Monthly Archives: March 2013

PV Mounting Program Installation Guide

This guide covers the installation of Chiko’s mounting technique when retrofitting on a pitched roof exactly where the solar panels are mounted on two parallel horizontal rails. This guide really should be study in conjunction together with the PV module manufacturer’s data sheet and also of relevant documentation.

General great roofing practice should really often be followed. The specifications for the roof covering should be taken into account, plus it’s important to be sure that the weathertightness, thermal insulation, ventilation, structural stability are not compromised by the installation. It really is advisable that suitably certified persons execute the installation not to mention a structural engineer consulted if needed.

1. Figure out the obtainable roof location exactly where the PV modules can be mounted.

two. Figure out the roof covering kind, e.g. profiled tile, and also choose the proper Chiko roof anchor product.

three. Decide where the roof anchors might be attached, within the case regarding wooden roof structures this can be governed by the spacing associated with the rafters or trusses.

4. Decide how numerous PV modules are to become mounted not to mention the layout associated with the modules to present you with the number relating to rows and then the number related with modules in every row. Centre the array about PV modules more than the structural members as considerably as you possibly can.

five. For each and every row regarding PV modules determine how a lot of roof anchors are required and also their fixing positions, e.g. a roof anchor on each other rafter.

The number concerning roof anchors utilized must be adequate to resist wind loads and also any other imposed loadings. Wind loads vary all through the UK and also are influenced by roof height, roof pitch, topography and so on. The edge location connected with a roof will encounter greater wind loads than central areas. The components list needed to perform the installation can now be calculated comprising about the lengths for mounting rail plus quantity related with roof anchors, module clamps plus accessories. Chiko’s calculator tool can generate a components list for you personally. Make certain you’ve got all of the components needed before starting the installation.

Chiko gives a variety relating to roof anchor items to suit various roof coverings. Each roof anchor fits within a certain way; refer to each and every product’s fitting instructions for more details. Mark the positions where the roof anchors are to be fitted on the roof covering. The roof anchors ought to be spaced evenly having a roof anchor as close for the end related with the array as you possibly can; a maximum overhang about quarter for the module width is permitted. In the case concerning tiled roofs, expose the roof structure where the anchor is always to be fitted by removing or pushing up the tiles. Fix every single anchor into position based on the solution’s fitting directions, taking care to ensure the roof anchors for each row are in alignment. Within the case concerning tiled roofs, replace the tiles around the roof anchor and additionally make certain the roof covering is safe together with weathertight.

Construct the two mounting rails to the length essential. The aluminium rails might be simply cut utilizing a hacksaw or circular saw. If longer lengths are needed than supplied, connect the lengths together using a rail connector fitted on the underside relating to the rail. Rails could be connected collectively to a maximum connected with 12 metres, above this length there should be an interruption to permit for thermal expansion. Attach the 1st horizontal rail to the roof anchor utilizing a hammer head screw and also fasten with all the self-locking nut guaranteeing that the screw head is situated correctly within the rail profile. Attach the other horizontal rail inside the identical manner coupled with verify to guarantee the two mounting rails are parallel by measuring that the two diagonal distances from the rail ends are equal. Push match the plastic end caps onto the rail ends to offer a neat finish. Fit two slide protection devices to the rear relating to every single module prior to installation. Attach the devices utilizing the offered holes around the rear of the PV module such that the devices will be above the mounting rail when the modules are in position.

Majority for Tile Roofs Have Installation Defects

Nearly all new properties constructed today have concrete tile roofs installed, and additionally a large number of roof replacements on older homes are now getting upgraded to tile roofing material. However, the vast majority of these tile roofs have installation defects, several have major defects requiring the removal relating to huge sections about the roof reinstalling the materials. In fact more than 90% about the properties we inspect have roofing installation defect’s that average $1200 to $3400 to correct in the event you had to spend for these repairs out regarding your very own pocket. It is not unusual on new installations that major sections and even the whole roof will have to be removed and additionally reinstalled on account of installer error.

City not to mention Municipal Creating Inspectors do not inspect tile roof installations; in fact most don’t even carry a ladder on the job internet site. Regrettably, most Home Inspectors also don’t inspect tile roofs and also defer them, or they may make an effort to inspect them in the ground with binoculars or from a ladder, that is risky at best together with some defects cannot be observed without the inspector in fact walking around the roof. Defects we generally find are improper head lap (overlap) concerning tiles, hip/ridge and headwalls not climate blocked, missing anti-ponding strips or anti-ponding flashing at eave edge, improperly secured components, improperly installed or missing flashings poor general workmanship. Cracked and also or broken tiles will almost always be identified not to mention these might be replaced depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation with new material plus not patched or repaired.

Our inspector’s have been factory educated by the largest roofing tile supplier in the USA to insure that the Roofing Tile Institute’s style criteria plus installation standards happen to be followed. Merely place in relation to inspecting tile roofs “we know what to look for”. Most frequently the purpose for any low cost inspection charge is the fact that the Inspector will not inspect your roof. Property Inspection sector requirements state that the inspector is not essential to: Stroll on the roof surface if in the opinion regarding the inspector, there is a possibility related with harm to the surface or possibly a hazard for the inspector. Most inspectors use this as a reason never to inspect the roof. CBC inspectors have been factory educated on the way to stroll on tile roofs without damaging the materials.

Prior to deciding on an inspection organization, ask if they are going to mount the roof plus inspect the installation. Although our insurance carrier will not empower our inspectors to make use of a ladder taller than 13 feet, we uncover that most roofs might be accessed/viewed from first story or balcony access points when present. We usually do not charge further for this service, it’s part relating to our standard Property Inspection. For an further charge when needed we can provide client’s the “Roofing Tile Institute” tile roofing installation requirements documentation, forensic examination and additionally professional witness litigation assistance.