Solar panels on a flat roof - tilt or no tilt?

[DanKegel]

I'm advising our church on a very similar system (9-11kw, southwest orientation, 10 degree tilted roof, also in Santa Monica).
Would love to hear how yours turned out!

[jetsurgn]

So what the best mount method for a flat torch down paper roof? Chemlink E-Curb??

[ncs55]

So what the best mount method for a flat torch down paper roof? Chemlink E-Curb??

We seal the stanchion with Chemlink at the base, (don't skimp here), and then have a roofer seal the flashing down with torch down. If you cannot do it that way then you can seal the stanchion the same way, then use mastic all around the bottom edges of the flashing, place the flashing down in place, push it down firmly then run another bead around the edges of the flashing at least 2" on each side of the edge all of the way around, then a layer of yellow resin coated glass fabric, or equivalent around and on top of the mastic and then one more layer of mastic overlapping the first layer of mastic. Make sense?

[solarix]

The best way to seal roof mounts is however your licensed roofer is willing to do it so that his guarantee (and your homeowners insurance) is in effect.

[ncs55]

The best way to seal roof mounts is however your licensed roofer is willing to do it so that his guarantee (and your homeowners insurance) is in effect.

True, Let the roofer decide the best way to seal them, because the roofer is the one with the liabilities. If it leaks it will be up to the roofer to fix it and if there is any substantial damage hope that his insurance company is decent enough to handle it. Usually leaks are small and cause damage over a period of time, from what I have seen. Slight leaks can lead to mold which is the worst kind of damage as that affects your health, especially black mold. I am not sure if you would want to make a claim with your home owner policy as your rates will go up because of his mistake. Any good roofer will give you a 10 year warranty. If they offer less than ten years I would be looking for a different roofer.

[jetsurgn]

First Flat roofs seem more difficult from pitched roof.
Flat roof good idea to have a roofer involved
Their seems to be two schools of thought with sealing the attach points, Chemlink like in the photo and Flashed.
Which one is preferred?

[ncs55]

A lot of roofers like that seal in the picture. The jury is still out for me on that type. I have not had much experience with them. It seems like they consume a lot more sealant than is necessary to make a flat roof leak proof.