Webinar

Understanding How Photovoltaic Systems Affect Low-Slope Roofing Projects

Understanding How Photovoltaic Systems Affect Low-Slope Roofing Projects

In recent years, there has been growing emphasis to include photovoltaic (PV) arrays on new and existing building roofs. While this creates increased renewable energy opportunities for project stakeholders, it can result in roofing-related challenges for the design, construction, and building maintenance teams tasked with implementing and servicing these systems. These challenges can include adapting to evolving building code and insurance requirements and coordinating the PV system with other roof design needs related to winds, drainage, structural loads, or fire resistance. A coordinated and successfully executed roof design and installation plan is critical to ensure the lasting performance of both the PV array and roofing systems, since addressing future leaks or other roof failures can require taking the PV arrays offline or removing them entirely.

In this webinar, we will share best practices and lessons learned through the lens of a building enclosure consultant using recent successful rooftop PV project examples. We will also highlight relevant building code requirements, review advantages and disadvantages of common PV array attachment methodologies and their relationship to the roofing system, and provide general recommendations for coordinating design responsibilities among project team members.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify how PV arrays can be effectively integrated with low-slope roofing systems.
  • Discuss relevant building code requirements for PV array systems.
  • Review advantages and disadvantages of different PV array attachment methodologies and their relationship to roofing.
  • Provide general recommendations for coordinating design responsibilities among project team members.

Participants will earn 1.0 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the live webinar. Registration is free. Please note that space is limited – email events@sgh.com to join our waitlist if the session is closed when you register. 

About the Speaker

Travis  St. Louis
Travis St. Louis | Associate Principal

Travis St. Louis designs, investigates, and rehabilitates building enclosures on residential, commercial, and institutional facilities. He serves as SGH’s Roofing and Waterproofing Practice Area leader, specializing in contemporary facade and window systems as well as roofing, green and amenity roofs, and below-grade waterproofing. Travis works with architects and design-build contractors during early project stages to balance performance, cost, and construction objectives. He combines his field and design experience with excellent communication skills to work with diverse project teams to execute projects from design development through substantial completion. 

Benjamin Hiltz
Benjamin Hiltz | Senior Consulting Engineer

Benjamin Hiltz has experience involving investigation of existing building enclosures, new and rehabilitation design and design consulting, and construction administration. He specializes in investigating building enclosure system failures and implementing long-term, effective design solutions to meet the clients’ specific needs and constraints.