, such an audit is the only way to avoid expensive roof repairs after expensive solar panels have already been secured to it.
Hidden Traps for SPP Investors
Often, solar system installers are not experts in structural engineering. They might overlook hidden problems that will eventually ruin your investment. Main problems revealed by a GBU audit:
- wood biodegradation — rafter rot in areas adjacent to chimneys or due to condensation;
- loss of geometry — deflections that become critical under the weight of equipment;
- roof assembly aging — wet mineral wool or damaged waterproofing, which become inaccessible for repair after SPP installation;
- corrosion of metal fasteners — critical for buildings that have suffered from moisture or have high humidity in the under-roof space.
The full list of GBU expert services is available on the page.
Why an Audit Saves Money
If you discover a leak after installing solar panels, you will have to completely dismantle the entire SPP. This costs thousands of hryvnias, not counting system downtime and electricity generation losses. A GBU audit allows you to eliminate all flaws “on the shore.” We provide a clear technical report that becomes your roadmap: which nodes need repair, which need replacement, and where everything is in order.
What is Included in a Professional Roof Audit
Our engineers conduct a comprehensive inspection using non-destructive testing methods. We check every rafter and every fastening node. List of works during a roof audit:
- visual and instrumental inspection of the load-bearing frame;
- measurement of roof material moisture;
- thermal imaging diagnostics (for searching hidden pockets of moisture or cold);
- inspection of the under-roof ventilation system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to do an audit if the roof looks perfect?
Visual perfection does not guarantee structural integrity. An audit reveals hidden defects (e.g., initial stages of beam rot) that will only manifest under load.
How long does an audit take?
For a private house, it usually takes a few hours, and you receive the finished report within a few days.
Does an audit help in choosing a mounting system?
Yes, we recommend the type of fasteners (studs, ballast, special clamps) that are ideal for your roofing material and roof construction.
