The terminology may vary, but it’s the application that matters. This may be the best add-on that you’re not familiar with…Yet.
If you ever speak to a roofing consultant, they will tell you their top fears are sharks, public speaking, and roof liability. Okay, that might not be true to all, but it does highlight the importance of a perfectly sealed roof. The first question we should ask is what can cause leaks on flat commercial rooftops?
Leaks can be caused by a number of things on a rooftop. These include dirt and debris, around the flashing, roof penetrating structures, and pooling water from blocked drains.
The Gasket Series
The Gasket series is a piece of roofing membrane that is mechanically attached to our C-Port. It gives the installer the ability to attach the C-Port to the roofing membrane with ease. As we discussed in a previous blog, this helps with wind uplift, some seismic applications and prevents potential roof damage in the future. As with any membrane, each material has a different way to adhere to the current roof membrane.
Did You Know
We can apply a slip sheet to any of our product lines. TPO or EPDM is available and we can cut custom sizes and apply them for those special jobs. Let us know the application and the roof membrane, and we can have a solution for you within a very reasonable time frame.
CGW SeriesIf you browse our product section on our website, you’ll notice a very broad range of rooftop pipe supports for pretty much every flat commercial roofing situation. One of those categories is the C-Port Gasket Series or CGW Series. This is a product line that is used by a very loyal customer base of ours. What I mean by that is, once customers use this, we see them re-use it because of how beneficial they find it.
Do you need a rooftop pipe support for seismic installation? Contrary to our other products, our CZ Series is the only C-Port designed to be penetrating rooftop support specifically for this application.
C-Port boasts a “non-penetrating” approach to rooftop pipe supports, however, we are also very prepared for seismic zones. There are some instances, depending on where you are, that you may need roof support that penetrates the roof and can be attached to the roof deck. Some territories are in seismic zones. This means that there are alterations to the existing layout of rooftop equipment (in this scenario) and our CZ series is a component that can be incorporated into a approved seismic approved system.
The CZ Series has 2 threaded rods that protrude through the bottom of the support. Each threaded rod comes equipped with two nuts, two washers, and two pieces of roofing membrane (either EPDM or TPO). This system allows the pipe support to tie into the roof deck securely but also has the roofing membrane attached to complete the project with a leak-proof finish.
The Preparation
As you can see in the cross-section photo above, the CZ series will be installed on two 2×8’s that are stacked on top of each other. The single-ply roofing membrane then gets installed over the 2×8’s (and over the rest of the roof as per a typical installation).
Depending on the membrane that the roof is made from, the contractor can either adhere to the membrane pieces or heat welding it to the existing roof. See below for instructions on how to properly.
Here’s a video of Neil Krovats, President of Clearline Technologies explaining how our CZ Series works as well as a quick overview of how to install it.
We are able to customize all of our products with the seismic feature. If you have any questions regarding this product or installation, please do not hesitate to email us at sales@clearline.ca or get in touch with the C-Port rep or distributor in your area.
Our newest line of HVAC duct supports are officially here. Our DS and DSW Series are designed to have fixed lengths for height and width. These are designed to be a plug and play product, and having the fixed lengths to choose from makes install easier than ever.
What Is So Different?
Our DSA & DSAW Series (as seen here) have adjustable telescopic crossbeams for maximum adjustability, however as we continue receiving requests from contractors to offer duct support with fixed heights and widths to choose from, we realized that there is a place for these products. The crossbar is supported by two 4-hole 90-degree fittings to reduce any twisting that could occur instead of two 2-hole 90-degree fittings that most competitors use. Since the crossbeams are attached with spring nuts and bolts, the height of the crossbeam is adjustable and can be flipped over if you need to use the open end of the strut for clamps or pipe hangers. The vertical uprights are fastened with 8-hole wing fittings to the bases, which can either be on our CXP’s or our patented widebody CXW’s.
Get Your Ducts In A Row
As with all of our product lines, we have the ability to mechanically fasten a “slip sheet” to the C-Port recycled rubber bases to provide another layer of protection between the support and the roof membrane. We can do this with most roofing membranes. Adding the slip sheet to the product also gives the contractor the ability to adhere (or torch) the slip sheet to the roof membrane. Alternatively, we can also make these with our seismic rod application to penetrate the roof and tie into the structure. Lastly, we have the ability to create custom sizing for most situations and jobs. So don’t forget to get your ducts in a row!…and supported right!
TYPICAL SOLAR FARMS ALIGN THEIR SOLAR ARRAYS IN ROWS TO FORM A GRID. A PLANT IN DATONG, CHINA, HOWEVER, DECIDED TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN WITH THEIR DESIGN.
China Merchants New Energy Group, one of China’s largest clean energy operators, built a 248-acre solar farm in the shape of a giant panda. Yes, a giant panda.
