This document discusses best practices for roofing solar installations. It notes problems in the industry like voided roof warranties and lack of regulation. It emphasizes the importance of following codes and flashing at all roof penetrations to avoid water intrusion issues. The document recommends that solar installers think like roofers and respect the roof when installing panels. It provides examples of code-compliant mounting systems for different roof types like composition, wood shake and tile roofs. Flashings are highlighted as critical to maintaining waterproofing and roof warranties.

1. Roofing Best Practices
For Solar Installations
Following Codes
and
Maintaining Quality
Presented by Johan Alfsen
Quick Mount PV

2. Problems in the Industry:
- Disconnect between
Solar & Roofing Industry
- Voided Roof Warranties
- No Regulation
- Outdated Technology
- Cost/Competition
- Lack of Training

3. Problems in the Industry:
What’s Wrong in This Picture?

4. Why Respect the Roof?
“…80% of all construction related
litigation stems from water intrusion.”
- Rob Hernandez
Pitched Roof Racking
SolarPro
November 2008
It takes only a single leak to cause callbacks, a ruined job, or even a lawsuit.

5. Think Like a Roofer
• Solar installers need to think and
act like roofers when they step onto a
roof with a drill.
• Who would install a skylight or vent
jack without complete waterproof
flashing?
• How would a roofer approach
mounting PV or solar thermal panels
to a customer’s roof?
• How do we maintain roof
warranties?
• What is “code” for solar mounts?
12/2/10 5

6. Wheel of Accountability
Source: www.quickmountpv.com

7. Important Roofing Codes
UBC & IBC: flashing required
at all roof openings
NRCA “Best Practices”: no
exposed fasteners
SMACNA: galvanized - not
for use on roofs exceeding
15 year lifespan
*Also refer to ARMA & roofing manufacturers
specifications.

8. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
*None of these are code compliant*

9. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Must have flashing on all roof penetrations

10. Composition / Asphalt Roof
1. Lift composite tile and clear nails 2. Drill ¼” pilot hole for lag bolt
3. Add roof sealant to pilot hole 4. Slide Quick Mount into place

11. Composition / Asphalt Roof
5. Drive lag bolt into rafter 6. Add EPDM rubber gasket
7. Attached preferred rails 8. Move onto the next…

12. Composition / Asphalt Roof
Good Example of a Code-Compliant Solar Racking System

13. Wood Shake Roof
Most shake roofs consist of interlaid felt paper
for waterproofing
The QM Shake Mount 18x18 flashing is
designed to slip under the felt paper

14. Tile Roofs
Good Example of a Code-Compliant Solar Racking System

15. Why Double Flashing?
Tile roofs are waterproof at underlayment. A primary flashing at the
underlayment level is critical.

16. Why Double Flashing?
Tile roofs must be waterproof at underlayment level AND top tole level

17. Tile Roofs
Good Example of a Code-Compliant Solar Racking System

18. The Best Insurance
• The vital importance of the solar rooftop
mounting system is often overlooked and
undervalued.
• Proper code compliance protects roof
warranties and the installer’s liability.
• Flashing is cheap insurance!!!

20. Wheel of Accountability
Source: www.quickmountpv.com

21. THANK YOU!
Johan Alfsen
International Training Manager
(925) 687-6686
johan@quickmountpv.com
tech@quickmountpv.com