Solar install turning out really bad - looking for some help/advice please.

[thejq]

sample video of same method of drill through tiles


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4C5qWwFTFY

Interesting that one of the viewer left this message "It's bad news if they drilled in your tiles!!!".

[silversaver]

Sometimes you have no choice if it is already done. There is no law prohibit installer to use this method and I think it is cheap labor.

[sdold]

Sometimes you have no choice if it is already done. There is no law prohibit installer to use this method and I think it is cheap labor.

How about the one that says he is to follow the manufacturer's instructions? IBC 1509.7.3. Is this really the way the manufacturer of that mount intends for it to be installed? That's their whole product, that hangar bolt and some sealant?

[HX_Guy]

How about the one that says he is to follow the manufacturer's instructions? IBC 1509.7.3. Is this really the way the manufacturer of that mount intends for it to be installed? That's their whole product, that hangar bolt and some sealant?

Strangely, it does seem that is all there is to it...

[HX_Guy]

That's not the same method. Those penetrations are at the peak, and the water runs in the trough. You don't have that safety feature with flat tiles. They will leak in 1, 5, 10 or 20 years when the sealants fail.

Would it be prudent to at least then use one of these products? Can't hurt I suppose?

[silversaver]

That's not the same method. Those penetrations are at the peak, and the water runs in the trough. You don't have that safety feature with flat tiles. They will leak in 1, 5, 10 or 20 years when the sealants fail.

Yes, the penetrations were alway be at the peak of tile. That what I see at my solar installation. It is different with Spanish style S shape tile. If the UniRack tile hooks were used, then they will always be at bottom of S shape tiles. I can understnd why installer using this method on S Shape tiles, but why on flat tiles???

[solar pete]

Because they have no clue about what they are doing

[silversaver]

Because they have no clue about what they are doing

What do you suggest on standoffs with S Shape tiles? What should I look for if the installation already done. I'm having someone inspect the work when weather permits.

[sdold]

Strangely, it does seem that is all there is to it...

Not the same thing. Those are curved tiles and the water is shed well before it reaches the hole. I explained that earlier. And how would the peaks magically line up with the rafters anyway?

[HX_Guy]

Not the same thing. Those are curved tiles and the water is shed well before it reaches the hole. I explained that earlier. And how would the peaks magically line up with the rafters anyway?

Good point. I wonder how silversaver's line up since he said his install is using the hanger bolt style and he has curved tiles.


The hanger bolt style though seems pretty close to the ProSolar TileTrac system though which are made for flat tiles, at least above the tile...only difference really is that they have a 2" square "flashing" instead of just sealant. Of course even though they have a "for flat concrete tile" model, their illustrations all show S tiles.

http://www.prosolar.com/PDFS/BROCHURESpdf/TileTrac_brochure.pdf

Or is the key there that the under-tile is a lot more sealed due to the compression so even if water were to get past the small flashing above the tile, it wouldn't get past the compression seat at the underlayment?

[Living Large]

All I have to say, is the best of luck to you. I have no idea what course of action you can take, because I have no experience. My gut feeling is you need a new contractor, based on the pictures and some of the text. I don't see careful work and attention to detail. I didn't read the most recent posts - maybe you are past that decision.

I spoke with a few installers in planning my system just to get a start. I mentioned roof penetrations and flashing to one, and he laughed and said they weren't needed. I made a note of that for when I call people back - or not. Good luck - that looks like a large project.

[Alisobob]

tile.JPG

[HX_Guy]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5381[/ATTACH]

Oh yea, I can play that game too!

[sensij]

Oh yea, I can play that game too!

Yeah, with all the ways the installer could have done it that would have been good, it is sad to see what was actually done.

[HX_Guy]

Yeah, with all the ways the installer could have done it that would have been good, it is sad to see what was actually done.

Yeah tell me about it. That actually would have been a good way to go in my opinion and what I've read from other people's first hand experience, including someone who does installs here in AZ.

I just ordered 48 of them actually for the remainder of the system. As for what's already there, I'll add those Master Flash flashings and I'll hope for the best.