Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread Jesse Dahl
This is very interesting to me. I just added 2kW to my home and this thread inspired me. I did half the array using quick mount PV, and half the array using oatey flashing and a two piece stand-off. Along with that array I added a single module on a micro I picked up cheap. I attached that mo

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread Chris Mason
I've never had that luxury, generally the underside is visible and can't be changed. We get through but it's a pain. On Wed, Jul 4, 2012 at 8:36 PM, benn kilburn wrote: > Chris, > I'm pretty sure that what David means by "blocking" is if the roof has > rafters (peak to eave) rather than purlins

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread benn kilburn
Chris, I'm pretty sure that what David means by "blocking" is if the roof has rafters (peak to eave) rather than purlins (horizontal) then, IF you can access the underside of the roof, you properly install 'blocking' (2x4, 2x6, 2x8) against the underside of the roof sheathing, perpendicular to the

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread Chris Mason
I use corrugated mounting bridges - that's the problem. If the center of the beam falls in the trough, the corrugated bridge is useless. I am not sure how blocking would help. Corrugated is a pain. On Wed, Jul 4, 2012 at 12:11 PM, David Brearley < david.brear...@solarprofessional.com> wrote: >

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread David Brearley
Bill, FWIW: none of the companies with flashed attachments solutions mentioned in the article we ran in SP1.1 were advertisers. Having said that, I do see a lot of articles in trade publications that are pretty shameless exercises in product placement. I've always found that off-putting and

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread Bill Loesch
David, Why does your editor put Todd's articles (and use him as a cover story) in your magazines (more than once, I believe) if it is not for his __experience__? The fact that there is a prescribed product (more than one in this case) that gets blessed when old fashioned, time tested, craft

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread David Brearley
Presumably most solar contractors benefit from increased sales due to the availability of a 30% federal tax credit. Arguably, that's not the same thing as "receiving public funds," but the net effect is the same. My point is simply that as an industry we are dependent upon public support and a v

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread David Brearley
In some cases, you can install blocking to get up on the ridge consistently. One alternative to hangar bolts is to use corrugated mounting bridges from DPW Solar or something similar from another company. Sorry I can't link to the PDF. Google: "corrugated mounting bridges" Since exposed-fastene

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread R Ray Walters
30 years of industry precedence is defensible. The L foot is essentially a sealed flashing as well, so we're really talking interpretation. I've done it many different ways, worked on decades old systems, and even though I was a flashing man for many years, I'm back to thinking the venerable L

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread Solarguy
; NABCEP PV 031310-57 TECL-27398 nt...@1scom.net 817.917.0527 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Benn At DayStarSolar Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 5:36 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread Bill Hoffer
David I agree with you David that flashed roof attachment are the preferred attachment method and definitly the best practice method. As an industry we should be promoting that. Todd's point that they can work fine is also valid, although I would still recommend flashing if a decent product is a

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread mark
ot; methods may not satisfy the big city folks, but no failures in 20 years means more to our customers than satisfying some bureaucrat's requirements. -------- Original Message ---- Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof From: David Brearley <david.brear...@so

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread David Brearley
Todd, The issue isn't whether your approach works, but whether it is defensible in the event that something leaks. Most solar contractors receive public funds (rebate monies, ARRA program distributions, etc.). Some of those companies are installing systems in a manner that is not building code

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-04 Thread Chris Mason
All of this refers to shingle roofs, which we don't see much of. We mostly deal with concrete and corrugated steel/galvalume, the latter being a nightmare. Does anyone have good ideas for dealing with corrugated? There's no way to flash it, the blocks are fine when you hit a beam on the ridge but h

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread toddcory
i wasn't going to enter into this discussion, but this posting prompted me. my most recent job was done with the assistance of the customer. he and i have a long working history, my being his employee some 25 years ago installing shw systems in the area, and now he hiring me to do his personal

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Chris Mason
d it causes rain to collect >>>> under it. My experience is in northern Indiana where it does rain and the >>>> wind does blow. (Record 91 mph winds last Thursday.) Less severe weather >>>> than Michigan, but close. >>>> I use the best silicone caulk Men

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Rich Nicol
bit to drive. Rich From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Benn At DayStarSolar Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 6:36 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof I haven't re

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Benn At DayStarSolar
I haven't read up on the mentioned structural screws yet, but do they specifically state that they can be driven "without" a pilot hole? What is the justification and how are they different so that they won't cause a board to split under pressure? Does anyone have some good info on this? benn

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread David Brearley
+1 on the use of structural screws. We ran an article about lag screws a couple years ago: http://solarprofessional.com/article/?file=SP3_4_pg70_Shelly One of the things that surprised me when I read this manuscript is how variable lag screws are in terms of construction and quality. Besides th

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Ryan Mayfield
Getting back to the flashing aspect of this thread, the comment about improperly installed flashings doing more harm than good and the general comments about L feet straight to the roof… Yes, if you install ANYTHING wrong it's counterproductive but if you read the instructions and use common

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Garrison Riegel
The EcoFasten GF1 flashing is easy to install on a retrofit and will not necessarily add any height to the rail. If you do need to trim the flashings installed around the skylight, then I would recommend adding sealant to these penetrations. We ditch the included lag and use a 5/16" GRK RSS (self

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Jason Szumlanski
gth. No reason to make a >> science project out of it and increase cost and labor. >> >> Mark >> >> Original Message >> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof >> From: Drake >> Date: Fri, June 29, 2012 3:09 pm >> To