In a display of China’s commitment to ramping up renewable energy resources, the country just finished a 248-acre solar farm in the shape of a panda. The effort is partially a PR campaign as China continues to lead the world in renewable energy investment.
The first phase of the solar power plant was completed in 2018, adding 50MW (of the total 100MW) to the electricity grid in Datong, China. The panda-shaped plant was proposed in May of 2016 by Panda Green Energy’s largest shareholder, China Merchants New Energy. It was quickly approved as a way to build support for sustainable energy development with Chinese youth.
THE BASICS OF SOLAR
There are three general types of solar panels used in the world today: Monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline, and thin film. The first two are generally more common, with polycrystalline panels the most popular for residential solar panels in America.
The 100-megawatt panda farm is capable of generating electricity for more than 10,000 households each year. It is projected to replace burning 1 million tons of coal in the next two decades.
The firm has been investing in and running solar power plants in China’s major solar hubs such as Xinjiang and Qinghai province, as well as some solar projects in Britain.
Shanxi aims to install 12 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2020 versus 1.13 GW installed in 2015.
Although the first photo is an artist rendering, the second is a Google Maps shot of the real solar farm.
What do you think of this design? Drop us a comment below. You can check out the other artist renderings on our Instagram account.
Before non-penetrating rooftop pipe supports were common among the construction industry, there was wood. Contractors would run to (hopefully) the nearest hardware store, Pick up some pressure treated 4×4’s, transport them back to the job site, cut them to the required lengths, and paint the ends. This was common for decades. Often having to go back onto the roof to fix the rotten supports years later. However, as we know from past mistakes, this is not the most efficient way to support equipment anymore. Now there are supports made out of various materials. Wood has been banned in many territories from being used as rooftop supports due to its glaring weaknesses.
As wood is being phased out across various Countries, we need to consider the qualities that have made it obsolete:
Inability to successfully deal with the climate
Twisting and contorting under equipment and pipes
Rotting
Floating “downstream” with heavy rainfalls
Generally short lifespan
Expensive choice once you factor in labor
Now that there are more advanced systems and products, the industry is evolving into relying on a quick install to lower the overall cost and a tough product that can hold up under all conditions. Once you understand the qualities and traits that your roof requires, you can come to an informed decision, which will likely not require wood supporting any pipes.
A commercial rooftop is an important investment for any building owner or homeowner. Like everything else in life, there are pros and cons to each roofing material that can be installed. Contractors and engineers need to know what qualities they can maximize in the price point that they are working with. Today we are going to discuss the following:
EPDM
TPO
PVC
Asphalt decks
Metal Roofs
EPDM
Ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM) is the most common contractor recommendation due to its affordability and quality. These qualities have made EPDM roofing popular worldwide. EPDM manufacturers use recycled rubber from tires, slate, and sawdust to manufacture EPDM. With proper installation, property owners can have 20-30 years of quality, hailstorm-proof roofing. EPDM roofs are installed with either adhesive, tape, mechanically attached, or ballasted. EPDM is available in 2 thicknesses – 45 and 60 mils.
EPDM commercial roofing job
TPO
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofs are single-ply membrane flat roof systems for commercial buildings. TPO is installed with a heat-welding application as opposed to an adhesive. The typical lifespan for a TPO roof is 20-30 years. TPO is known for its prevalent white color which deflects. TPO resists mold growth, dirt accumulation, tears impact, and punctures. It is made to be flexible and can allow for a home’s or building’s movement or settling. Reinforced TPO membranes can handle a building’s thermal expansion and contraction more effectively than other single-ply roofing products.
Newly installed TPO roof on a commercial building
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofs tend to have a higher cost than EPDM and TPO. Just like TPO, PVC is heat-welded at install and provides exceptional insulating properties. It also comes in a variety of colors. PVC roofs are specifically engineered for strength, ensuring the membrane’s long service life. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) requires a roofing membrane to have a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds per inch. PVC roofing membranes far surpass this standard, all having a minimum breaking strength of 350 pounds per inch.
PVC roof
Asphalt Decks
Flat roof systems for commercial buildings usually require asphalt decks for rooftop parks and gardens. These decks can last for 50+ years however they are at a higher price point.
Metal Roofs
Similar to asphalt decks, metal roofs can last over 50 plus years but are also one of the most expensive roofing materials. Aluminum being one of the most expensive metal roofing materials is also the lightest. Galvanized steel would be the counterpart to aluminum, it is heavier but also at a lower price point. Both will withstand corrosion through a protective zinc coating.
The rooftop that will house all the equipment from plumbing, electrical HVAC, telecom, etc. should be identified for choosing the proper pipe support. Some membranes are “tougher” than others. You do not want sharp plastic support sitting on the roof membrane with the possibility of puncturing it. Do you need a gasket, slip sheet, or supplemental pad? Check out the blog we wrote on that HERE. Do your due diligence and you will make the right decision.
