What you will see
- Sagging sheets, damaged supports or previous patch repairs.
- Missing drawings for an older factory or house.
- A proposal that does not address the roof’s condition.
- Workers planning to walk directly across unassessed sheets.
Why it happens
Roof-mounted PV design needs structural consideration of the building and the added installation. DOE guidance treats structural and site-related design as part of planning and commissioning, rather than something established by panel weight alone.
Access is a separate concern. HSE identifies rooflights and various sheet materials as potentially fragile; apparent condition is not sufficient evidence that a surface can support a person.
A suitable professional should determine whether strengthening, roof repair, a different layout or another installation location is needed. Ask for the assessment to cover the proposed arrangement, including support positions and future maintenance.
Assess before you install
Walking on the roof is not a test. Fragile sheets need competent assessment.
What you can check yourself
- Gather building drawings and previous roof-repair records.
- Provide existing photographs without making a new roof visit.
- Describe known leaks, movement or alterations.
- Ask who will assess structural suitability and safe access.
- If records are missing, state that clearly. It is better to plan an appropriate survey than to fill the gap with an assumption.
What not to do
- Do not test the roof by walking on it, adding trial weights or bouncing on sheets. Do not rely on a neighbour’s installation as proof of your roof’s capacity. Avoid covering deterioration before inspection.
When to call us
- Arrange assessment before committing to installation on a roof with uncertain condition or capacity. Visible instability requires people to stay clear and obtain urgent building advice.
Older roofs in Faisalabad and Lahore
Older mills in Faisalabad and houses in Lahore often lack drawings. Send our team any records and the roof’s repair history.
Send us
Roof drawings if available, known defects, repair history, the proposed system layout, and your city and area.
Technical references
Reviewed 25 September 2026. Manufacturer documents are cited for general principles; your exact model’s manual always applies.