The way in which solar panels are attached to your roof depends greatly on the type of roof you have. Each type of roof requires specific fixings.
Tiled Roof Mounting Rails
For tile roofs, brackets are affixed under the individual tiles with hooked ends to sit on top of the rafters. A long aluminium rail, similar to the K2 rail, is then hooked over these brackets allowing the solar panels to clip on. Where possible the hook is placed so as to maintain the original tile line.
Slate Roof Fixings
Slate roofs are much more sensitive than tile roofs and must be treated with care as cracks can occur easily under pressure. Most installers use a special slate hook which is designed to sit between the slates and is fixed to the rafter below, with the rail sitting on top of the hook. However, speed is less of an issue as damage to a slate will allow water to enter the roof.
Flat Roof Systems
On flat roofs the panels are generally installed within ballast trays which are then filled with concrete blocks. In some instances the panels can be attached to the roof deck using angled brackets which form part of the mounting frame to ensure the panel is pitched at the correct angle to maximise generation.
Metal Roof Clamps
Standing seam metal roofs are often the easiest type of roof to fix as they have raised seams that the S-5 clamps can be fitted to. They require no drilling of the roof membrane for the fixings.
Weatherproofing at Fixing Points
Lead or specialised rubber boot type flashings will be used to seal any penetrations through the roof covering made by the fixings. In many cases leaks after completion of installation will originate from poorly sealed penetrations.
Structural Load Checks First
As part of any Solar Panel Installation Portishead, the structural load of your roof will be checked by a competent installer to ensure that it can carry the extra weight of the panels and brackets. Some older houses may not be able to carry the weight of solar panels, but modern ones are designed with this in mind. If you are looking for Solar Panel Installation Portishead, see https://redbridgeandsons.co.uk/solar-pv-panels/solar-panel-installation-portishead/.
By fixing your solar panels the correct way you are protecting both your investment and your roof to last for years to come to generate power for you.
