Join S-5! this week for a NABCEP-approved course on wire management. On deck is Mark Gies, S-5!’s Northeast Sales Rep. Missed out webinar? We offer our courses on demand! Visit our Training Center to register and to learn more about our other online course offerings.

Whether you are an installer, contractor, architect, engineer, consultant or distributor, the diversity of our educational webinars offers multiple opportunities to expand your knowledge base. These FREE online courses offer practical application of all things mounted to metal roofs from solar and snow guards to utilities like HVAC, satellite communications, roof service walkways and, wind reinforcements. (To see the complete list of courses offered, click here).

Micro rails are a relatively common way of attaching a solar array to exposed-fastened metal roofs. This method uses small rail sections in specific areas as needed along the roof – reducing the total length of rails. They have benefits which make them desirable to contractors and installers alike. They provide material and shipping cost savings to the customer when compared to rail systems. In addition, they are small, which allows them to be handled easily onto roofs. They are forgiving with spacing allowing for minimal or customizable walk spaces. Additionally, micro rails can be installed with just a couple of fasteners - potentially cutting installation times compared to rails.

Massive snow accumulation on a roof creates the potential for an unpredictable avalanche-like effect. Metal is a great choice for your rooftop. It has a long life expectancy and can stand up to the harshest conditions. It does have a low coefficient of friction though–meaning things (including snow) don’t stick to it very well. But the notion that snow is intended to slide off a metal roof is misguided and can be dangerous.  

Being the experts on all things metal roof and metal roof attachments, we are often asked by solar developers and installers what is the most cost-effective way to install solar panels on metal roofs. There are multiple options when putting solar on a metal roof, and each come with pros and cons that can impact installation costs and lifetime performance.

Did you know that your roof already comes with free rails? You can mount PV directly to the roof panels themselves - using the “direct-attach” method. Whether you are dealing with standing seam or ribbed, face-fastened panels, these metal roofs have one thing in common: They all have built-in rails. 

When it comes to sharing solar array costs, companies often shy away and dance around the question. They usually focus on the customization angle – telling you that prices vary, and that this is what makes estimation difficult.

Now, of course costs vary, because no two projects are the same but whether you are an installer, contractor, or a homeowner, you share two common questions:  

What is Galvanized Steel? - Carbon steel is inherently susceptible to corrosion, which means it must be protected by some other metallic coating that is less corrosive. Carbon steel sheet is called “galvanized” when coated with a thin layer of pure zinc. This coating provides two types of corrosion protection for the steel: “barrier protection” (sealing the surface from air and water) and “sacrificial protection” or “galvanic” protection—especially at scratches and cut edges.

The best test of our products is real-life application. This S-5! success story came from Guido Morandin of Work Monster, Inc. in Canada. The Work Monster project features two S-5! products: VersaBracket™ and ColorGard snow retention. 

Massive sheet metal snow guard failure is a common occurrence in Northern Ontario. After tiring of “supplying customers with improper ice guard systems,” he needed a real solution that would help mitigate this dangerous phenomenon. He discovered S-5!

An Interview with Construction in Focus and Manufacturing in Focus Magazines - Rob Haddock recently sat down for an engaging interview to discuss the lasting impact S-5! Metal Roof Innovations has had on the industry. He walks the reader through the history of his company from wooden prototypes to the collection of over 50 U.S. and foreign patents the company holds.