Attachment: The KnuckleHead Base and the Rooftop “Junkyard.”

In a perfect world, low-slope roofs would have nothing on them. This was the opinion of the NRCA in 1990. Since then, the proliferation of rooftop equipment and utility lines such as gas pipes and conduit is seen everywhere on low slope roofs. Different trades install layer upon layer of equipment, sometimes with little thought to the integrity of the roof they are working on. With all the improvised pipes and equipment left behind by various mechanical installers, flat roofs have become one of the most rapidly expanding “junk yards” in America.

Violent winds and seismic forces can destroy loose laid equipment and in the process, they also do substantial damage to the roof itself.

Attachment of roof equipment is one of the essential attributes of the KnuckleHead system.

To attach, the first step is to accurately mark the bonding area with a marking pen. Then clean the bonding surface with alcohol or clean water to provide a dirt-free area. TPO roofing will require the application of a special primer before proceeding.

Next, apply Green Link adhesive to the bottom of the base and tool it to a uniform coating. This creates a 38-square-inch surface area for bonding to the roof membrane. Press the base into the marked area until squeeze-out at the perimeter indicates complete contact.

Once the bond is set, drive screws through the holes provided in the base until a mechanical connection is established into the interior of the roof deck. Two or four screws can be installed in the base through the holes provided.

The whole procedure takes less than ten minutes and provides a fully attached, waterproof base to build a support system for many types of equipment and pipe supports.