[RE-wrenches] roof noise after solar install.

[North Texas Renewable Energy Inc]

Matt covered about everything but one question's left. Did the homeowner
have new decking installed prior to the new 3-tabs? If so, and if they
failed to leave a space between the 4x8 sheets of ply or OSB, the heat &
moisture can cause swelling that can buckle the edges of the wood. It can
pull nailheads loose from the plywood edges and rafters.
If the metal or plastic spacer clips are visible between sheets from the
attic then this is not the problen. Next might be to call Ghostbusters©.
Regards
Jim Duncan

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Darryl
Thayer
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 11:59 AM
To: gilligan06 at gmail.com; RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] roof noise after solar install.


Sorry so slow getting back, I put answers int questions
Thanks Matt

--- On Mon, 8/30/10, Matt Lafferty <gilligan06 at gmail.com> wrote:

> From: Matt Lafferty <gilligan06 at gmail.com>
>
> Darryl,
>
> No answers. Just questions in search of answers.
>
> Is this a single-layer comp roof? Yes
> Did the noises begin immediately after the install? YES (as far as I know)
> Were there any questionable structural issues noted during
> install? No
> Is it possible that one or more bolts aren't completely
> tightened? (Take a
> good look at your footing to rail connections.)I will look again but it is
hard to see under modules)
> Can you get into the attic and inspect the rafters/trusses? Yes I did
> (Make sure you
> don't have a busted rafter) I will double check
> What was the temperature during install compared to normal
> daytime highs It was warm, maybe 90F
> when it's making all this racket? (I've heard of
> winter-installs making
> noise during the summer)Just finished the install so summer and summer
noises
> What does it sound like from outside the house? (i.e. is
> the pitch or tone of the sounds very different)  I will listen on Tuesday
> Can the source of the sound be isolated to one point or
> region? (i.e. only
> on the longest rails)not so far
> What is the temperature range like on the days it's being a
> nuisance? (i.e.
> 45-95, or 55-85, etc.) We have typically been 55 at night and 90 during
the day ((not roof temperature of course))
> Are these jumbo modules? (large modules have greater
> absolute expansion
> between attachments than smaller modules) No normal size
>
> When you go out there, be prepared to install a pair of
> expansion splices
> for each long rail set, but don't expect that to be the
> silver bullet.
> Unirac says you only need them every 45 feet. If your
> situation is under
> 30', I expect you have another problem. Installation manual
> here:
> http://www.unirac.com/pdf/ii908.pdf
>
> Pray for silent roofs,
>
> Matt Lafferty
>