| Criterion
6.5.5
Building Penetrations
Criteria
text:
Penetrations
of the building through which piping or wiring is passed shall
not reduce or impair the function of the enclosure. Penetrations
through walls or other surfaces shall not allow intrusion by insects
and/or vermin. Required roof penetrations shall be made in accordance
with applicable codes and also by practices recommended by the
national roofing contractors association.
Comments:
This criteria deals with how structures are penetrated and
sealed. Installers must follow standard solar industry as well
as general building practices - especially those provided by the
national roofing contractors association.
Installers
must also follow the guidelines listed in the manufacturer's SRCC
approved installation instructions. SRCC has reviewed the manufacturer's
installation manual to determine that proper methods and materials
are being used.
The
following is one example of a proper method of attaching and sealing
collector mounting brackets. In this case, the lag bolt method
is being used.
In
Figure 1, the installer is locating the trusses that will be used
to attach the solar collector mounting brackets. Locating the
trusses can be done by either tapping for firmness, identifying
them visually at the eaves, or by locating them from the attic.
Figure
1
After
having identified where the trusses are, the installer then makes
preparations for the installation of the collector mounting hardware.
The collector will then be attached to this mounting hardware.
Using a trowel, the installer very carefully lifts the shingle
where the mounting hardware will be installed (Figure 2). A mounting
hardware support and sealing plate will be installed under the
shingle. Note that the installer very carefully lifts the shingle
so as not to damage it.
Figure 2
As
shown in Figure 3, sealant material is applied to the underside
of the mounting hardware sealing and support plate. The plate
will provide support and a means of sealing when the mounting
hardware is bolted to the truss member.
Figure 3
The
mounting hardware support plate is then inserted between the raised
shingle (Figure 4). Although not all installers use this support
plate, its use does provide additional sealing properties, especially
if small penetrations were left when locating the truss member
into which the lag bolt is fastened.
Figure 4
The
installer then installs the collector mounting hardware by securing
a lag bolt through the shingle and support plate and into the
identified truss member (Figure 5).
Sealing material has been placed between the shingle
and the mounting hardware.
Figure
5
The
mounting hardware is now attached (Figure 6). Mounting hardware
will be attached at four locations on the roof for eventual collector
mounting.
Figure 6
As
indicated in this illustration, the bolt is lagged directly into
the truss member. Collector mounting hardware come in various
designs and configurations. In addition, there are several mounting
methods (lag bolt, spanner, etc.) available to secure the solar
collector to the roofing structure. These will be discussed in
following criteria. Whichever is used, the installer must make
sure that the penetrations are well sealed to prevent any impairment
to the function of the enclosure - in most solar cases, the roof
structure.
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