Pre-Solar Panel Installation Roof Surveys
Fitting solar panels is a significant investment, and for most homeowners it is one they expect to last twenty years or more. What is less often considered is the condition of the roof the panels are going to sit on — and what happens if problems develop underneath once the equipment is in place.
At North West Roof Surveys, we provide independent pre-solar installation roof surveys for homeowners across the North West. A survey before installation is straightforward, affordable, and can save a considerable amount of money and disruption further down the line.
The Problem With Waiting Until After Installation
Once solar panels are fixed to a roof, access to the roof covering beneath them becomes far more difficult. Panels are typically fitted in arrays that cover a substantial area of the roof slope, and any repair work to the tiles, felt, or flashings underneath generally requires the panels to be removed first — then reinstalled once the work is complete.
This matters because defects that were already present before installation do not disappear once the panels go on. Slipped or cracked tiles, failing flashings, deteriorating felt, or existing areas of water ingress will continue to develop. The cost of dealing with them at a later stage — factoring in scaffolding, panel removal, repairs, and panel reinstatement — is significantly higher than addressing the same issues before the installation takes place.
There is also the question of roof loading. Solar panels add additional weight to the roof structure, and while most standard domestic roofs are capable of accommodating this, it is worth having the overall condition of the roof assessed before the installation proceeds.
What We Inspect
The pre-solar survey covers the full condition of the roof covering, with particular attention to the areas the installation will affect. We inspect:
- The overall condition of the roof covering — tiles, slates, or flat roof membrane as applicable
- Slipped, cracked, or missing tiles and slates
- Ridge and hip tiles and their bedding or dry-fix fixings
- Flashings at chimneys, abutments, valleys, and roof penetrations
- Verge and eaves details
- Evidence of water ingress or staining
- Gutters and visible drainage arrangements
- Any existing repairs and their current condition
The aim is to give you an accurate picture of the roof’s condition before any equipment is fitted, so you can make an informed decision about whether repairs are needed first — and if so, what those repairs involve.
Drone Survey Technology
Most domestic roofs cannot be safely inspected from a ladder alone, and scaffolding is rarely practical or proportionate for a condition survey. We use drone technology to carry out the inspection, capturing high-resolution aerial imagery of the roof covering in detail.
This allows us to inspect tile and slate condition, ridge lines, flashings, valleys, and any areas of concern without any disruption to the property. The footage and imagery captured during the survey are used directly in the written report to illustrate the condition of the roof and any defects identified.
The Survey Report
Following the inspection, we provide a clear written report setting out:
- The condition of the roof covering and all elements inspected
- Photographs of any defects identified
- The likely cause and significance of any issues found
- Recommendations for repair prior to installation
- Estimated costs for any remedial work where we are in a position to provide these
The report gives you something concrete to work with — either confirmation that the roof is in suitable condition for installation to proceed, or a clear record of what needs to be addressed first. If repairs are required, it also gives you the information needed to obtain quotes from roofing contractors before your installation date is confirmed.
When to Arrange the Survey
The best time to commission a pre-solar roof survey is before you sign a contract with a solar installation company — not the week before the panels are due to be fitted. Arranging the survey early gives you time to factor any necessary repairs into your planning, deal with them on your own terms, and avoid delays to the installation itself.
If your installation has already been booked, it is still worth proceeding with a survey as soon as possible. Even a short lead time is better than discovering a roofing problem once scaffolding is up and an installation crew is on site.
Fully Independent — No Affiliation to Solar Installers or Roofing Contractors
North West Roof Surveys does not carry out roofing repairs and has no affiliation with solar installation companies or roofing contractors. Our assessments are impartial — focused solely on the condition of the roof itself.
This matters because some advice on roof condition will come from people with a commercial interest in the outcome. A solar installer has an interest in the installation going ahead. A roofing contractor has an interest in repair work being recommended. Our only interest is in giving you an accurate and honest account of what the roof looks like before you commit.
Area Covered
We carry out pre-solar roof surveys across the North West, including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, and Cumbria. If you would like to confirm whether your property falls within our area, get in touch and we can advise.
Get in Touch
To arrange a pre-solar installation roof survey or discuss your requirements, call us on 01625 360 306 or email info@nw-rs.co.uk. We are happy to talk through the property and the inspection before you commit to anything.