C-Ports are made of 100% recycled rubber from tires. And all modern tires are made from vulcanized rubber (note: this does not mean it comes from the planet Vulcan, Spock’s home). Therefore, no C-Ports will not melt because vulcanized rubber does not melt.
Back in the 1800s, rubber products were prone to melting in the hot weather. Why did this happen? The rubber back then did not undergo the same process as it does today to chemically change the properties that makes it heat-resistant.
Charles Goodyear saw an opportunity to improve upon this rubber material. After 5 years of experimenting, short periods of jail time and a very fortunate accident (he lost his grip on his altered rubber and landed on a stove where it did not melt – but instead charred), Goodyear had invented the process of vulcanization.
Note: the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. was named after Charles Goodyear. The family had nothing to do with the creation of the company. Also, the story of Charles’ discovery of vulcanized rubber is fascinating. Read about it here on the Goodyear website.
So what is vulcanized rubber?
Once rubber has undergone the vulcanization process, it is chemically changed and does not melt like un-vulcanized natural or synthetic rubber. By adding components to natural or synthetic rubber like sulfur, anti-oxidants, softeners and colour pigments and processing the mixture under high pressure and high temperatures (200-400 F), the rubber mixture comes out stronger than the natural substance. In addition to being heat resistant, vulcanized rubber has a higher tensile strength, is abrasion resistant and has a higher resistance to solvents.
Because of this process, rubber tires don’t just melt on the roads in hot weather and they can handle being driven on for extended periods of time without wearing down as quickly as it would have without being vulcanized.
What does this mean for C-Ports?
C-Ports are made of recycled tires – meaning the tires have been crumbed to small pieces that we mix with an adhesive and mold into the durable rooftop pipe supports you know & love. The rubber maintains the same properties from the vulcanization process and therefore won’t melt even if they’re sitting on a roof for years and years.
EPDM is a cost-effective way to complete a flat roof. EPDM roof systems have been around for over 40 years and are a great choice because they are a lightweight roof that has longevity and few seams. However, the seams and flashing still do need to be adhered to and attached properly to ensure there are no leaks.
This step-by-step instruction is for installing an EPDM roof system, however, these same tactics can be applied to adhere to our EPDM slipsheets on our CGW to EPDM roof membranes.
What You Will Need:
EPDM
Rubber Primer
Scissors
Splice Tape (typically 3″ or 6″)
6″ Cover Tape
Seam Roller
Step 1. Overlap The Two Membranes By A Minimum Of 3 Inches (75 mm)
Step 2. Mark Overlap On The Bottom Sheet
Trace the edge of the top membrane onto the bottom membrane. This will give you an outline for the rubber primer for the EPDM
Step 3. Apply The Rubber Primer To The EPDM Area That Will Be Adhered
Apply the rubber primer in long even strokes using the line marked as a guide. The primer should extend just beyond the top sheet edge. Make sure that the primer is applied evenly and does not puddle.
Step 4. Apply Primer To The Back Side Of The Top Membrane
Step 5. Wait For The Primer To Be Dry To The Touch
Press your finger to the primed membrane. Once the primer is not tacky, you are clear to proceed.
Step 6. Apply Splice Tape To The Bottom Membrane
Start rolling the splice tape out on the bottom membrane along the primed area. Ensure that the primer is still visible along the edge. Once the splice tape is rolled out the full length of the seam/area, cut the tape and smooth the tape out. If you a rolling up a vertical wall, roll the splice tape up at least 6″. Do not remove the film on the top of the splice tape yet.
NOTE: Splice tape comes in different widths. Make sure that your overlap is consistent with the width of the splice tape. If you purchase 6″ splice tape, make sure your overlap is at least 6″.
Step 7. Cut Splice Tape and Fold In On The Upstand
Cut the splice tape and smooth into the angle change of the upstand making sure that the tape follows the angle change. A 6″ Cover Tape will be installed over the angle change to cover any small gaps between the 2 membranes.
Step 8. Let the Top Membrane fall into place
Step 9. Remove the Splice Tape Film
Remove the film by pulling at an angle and smoothing the top membrane on the tape as the film is pulled off. Be careful to not trap air in the joint.
Step 10. Remove The Film From The Upstand Section
Step 11. Use A Seam Roller On The Splice Joint
Use your seam roller to apply pressure to the new splice joint. Use the seam roller at different angles and directions to ensure that every part of the splice tape has been pressed onto both membranes.
Step 12. Measure And Cut The Upstand Height For A T Patch
Measure the upstand height and add 3″ to your cut T patch. Have a roll or piece of 6″ peel and stick cover tape and cut it to the measurements of the upstand (including the 3″ that you added onto the original measurement). Finish it off by cutting the corners round on the piece of cover tape.
