Stability, Reliability, and Longevity for Rooftop Support Systems
Steve Maurer, IME
Rooftop support systems are an integral part of conduit, piping, and mechanical installations that often go underappreciated. These unsung heroes of the rooftop world provide a stable and secure foundation for equipment, ensuring that everything from HVAC units to solar panels stays in place, regardless of weather conditions or external forces.
But why are they so important? Simply put, rooftop support systems play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of both the equipment they hold and the roofs they rest on. They distribute weight evenly, preventing damage to the roof membrane and prolonging its lifespan.
Additionally, they provide a clear pathway for conduits and pipes, reducing the risk of accidents and making maintenance work easier. Investing in a high-quality rooftop support system is investing in the longevity and efficiency of your entire installation.
Challenges in Choosing the Right Rooftop Support System
Choosing the right rooftop support solution can seem straightforward, but in reality, it's a complex task involving numerous variables. One of the primary challenges is the sheer diversity of rooftop equipment. From HVAC units and solar panels to ductwork and piping, each component has unique weight, size, and maintenance considerations that demand a tailored support solution.
Adding to the complexity, each roof's structure and material composition can significantly impact what kind of support system is appropriate. The wrong choice can lead to roof damage or inadequate support for the equipment.
Why Wood Block Supports Are a No-No
While it may appear cost-effective and easy to use lumber, such as 4X4 blocks, for rooftop supports, this approach comes with several pitfalls. The key issue lies in the incompatibility of wood with modern roofing materials, particularly membrane roofs. Over time, untreated wood can rot, warp, or crack due to weather conditions, compromising the stability of the equipment it supports.
Moreover, wood doesn't distribute weight evenly across the roof, contrary to specifically designed rooftop supports. This uneven weight distribution can damage the membrane over time, leading to leaks or even a full roof replacement, which is a costly inconvenience.
Another concern is that wood lacks the durability and resilience of purpose-engineered rooftop supports. It can't withstand seismic activities or heavy wind loads, thus posing a risk to the safety of the building and its occupants.
Lastly, many building codes do not permit the use of wood for rooftop supports due to these very reasons. As such, while the upfront cost of using lumber might be low (although prices are going through the roof… pun intended), the long-term costs and potential risks make it a far less attractive option. It's always recommended to choose a solution that guarantees the longevity of your roof and the efficiency of your rooftop equipment.
Pyramid-Style Supports are a Better Choice
Pyramid-style rooftop supports are gaining traction due to their unique design and numerous benefits. These surface-mounted solutions are specifically crafted to handle a variety of electrical and mechanical applications on different roof surfaces. They are known for their superior load capacity and the potential to significantly cut down on installation time by replacing traditional, labor-intensive methods used for supporting pipes, conduits, ducts, cable trays, and equipment.
Unlike wood blocks, pyramid-style rooftop supports are made with special materials and finishes that protect the integrity of roof membranes while also providing excellent corrosion resistance. The foam bottom design provides a low abrasion interface, ensuring better protection for the roof membrane. The support base is also UV stabilized, enhancing its durability and lifespan.
These supports are versatile and can be used on a wide range of roof surfaces, including single ply, bituminous, metal, and spray foam. Their adaptability and efficiency make them an excellent choice for various roofing needs.
Options For Pyramid-Style Rooftop Support Systems
Strut-Based Supports are a fantastic option for pyramid-style rooftop supports. Ideal for mounting both electrical and mechanical applications to strut, these supports offer superior load distribution. Not only that, but they also come with a low abrasion foam interface that ensures the roof membrane is well-protected, regardless of varying roof surfaces and shifts caused by expansion and contraction.
To add to their durability and performance, the metal components of these supports are constructed from hot-dip galvanized steel. This ensures excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of environments. With Strut-Based Supports, you can be confident in the stability and longevity of your rooftop installations.
Roller-Based Supports represent another excellent option for pyramid-style rooftop supports, especially for mechanical piping systems. These supports are engineered with polymeric rollers to ensure long-lasting performance and corrosion-free rotation.
A unique feature of the Roller-Based Supports is their design, which specifically aims to avoid the formation of flat spots and seized rollers during the expansion and contraction process.
Just like the Strut-Based Supports, they too come with superior load distribution and a low abrasion foam interface. This combination guarantees the protection of your roof membrane, despite any uneven roof surfaces or shifting caused by expansion and contraction.
Roller-Based Supports offer a reliable and efficient solution for your mechanical piping systems, ensuring their stability while also safeguarding your roof's integrity.
Rooftop Support Systems to Protect Your Roof... and Your Reputation
Pyramid-style bases offer an exceptional foundation for rooftop support systems. Their unique structure is purposefully designed to deliver superior performance and durability. These bases ensure that your installations of electrical conduit, piping, and mechanical equipment remain steadfast, even in adverse circumstances. By employing pyramid-style bases, you can confidently maintain the integrity of your rooftop support systems for an extended period, offering your customers a sound investment. So, consider the pyramid-style base - a proven architectural principle that continues to deliver reliability in modern construction.
