[RE-wrenches] Racking System - Identification Help

[Andrew Truitt]

All - There have been many products over the years that were engineered to
fasten to roof sheathing only (remember BP Integra and SunPower
SmartMount?), and I can certainly buy that their engineered uplift ratings
are legit in terms of the strength of the connection between the sheathing
and the racking system, but my concern is about the strength of the
connection between the sheathing and the roof framing system.  Similar to
using S-5!'s clips, I don't see how we can really trust those footings
without knowing the details (e.g. fastener number and type) of the roof /
rafter connection, and those details can be very tough to access for built
structures.

I think this has been discussed on this list previously, but I would be
very curious to hear if there have been any new developments in how
designers approach this issue.

Jason - How do you're engineers handle this challenge in those hurricane
wind zones in Florida, where roofs can fly off even without having a bunch
of sails mounted to them?



For a brighter energy future,


Andrew Truitt

Principal
Truitt Renewable Energy Consulting, LLC

(202) 486-7507

LinkedIn Profile <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andrew-truitt/8/622/713>

Company Website <http://truittreconsulting.weebly.com/>

NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional ID: 032407-66

Colorado Journeyman Electrician License No.: 600132

 <%28202%29%20486-7507>

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"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion
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ever use in just about 8 minutes. And it's wireless!"

~William McDonough







On Tue, Jun 3, 2014 at 8:40 AM, Max Balchowsky <max at seesolar.com> wrote:

> That does look like the early Unirac system, (I don't think they rated it
> for 140 mph). It wasn't designed to "hit" rafters, that's why there six
> screws in each base plate….
>
> Max Balchowsky
> Design Engineer
> SEE Systems
> 1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217
> Newport Beach, Ca. 92660
> 760-403-6810
> "Building a Better Future For The Next Generation"
>
>   ------------------------------
>  *From:* Dave Click <daveclick at fsec.ucf.edu>
> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 3, 2014 6:06 AM
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Racking System - Identification Help
>
> Hi all,
>
> Anyone know what this racking system is? The permit drawings say Unirac
> with lag screws and Eco-Fasten flashings, which this pretty clearly
> isn't. I'd never seen this before, and I imagine this wind resistance is
> not quite the 140 mph that the installer claims it is. Of the ~250 wood
> screws holding this system down into the roof, I think six of them
> accidentally hit rafters.
>
> Thanks!
> Dave
>
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