Photovoltaics (PV) is the process of converting light into electricity. PV technology converts sunlight (otherwise known as solar radiation) into direct current electricity. This process uses semiconductors, (the most common semiconductor material being crystalline silicon), so when the sun hits the PV, the electrons are released and form an electric current.
Tags: metal roof, metal roof clamps, solar mounting, metal roof brackets, PV, rail mounted solar panels
Snow retention helps preserve your metal roof and allows snow drifts and snow melt to exit the roof in a more controlled manner (i.e. in small amounts, evaporation or melt water), avoiding the potential calamity of the rooftop avalanche.
Standing Seam vs. Exposed-Fastened Metal Roofs: Contrasts
A metal roof is a metal roof, right? WRONG. Standing seam and exposed-fastener roofs are both metal and may even serve similar purposes, but the two styles are very different indeed.
Tags: metal roof, metal roof clamps, standing seam metal roof, exposed fastened
With our roof pitch snow guard calculator, once you enter a few key points of data, our system will quickly calculate the exact number of guards required and the recommended snow guard spacing for your engineered application. The calculator saves you time and money in the planning process. There is also an option to get a low-cost certified engineer stamp on your calculations. Read part one on why to use a snow guard calculator here.
Tags: snow guards, metal roof, metal roof clamps
What’s on Your Metal Roof? Components of a Snow Guard System
This is Part Two of a two-part series on qualifying snow retention systems.
In Part 1 of What’s on Your Roof? we discussed how, unfortunately, there aren’t any snow guard police out there patrolling the industry. This creates a two-fold problem: One, that you can’t count on there being building inspectors to check a go-to-market system for structural adequacy; and two, architects and installers of these systems can potentially be sued for personal and property damage from faulty snow retention systems they specify or install.
Tags: snow guards, plastic snow guards, metal roof, standing seam metal roof
Quick Investment Return Expected from McElroy Solar Mounting Project
Wanting to offset the plant’s electrical usage, and still show a return on investment, McElroy Metal chose a rail-less solar mounting solution system for its second manufacturing facility in Adelanto, CA. Secure module attachment was done with S-5! clamps and the PVKIT® - direct-attach™ system.
Tags: metal roof, solar mounting
At S-5!, we don’t recommend installing adhesive-mounted snow guards on metal roofs. From both an economic and design perspective, glued on plastic snow guards typically have low holding strength and are unable to handle harsh weather-related elements. The bond weakens over time and when it fails, the guard can rip away paint and protective roof coatings, potentially leading to corrosion.
Tags: snow guards, plastic snow guards, metal roof, standing seam metal roof
What are the Best Snow Guards for Metal Roofs?
This is part one of a two-part series on qualifying snow retention systems.
In places where it frequently snows a lot and even in places where it doesn’t, metal is a favored material in protecting a house or other structure. On the surface, snow might appear to be rather innocuous, as it gently falls from the sky like the ending scene in the movie, White Christmas. But what the movie doesn’t show, is all through the night and much of the morning (if not longer) the light fluffy stuff piles deeper and deeper on top of the roof, incrementally increasing its own weight. Then, when the sun comes out, an avalanche of snow tumbles down onto unsuspecting persons, vehicles and landscapes below.
Tags: snow guards, metal roof, metal roof clamps
How Can You Reduce the Risk of a Rooftop Avalanche?
When a snow avalanche falls off of a rooftop, it can damage anything in its path! This sudden release of snow can be dramatic—dumping tons of snow in mere seconds. Falling snow forms a temperature-sensitive bond to the surface of a metal roof. Then, when that roof is warmed, whether from the sun or from building heat loss, the bond between the snow bank and roof is broken and a thin film of melt water serves to lubricate the slide.
Tags: snow guards, plastic snow guards, metal roof, standing seam metal roof
What is the Best Way to Mount Snow Retention to a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are a smart decision. But with metal roofs, you must consider the risk of roof top avalanches. A quality snow retention system will help you maintain your roof, avoid personal and property damage, and efficiently and safely allow snow to melt off your structure. But there are a number of methods to mount snow guard systems. What is the best way?
Tags: snow guards, plastic snow guards, metal roof brackets, standing seam metal roof