the S-5 solution to standing seam roofs? [RE-wrenches]

[EH Roy]

Brad,

We have used S-5s on standing seam roofs and have had no problems - flush
mounts only and we put the arrays as close to the ridge as possible to
minimize snow build-up above the array.

We were provided with a recommended torque value for the set screws by our
local source (and we use Lok-Tite on the setscrews). In addition they helped
us out with engineering - they use S-5s for attaching devices to SS roofs to
stop snow from sliding off over doorways etc. and extrapolated the
engineering for that to our applications without issue.

I really like the idea of avoiding roof penetrations and the S-5 has been
helpful with that. If someone had a questionable application, another option
is to bolt horizontally thru the standing seam and goop it - better than a
hole thru the flat section to look for a rafter IMHO. There are some seam
shapes that might require a custom clip other than the S-5.

Regarding galvanic reactions: Our systems have involved painted roofs not
bare galvanized steel so we have not experienced corrosion problems (no salt
spray/marine installations either).

Cheers,
E. H. Roy
Solar Works Inc.
64 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
802 223-7804 x306
ehroy at solar-works.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Brad Bassett [mailto:bsbassett at earthlink.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2003 10:58 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: the S-5 solution to standing seam roofs? [RE-wrenches]


marco mangelsdorf wrote:
"..one seemingly attractive option would be to use this S-5 clamp from
Dynamic Fastener."


I think the manufacturer of the S-5 clamp can give you engineering data
on the strength of the clamp. I think the real issue, and main unknown
in most cases, is the strength of the roof you are clamping to. Most
roofs are designed to resist the required wind load as is, and I doubt
that they are engineered or installed to resist much more than that
requirement. When you clamp a solar array to the roof, it increases the
wind load, possibly a lot. So I think the question is not if the S-5
clamps will hold, but if the roof itself will hold with the extra wind
load. You would probably have to get an engineer from the roofing
manufacturer, if you could find one, or a consulting engineer to look at
the roof and give an OK for the extra loading, or if you would have to
reinforce the roof.

Another issue with the S-5 clamp is what profile the standing seam is. A
true standing seam that is flat is what these clamps are made for, but
there are other snap together or decorative profiles on which the clamp
won't work. It's good to check out the roofing type before considering
the S-5.

I don't mean to sound negative about the S-5, because when all of this
falls into place they work very well from what I've heard.

Thanks,

Brad Bassett
Alternative Energy Engineering
Olympia, WA office
brad.aee at earthlink.net

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