This is a Technical webinar with tips on installing both rail-less and rail option Roof Tech systems. Building a long lasting array and code compliance are important topics.

Upcoming Webinars - PV Mounting in Asphalt and Metal Roofs
Upcoming Webinars - PV Mounting in Asphalt and Metal Roofs

Milton Nogueira, Sr. Business Development Manager | Roof Tech

Tell us about Roof Tech and your role with the company.

Roof Tech is a subsidiary of Yanegiken, the largest manufacturer of residential PV mounting systems in Japan. I manage the technical compliance and support to sales and marketing.

 

During the month of April & May you will be holding Webinars, can you summarize what these will cover.

It is a Technical webinar with tips on installing both rail-less and rail option Roof Tech systems. Building a long lasting array and code compliance are important topics. We also demonstrate the extensive testing performed by both Roof Tech for its ICC Certification.

 

What makes these webinars an important training for integrators to attend?

We provide a unique and proven solution for low slope, steep slope (membrane, asphalt and metal roofs) that not only saves time but also keeps the integrity of the roofing system with a 100% waterproof flashing to be fastened to either the roof joists or direct to the roof sheathing (7/16” OSB minimum). 

You have multiple dates and times for these webinars, where can one of our readers find out more about how to attend?

We will be offering the Webinars every Tuesday from 11 AM PDT to Noon during the months of April and May, 2020. 

Here is the link for more information: https://roof-tech.us/pages/training-events

 

Moving on to your products, what do feel makes Roof Tech products superior?

A legacy of about 1,000,000 PV Installations (Between Japan and US) with Roof Tech’s mounting solutions and zero issues related to our product. Yanegiken has been manufacturing mounting systems with RT Butyl (Roof Tech’s proprietary flexible flashing) since 1994, therefore the 25Yr. Limited Warranty offered on Roof Tech’s products includes the RT Butyl.

 

What is the main advantage of using Roof Tech products?

It is all-in-one PV mounting system, the one and only fully waterproof with an integrated flexible flashing that will perform to the test of time. Secondly, it’s fastened to the roof rafters or direct to the decking (not lagged), minimizing the impact to the roof penetrations. Thermal contraction and expansion of the array (roof torsion) can be minimized with the rail-less and also short lengths on the rails, a basic design technique to maintain the integrity of the array and the roof penetrations sealability. Being that 5 mm (3/16”) stainless wood screws are used to secure the mounts to the rafters, there is a minimum risk to split the rafter and the contractor finds it easier to comply with code based on the NDS (National Design Specification for Wood Construction). A 5/16” Lag bolt for instance, need to have a pilot hole and the correct positioning of the lag bolt on top of the rafter (parallel to the grain) is very narrow, the mid third which is about 9/16” in length. It becomes very difficult for the installer to locate it from the top of the roof. This same area becomes 60% longer with the use of RT’s 5mm diameter screws, making it much easier for the contractor to have a code compliant PV Installation.

 

What is RT Butyl?

RT Butyl, is Roof tech’s flexible flashing, a proprietary butyl tape that has been the flashing system developed by Roof Tech’s parent company Yanegiken and in use since 1994 in Japan. One of its main applications are inner tubes, asphalt roofing related products and flexible flashing for the building industry. It offers superior flexibility, it’s impermeable to moisture and it’s resistant to mildew, acids alkalis and salts. RT Butyl has a temperature range between minus 40 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. RT Butyl is compatible with asphalt, EPDM, TPO and metal roofing materials. To date, there are over 1,000,000 PV Residences in Japan and US with the very same RT Butyl tape deployed for the past 25 years.

Can your RT-[E] Mount besides the rafters also be installed on the roof decking?

Yes. Testing was performed on 7/16” OSB (24/16 APA), 15/32” Plywood, 1 x 6” Planks, all above 2”X 4”’s, 24”o.c. rafters as well as rafter/joist attachments. The reports are available based on the ASCE 7-10 and ASCE 7-16 (IBC, IRC 2018 codes). The PE Reports can be downloaded at https://roof-tech.us/support/ All you need is to cross reference it against the requirements from your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

 

 

 

About Milton Nogueira
Milton Nogueira has been an advocate of solar energy for nearly three decades and has extensive experience in photovoltaic system design and sales. In early 2013, he joined Roof Tech in their first U.S. operation. In his role as Senior Business Development Manager, Milton cultivates new business opportunities nationwide through training and outreach and oversees the company's marketing, compliance and technical activities. 

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The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AltEnergyMag

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