PHP Roofing Blog

When it comes to roof supports not all systems are made equal. The different types of materials used to create rooftop support system bases all have their pros and cons. But not all rooftop supports meet the necessary requirements and standards, jeopardizing the roof warranty and the system performance. The heart of any rooftop support system is the base.

Should you get a professional engineer stamp? According to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), government agencies, educational institutions, and private industries are requiring contract work with licensed professional engineers in greater numbers today. Not only is a PE Stamp of higher demand, it also shows that you hold your work to a higher standard. So, in other words, yes, you should.

When improper rooftop support systems are designed, engineered, or installed incorrectly, they can have a significant impact on the structural integrity and performance of a building’s entire roof area. In fact, the use of improper or inadequate roof equipment supports is one of the most common causes of roof failure – and don’t think that roofing membrane manufacturers and installers don’t know it too!

If you live in a part of the world that is susceptible to earthquakes, it is absolutely imperative that you take steps to insure that the roof pipe supports are up to the challenge. While it’s always a good idea to work with an experienced pipe support design professional when mapping out any new (or retrofitted) rooftop support system, this is especially important when the building is located in an area with frequent seismic activity.

The modern commercial rooftop has become a very crowded space recently. One major concern of commercial building owners and the facility management firms that keep them operating is that with this increase in rooftop traffic comes an increase risk. It’s simple: more equipment on the roof means more roofing maintenance will be required – by more people – to keep it operating as it should. Developing a roof safety plan is a must for any commercial or multifamily residential building owner.

Earlier this month, we wrote an article about some of the most common pipe hanger and support installation mistakes we often see in the field and suggested fixes. Now, we'd want to expand on that article and talk about another issue we often see in the field: improper roof equipment supports installation. Specifically, heavy equipment supports including those for  AC units, signs, solar panels, telecom equipment, air handlers, and chillers.

No matter what type of building you are planning to construct – a commercial warehouse, industrial or manufacturing facility, hospital, or school – designing reliable, functional rooftop support systems are essential to protecting the health and safety of occupants and the service men and women responsible for maintaining the equipment located there. 

Today, as architects, designers, and builders are challenged to continuously increase the efficiency of building performance, it seems that every square inch of building’s space is scrutinized to insure that it can be used to its fullest potential.

A new rooftop is a major investment. Designing and installing a support system for your rooftop pipes and equipment is a critical part of protecting the investment you made in your roof. However, there’s one final piece of the puzzle: roof walkways. Sound like a luxury? It isn’t. Here are 4 reasons roof walkways are a wise investment:

Together you and your client have conducted research, evaluated your options, and have finally made an investment in pipe hangers and supports. The last step is to install the rooftop system. We know how important it is to get the job done right the first time and avoid costly mistakes.  To help you avoid installation issues we have created a list of the most damaging mistakes we have seen made.  Check out the following tips and red flags before installing your next project: