[RE-wrenches] to flash or not to flash

[Matt Partymiller]

Daniel,

My answer is to flash until others prove me wrong.

I am in the same position you are, speaking to the same manufacturers you
are, and probably dealing with the same low competitor pricing you are. 
These products sure sound tempting.

Over the past decade I have probably removed a dozen 80's era hot air or
hot water systems that were directly attached to roofs (installed by
others).  In every instance the roof was a complete mess and required deck
replacement.  I now tell homeowners just to contact a roofer and have them
dispose of the collectors in the process of re-roofing - we will come out
after the new roof is in place.

I think you summed up the sealant problem quite well.  I sell my systems
as a 25 year product.  I am not satisfied that butyl is a 25 year answer. 
Until someone convinces me otherwise, I will relate as much to my
customers and proceed with proper flashings.

Good poll.

Matt


Matthew Partymiller
Solar Energy Solutions LLC
(877) 312-7456
matt at solar-energy-solutions.com


On Thu, August 6, 2015 12:47 pm, Daniel Young wrote:
> Writing the subject above, it seems like I've heard this question on the
> wrench list before, but I could not find it in my old email archives. Feel
>  free to pint me back to the old discussion if it's there.
>
>
>
> I've been using a flashing based roof attachment for 8+yrs now (quick
> mount or similar). Now we are looking at Rail-less systems  (quick rack is
> a good example). There is also a non-flashed rail-less racking from
> roof-tech http://roof-tech.us/ . I've always been of the opinion that
> simply crushing some sealant/gasket onto an asphalt shingle work fine at
> first (the test data from roof-tech is impressive), but would be an issue
> 10+yrs down the
> road (thermal expansion movement, freeze/thaw, etc). I can make a good
> waterproof seal at first by just slathering some butyl/silicone to an
> L-foot
> and cranking it down on the shingles, but that practice really disappeared
>  8+yrs ago.
>
>
>
>
> Maybe consider this a Poll: (to flash, or not to flash)
>
>
>
>
> With Regards,
>
>
>
>
> Daniel Young,
>
>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation ProfessionalTM: Cert #031508-90
>
>
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