But why are they so important? Simply put, rooftop support systems play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of both the equipment they hold and the roofs they rest on. They distribute weight evenly, preventing damage to the roof membrane and prolonging its lifespan.
Additionally, they provide a clear pathway for conduits and pipes, reducing the risk of accidents and making maintenance work easier. Investing in a high-quality rooftop support system is investing in the longevity and efficiency of your entire installation.
Challenges in Choosing the Right Rooftop Support System
Choosing the right rooftop support solution can seem straightforward, but in reality, it's a complex task involving numerous variables. One of the primary challenges is the sheer diversity of rooftop equipment. From HVAC units and solar panels to ductwork and piping, each component has unique weight, size, and maintenance considerations that demand a tailored support solution.
Adding to the complexity, each roof's structure and material composition can significantly impact what kind of support system is appropriate. The wrong choice can lead to roof damage or inadequate support for the equipment.
Why Wood Block Supports Are a No-No
While it may appear cost-effective and easy to use lumber, such as 4X4 blocks, for rooftop supports, this approach comes with several pitfalls. The key issue lies in the incompatibility of wood with modern roofing materials, particularly membrane roofs. Over time, untreated wood can rot, warp, or crack due to weather conditions, compromising the stability of the equipment it supports.
Moreover, wood doesn't distribute weight evenly across the roof, contrary to specifically designed rooftop supports. This uneven weight distribution can damage the membrane over time, leading to leaks or even a full roof replacement, which is a costly inconvenience.
Another concern is that wood lacks the durability and resilience of purpose-engineered rooftop supports. It can't withstand seismic activities or heavy wind loads, thus posing a risk to the safety of the building and its occupants.
Lastly, many building codes do not permit the use of wood for rooftop supports due to these very reasons. As such, while the upfront cost of using lumber might be low (although prices are going through the roof… pun intended), the long-term costs and potential risks make it a far less attractive option. It's always recommended to choose a solution that guarantees the longevity of your roof and the efficiency of your rooftop equipment.
Pyramid-Style Supports are a Better Choice
Pyramid-style rooftop supports are gaining traction due to their unique design and numerous benefits. These surface-mounted solutions are specifically crafted to handle a variety of electrical and mechanical applications on different roof surfaces. They are known for their superior load capacity and the potential to significantly cut down on installation time by replacing traditional, labor-intensive methods used for supporting pipes, conduits, ducts, cable trays, and equipment.
Unlike wood blocks, pyramid-style rooftop supports are made with special materials and finishes that protect the integrity of roof membranes while also providing excellent corrosion resistance. The foam bottom design provides a low abrasion interface, ensuring better protection for the roof membrane. The support base is also UV stabilized, enhancing its durability and lifespan.
These supports are versatile and can be used on a wide range of roof surfaces, including single ply, bituminous, metal, and spray foam. Their adaptability and efficiency make them an excellent choice for various roofing needs.
Options For Pyramid-Style Rooftop Support Systems
Strut-Based Supports are a fantastic option for pyramid-style rooftop supports. Ideal for mounting both electrical and mechanical applications to strut, these supports offer superior load distribution. Not only that, but they also come with a low abrasion foam interface that ensures the roof membrane is well-protected, regardless of varying roof surfaces and shifts caused by expansion and contraction.
To add to their durability and performance, the metal components of these supports are constructed from hot-dip galvanized steel. This ensures excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of environments. With Strut-Based Supports, you can be confident in the stability and longevity of your rooftop installations.
Roller-Based Supports represent another excellent option for pyramid-style rooftop supports, especially for mechanical piping systems. These supports are engineered with polymeric rollers to ensure long-lasting performance and corrosion-free rotation.
A unique feature of the Roller-Based Supports is their design, which specifically aims to avoid the formation of flat spots and seized rollers during the expansion and contraction process.
Just like the Strut-Based Supports, they too come with superior load distribution and a low abrasion foam interface. This combination guarantees the protection of your roof membrane, despite any uneven roof surfaces or shifting caused by expansion and contraction.
Roller-Based Supports offer a reliable and efficient solution for your mechanical piping systems, ensuring their stability while also safeguarding your roof's integrity.
Rooftop Support Systems to Protect Your Roof... and Your Reputation
Pyramid-style bases offer an exceptional foundation for rooftop support systems. Their unique structure is purposefully designed to deliver superior performance and durability. These bases ensure that your installations of electrical conduit, piping, and mechanical equipment remain steadfast, even in adverse circumstances. By employing pyramid-style bases, you can confidently maintain the integrity of your rooftop support systems for an extended period, offering your customers a sound investment. So, consider the pyramid-style base - a proven architectural principle that continues to deliver reliability in modern construction.
Photo courtesy of nVent CADDY
