Roofing Materials
The toxic top: The environmental and structural risks of treated lumber supports on rooftops.
The market has been shifting away from treated wood blocks for rooftop support of pipes, HVAC equipment, and ductwork, etc., largely because they are subject to biodegradation—in other words, rot. When the sleepers deteriorate, they cause pipe sag and unbalanced HVAC equipment which shortens operational life. But there are other issues—critical ones—for moving toward other…
Read MoreTall VRFs/Mini-Splits: Blowing in the Wind? Here’s an Answer.
Mini splits are becoming increasingly popular on commercial buildings as well as residential housing. Usually, they can be mounted on any number of support systems, but the taller, narrower profile of the larger units creates a level of vulnerability. In windy conditions, it can tip over, even if mounted. The greater surface area of the…
Read MoreSecuring HVAC Equipment on Mod-Bit Roofs without Mechanical Fastening
Modified bitumen roofs continue to maintain a significant share of the domestic market. Mod bit is often described as “rubberized” asphalt, meaning it consists of asphalt and a polystyrene or polypropylene polymer infused into a reinforcing fabric. It is applied in 4’ squares as a two-ply system: first a base sheet, then a top sheet…
Read MoreCase Study: A Public School in Michigan
Clearing the Way for Coating A public school roof in central Michigan, was scheduled to be resealed with a liquid applied coating. Two adjacent roof sections were involved separated by a parapet wall over which line sets needed to pass. Prior to coating five mini splits using 4”X 6” wood sleepers were mechanically fastened to…
Read MoreRough-Ride for Roof Mounted Equipment
Field reports from HVAC and roofing contractors indicate an increasing issue relating to the stability of rooftop equipment installations. Earthquakes at 6.4 magnitude in January ran through the Caribbean wreaking havoc with the electrical grid and power lines, not to mention rooftop-mounted equipment. Elsewhere, high winds and violent storms have caused the same. As the…
Read MoreAttachment: 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…
Read MoreKnuckleHeads Prevent Split Tip-overs in High Winds
KnuckleHeads Prevent Split Tip-overs in High Winds Roof-mounted heat pump splits are often attached to 4’ X 4’ treated wood beams, which are loose laid on the roof membrane. While this has been common practice for many years, the emergence of taller “double stacked” units has created a new problem: “wind sailing.” Contractors and building…
Read MoreKnuckleHead Rooftop Supports: The Secret Ingredient
KnuckleHead Rooftop Supports: The Secret Ingredient The KnuckleHead support has been carefully engineered and features a distinct design. But there is something else unique about it: the material from which it is made. That material is a high-performance polymer called Nylon 66. Nylon 66 possesses properties that make it ideal for the conditions a rooftop…
Read MoreCan a Simple Rooftop Support Be “Engineered”?
Can a Simple Rooftop Support Be “Engineered”? Rooftop supports for pipes and HVAC equipment come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and, of course, prices. Some feature a base made of recycled rubber and a metal top for supporting pipes or struts. Some are simple one-piece units composed of molded plastic, some are…
Read MoreAnother Reason to Love the Roofing Industry: Friendships are Born When You Least Expect it.
Dana Castle didn’t know what to expect from her trip to the National Women in Roofing Day, but she sure didn’t expect this! An article posted on Rooferscoffeeshop.com By Karen L. Edwards, NWIR Communications Chair and RCS Editor. GREEN LINK Engineering’s Sales and Business Development Coordinator, Dana Castle, decided that was excited about attending the…
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