Step 13. Mark The Position Of The Cover Tape And Prime The Area
Place the cover tape in the spot you wish to adhere it to and trace the outline for the primer. Apply the primer evenly like in step 3.
Step 14. Install The T Patch
Once the primer is dry to the touch the T patch can be installed. Apply pressure with a seam roller.
NOTE: T patches are installed where splice tape intersects with joints or on splice tape angle changes. Cover tape is used in these situations because it has the ability to mold better in angle changes creating a waterproof seal.
Step 15. Install Wall Trim And Lap Sealant (If Necessary)
Install the wall trim if necessary and apply lap sealant above.
Before we get into how to clean an EPDM roof, check with the EPDM manufacturer for proper instructions to avoid any damages.
There are no ingredients in EPDM rubber roofing that will promote the growth of mold and/or mildew. Atmospheric dirt, shade, sun, humidity, and moisture are some of the contributing factors that form mold and/or mildew. Regular cleaning of your rubber roof will help prevent mold and/or mildew from forming on the EPDM roof.
There are varying opinions on how often you should clean your roof. The important factor in all of this is having a proper preventative maintenance plan. Noticing where the dirt, debris, and water can accumulate and acting on it will be a key factor in improving the longevity of the roof.
Mold and/or mildew on your EPDM roof is simply a parasite that attaches itself to the roof and grows – similar to bathroom mold that grows in your shower. It does not attack the membrane but is unsightly and if allowed to grow will discolor the roof completely and may become a stain that cannot be removed. Please note, the removal of mold and/or mildew is not a job to be rushed.
Tilex is a bathroom cleaner that can be purchased at many grocery stores or discount stores. Tilex contains strong chemicals. The label on the bottle will indicate that the Tilex should not come in contact with painted or aluminum surfaces. If it drips over the sidewalls or comes in contact with painted or aluminum surfaces, wipe immediately with a damp sponge.
WORK WITH A SMALL AREA in order to maintain control. Spray a small area approximately 2’ x 2’ with the Tilex. Allow the Tilex to remain on the roof for 3-10 minutes per area. Scrub the area with the medium bristle brush. After scrubbing, wipe with a damp cloth. When finished with whatever time frame you intend to spend on the roof (whether you do the entire roof or just a portion) rinse the roof thoroughly with a garden hose. Check out our blog on how to adhere EPDM to EPDM HERE – often debris and mildew can accumulate close to creases. This article will show you where the smaller forgotten about joints will be.
Be sure to rinse windows and sidewalls as well.
Most often, one application is all that is needed to alleviate the problem. Depending on the amount of mold and/or mildew and the length of time growing, more than one application may be necessary.
If you have ever been on a job that requires you to figure out how the spacing of rooftop pipe support should be, you’re not alone. There are many factors that can come into play. What do you consider first? What about this water pipe that is constantly in motion? There are many questions that can be asked. Today we are going to break down the basics of what to consider when you are calculating the spacing of rooftop pipe supports.
As we touched on in our blog on local codes, there are many variables to consider when it comes to spacing. Some of these are going to be dictated by the codes you abide by in your territory. There is a balance that has to be considered, what you get vs. what you give up. You can save costs by spacing the supports further apart, which also means less weight on the roof. However, now you have less support for your piping, potentially increasing the risk of sagging and breaking. To make an informed decision, these are the factors that you are going to want to consider for all your jobs:
1. Local Codes: The standard maximum for rooftop pipe supports is 10 feet on a commercial building, however, this could change based on your local building code. Always refer to the code and never assume it has “enough” support.
2.Pipe Type: What kind of pipe are you supporting? What are the contents of the pipe? Will the pipe shake, expand, and contract? These questions will help choose the proper support. Consider a rubber roller mounted on a support for a pipe that expands and contracts.
3. Seasonal Weather: Some areas get heavy snowfall adding extra weight to the rooftop for portions of the year. This weight will need to be worked into the calculations.
4. Type ofRoof: Assessing what the roof type is will be crucial. If you have a roof that gets soft in the heat, then you will want to make sure your calculations take this into consideration this so you are not putting too much weight on one point causing denting, sinking, and ultimately damage. Another topic to consider is a slip sheet below the product. Check our blog on slip sheets HEREor see our CGW product page below.
5. Contents: If the pipe is carrying a hazardous material that can cause increased damage, you will want to err on the side of caution and space your supports closer together to prevent any possible break or leak.
PRO TIP: You may want to consider a roller series if your pipe will expand and contract. See below links for a few of our Roller Series.
6. Pipe Temperature: Hot pipes need more support as they can deflect (sag) when they rise in temperature. If your supports are too far apart, you risk deflection when the pipe gets hot.
As always, start by referring to your local building codes and consider these 6 criteria when you are calculating spacing.