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Bill Hoffer
I use the best silicone caulk Menards has to offer. I've never worried >>> about compatibility. It definitely won't dry up and crack away like the >>> black roof cement some swear by and insist on. 15+ year old silicone caulk >>> is yellowed a bit but that'

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Chris Mason
t;> > In my 20 year experience of lagging down L feet on shingle roofs in >> > Indiana with a good dollop of silicone caulk under the foot, I've never >> > had an issue. No pre-drilling, just drive the lag home. Drilling a hole >> > first is not necessary, and reduces holdi

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread Chris Mason
cost and labor. > > Mark > > Original Message ---- > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof > From: Drake > Date: Fri, June 29, 2012 3:09 pm > To: RE-wrenches > > Hi Jay, > > There is no room for flashings. The L feet will go very close t

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-03 Thread mark
e never> had an issue. No pre-drilling, just drive the lag home. Drilling a hole> first is not necessary, and reduces holding strength. No reason to make> a science project out of it and increase cost and labor.>> Mark>> Original Message > Subject: Re: [

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread benn kilburn
f cement some swear by and insist on. 15+ year old silicone caulk is yellowed a bit but that's the only change. If the silicone and shingle aren't getting along, I've never heard them complain. Mark (Disclaimer: Portions of the preceding are the opinions of the author.)

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread Max Balchowsky
e so it eventually became loose.   Max Balchowsky Design Engineer SEE Systems 1048 Irvine Ave Suite 217 Newport Beach, Ca. 92660 760-403-6810 From: Drake To: RE-wrenches Sent: Monday, July 2, 2012 3:58 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread Bill Hoffer
k > (Disclaimer: Portions of the preceding are the opinions of the author.) > > Original Message > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof > From: Dave Click > Date: Mon, July 02, 2012 10:29 am > To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > I always tho

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread Drake
How do you flash your L feet without using a standoff? At 07:49 AM 7/2/2012, you wrote: I've found that the Flashed L-Foot connection costs about $0.10/w on a typical residential system, and only adds about 1/4-1/2" to the height, which can be minimized using the slotted holes in a typical L-F

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread mark
the preceding are the opinions of the author.) -------- Original Message ---- Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof From: Dave Click <davecl...@fsec.ucf.edu> Date: Mon, July 02, 2012 10:29 am To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org I always thought that installing lag

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread Andrew Truitt
For many years I installed L-feet with galvanized step flashings adhered under the shingle row above the penetration. This provides a mechanical barrier and can be very durable if the flashing is well secured. - Andrew Sent from my iPhone On Jun 28, 2012, at 5:39 PM, Drake wrote: > I'm qu

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread Dave Click
rst is not necessary, and reduces holding strength. No reason to make a science project out of it and increase cost and labor. Mark Original Message -------- Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof From: Drake mailto:drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-02 Thread Jason Szumlanski
I've found that the Flashed L-Foot connection costs about $0.10/w on a typical residential system, and only adds about 1/4-1/2" to the height, which can be minimized using the slotted holes in a typical L-Foot. We need a lot of attachments for 172 mph design wind speeds around here. Flashings at $5

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-07-01 Thread mark
ience project out of it and increase cost and labor.Mark Original Message Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof From: Drake <drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org> Date: Fri, June 29, 2012 3:09 pm To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-30 Thread Drake
At 06:16 PM 6/29/2012, you wrote: Would it be possible/reasonable to add flashed mounts to the existing array? Not without reinstalling. There have been no problems with the existing array's penetrations. Drake Chamberlin ATHENS ELECTRIC LLC OH License 44810 CO license 3773 NABCEP Certifi

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-29 Thread Jesse Dahl
Would it be possible/reasonable to add flashed mounts to the existing array? Jesse Sent from my iPhone On Jun 29, 2012, at 2:42 PM, Benn At DayStarSolar wrote: > Drake, > This won't help with the height issue, but maybe you could trim the flashing > where it is close to the skylights? > O

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-29 Thread Benn At DayStarSolar
Drake, This won't help with the height issue, but maybe you could trim the flashing where it is close to the skylights? Or is it possible to access the underside of the roof beside the skylight so you can add a spanner btwn the rafters so you can have room for the flashing? No answer for the h

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-29 Thread Drake
Hi Jay, There is no room for flashings. The L feet will go very close to the skylights and the flashing would hit the edge of them. Plus there is an existing array that was done by another installer that is done with L feet only. The new array would be higher. And given that we have rea

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-29 Thread benn kilburn
If you have to go down this road of not using flashed penetrations, be very diligent. Dan makes a couple of great pointsŠ make sure the sealant you use is compatible (and a superior product) for the roof type you are working on, don't over tighten as that will just damage the shingle further and d

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-29 Thread jay peltz
I have had the opportunity in the past few years to learn a lot about good roofing waterproofing practices according to the national roofers association. They don't agree that caulk works as the primary means of sealant, which is what you are doing with an L foot. And given that we have really

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-29 Thread Glenn Burt
We have used a variety of sealants over the years, and determined simple Henry roofing cement is the best product for use on comp roofing. We also used to bend our own L-foot flashing, which we cut from standard Al coil stock (before all the manufactured options were available). This might be a

Re: [RE-wrenches] L feet no flashing in shingle roof

2012-06-29 Thread dan
Early on I learned to fill the pre drilled hole with a non asphalt eating caulk like geo cell (Or something similar), and then used two layers of a polybutyl tape and stainless hardware. The trick is not to lag down the L-feet so tight that it smooshes out all the poly. You also need to be real car