In this article we cover the subject of calculating ballast for the mounting systems integrated into VirtoCAD.
The first step in calculating ballast is to create a module layout with the appropriate settings by using the presets provided.
To learn more about creating the module layout click here
The mounting systems section can be found here:
Thermal breaks
You will have to indicate all the separate module fields by adding dilatations and numbering. This can be done automatically or manually.
Automatic
With the automatic mode simply press on dilatations and press enter. The black outlines around the fields will be added in an instant. For the numbering just select the option and they will be added.
Manual
With the manual mode you will have to draw these rectangular fields individually. Just select the dilatation option and draw each field.
The numbering can also be done manually. Select the option will prompt you to select a point inside each dilatation zone and enter the number you want to place there.
Manufacturers
You now need to select the brand of mounting system that the system was designed with to start the calculation process. If the chosen brand has multiple products also make sure to select the right option before pressing calculate.
When calculate is pressed a popup will appear prompting you to select the rooftop you want to calculate, afterwards all settings need to be filled in to continue.
These settings vary for each manufacturer.
It will ask you to choose a save location when the option export report and BOM is selected. A full detailed report from the manufacturer and a material list will be saved there.