Replies

1. Expert Member
   Akos | Dec 11, 2019 12:31pm | #1

   For a flat roof either look for ballasted panel mounts or racking that can mount onto the parapets. Less chance of problems down the road.

1. 
   caliberger | Dec 11, 2019 04:22pm | #2

   Thanks Akos
   Agree but being in a high wind area ballasted mounts aren't a good option for me and my local code requires 3 feet of access between edge of roof and panels so cannot mount to parapet
   My question is getting at cost of built up roof vs. EPDM and which is easier to seal long term after screwing down rack mounts

1. Expert Member
   Akos | Dec 11, 2019 08:04pm | #3

   There is ballasted racking out there for high wind, 140mph is definitely doable. The commercial flat roof projects I've worked with had ballasted systems, I would do a bit more digging before giving up.

   I'm not familiar enough with EPD vs BUR to help much on that front.

1. 
   caliberger | Dec 11, 2019 09:05pm | #5

   Thanks again Akos. Would you please pass along the names of these high wind resistant ballasted systems? Might be the way to go if I beef up the framing

2. 
   joenorm | Dec 11, 2019 08:30pm | #4

   We have done TPO roofs non-ballasted. Lag in your mounts where you want them directly into the membrane/structural members, then have the roofing company come in and boot every single standoff. We've done a few that way. They basically weld the boots onto the TPO so the chances of a failure there are very small. Not sure about EPDM, never worked on it.

1. 
   caliberger | Dec 11, 2019 09:05pm | #6

   Thank you Joe

3. Expert Member
   Akos | Dec 11, 2019 10:21pm | #7

   I would talk to your solar installer. Most rack manufacturers offer a ballasted system and can provide engineering support for high wind application.

   You can try:

   https://polarracking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PR2-Data-Sheet.pdf
   https://unirac.com/roofmount/rm10/