10 Tips For Solar Roof Mount Installation

Published on October 22 2018

Our team spends much of their time answering technical questions on solar mounts for comp shingles, tile, shake, metal shingles and other roof types. Installation practices improve reliability and longevity of rooftop solar systems. Most PV arrays are capable of producing power for 20-30+ years. So the roof and waterproof mounts must last the life of solar system,to reduces their monthly energy cost and insures clean free power for years to come.

We’ve compiled our top nine tips for installing solar on shingle and tile roofs. Just follow these guidelines,the long-term system quality and lower cost of power can be ensured.

1. Locate rafters

Drill two to three holes through the sheathing to locate the edge of the rafter, or use sophisticated stud finders,such as Bosch D-tect 150.

2. Center attachment point

Center your lag bolt in the middle-third of the rafter.

3. Pilot holes

Be careful, failure to drill pilot holes in the outer chord of 2×4 or 2×6 rafters will likely result in split rafters.

4. Remove shingle nails

Remove the nails on composite shingles, to allow the upper edge of flashing to be 1/2-in.

5. Acceptable working temperature

To avoid damaging the shingles,shingle temperatures should be between 45° and 85° F.

6. Flashing width
Asphalt shingle flashings should be at least 9 in. wide to comply with roofing industry best practices.

This flashed Quick Hook uses a three-course sealing system that is approved by the TRI guidelines. Mastic applied to fiber mesh provides long-term waterproofing of the top and sides of the base flashing to the rolled roof underlayment.

7. Flashing material

Flashings should be made from an NRCA-compliant metal (aluminum, stainless steel, lead or galvanized steel). The TRI requires curved tile flashing be made from malleable metal.

8. Seal design matters

Select flashed mounts with robust seal. Seals above the waterline will provide longer life than seals at the waterline, especially in freezing climates.

9. Install base flashing on tile roof mounts
The frequently disregarded code requirement will cause premature leaks on tile roof installations within 5 to 10 years.All tile standoffs need a “base flashing” which is bibbed or three-coursed to the underlayment.