When choosing which mounts to buy for each gig, solar installers should consider roofing material. But many are not familiar with certain types of roofs and pass up job opportunities. One prime example is the stone coated steel (SCS), roofing.
These roofs are also known as stamped metal, metal tile and metal shingle. They are often overlooked as a viable roofing material when it comes to solar installations. Why? Well, we asked installers at the recent Intersolar 2022 trade show why they haven’t installed on SCS roofs, and the consensus was clear.
While many didn’t know about the available mounting solutions, most simply didn’t know how they could work with the roofing material and haven’t considered it any further. There’s a goldmine of solar installations out there waiting to be claimed. Flexible teams could capitalize on the market gap and create a new source of income for themselves and their businesses.
SCS roofs can be installed in a much shorter time than installing asphalt shingles with sheet metal flashing. Roof manufacturers like Decra and Westlake Royal Roofing’s Unified Steel (formerly Boral) have guides on how to walk on their SCS roofs. It’s rather simple and not too different from walking on Spanish tiles. It’s important to walk where the panels are strongest. This is the same place regardless of whether there’s battens underneath the panels. Walk on top of the horizontal overhang if the panels rest upon battens. If the panels have a direct-to deck roof profile, do the exact same.
QuickBOLT’s mounting solutions for SCS roofs are the direct result of working with roof manufacturers. The SKUs 17550 and 17612 refer to adjustable mounts that are designed for use on SCS roof profiles with battens. Those part numbers include mounting screws that feature innovations brought over from our wood fasteners brand, Quickscrews, with choices between 5/16” and 1/4″.
Installation is simple once you’ve identified your mounting location. First, you’ll start by removing the roof panel, then locating the rafter. Next, mark the location of your mount and predrill it. To ensure a perfect fit when you put the other panel back in place, place the mount over the batten. Use sealant to fill the holes, then attach the mount and drive bolts. Next, place the SCS sheets over the hook. (Watch this video to see how it is installed.)
Part numbers 17630 and 17628 are the SKUs of fixed-height mounts that are designed for battenless (or direct-to-deck), SCS roof profiles. The two parts offer a choice between 5/16” and 1/4″ mounting screws.
Metal panels are able to be securely placed over solar mounting hooks, without needing to drill through roof material. This market is great for solar installers and roofers who want to expand their services.
Please see QuickBOLT’s SCS solar mounting solutions here.
Mike Wiener is the marketing manager at QuickBOLT, a division within Quickscrews International Corp. which focuses on solar mounting solutions to residential roofs.