PHP Roofing Blog

Not only is there more than one type of rooftop pipe support, there is also more than one way of attaching those pipe supports to the roof surface. But they all break down into one of two categories: penetrating vs. non-penetrating. Penetrating pipe supports attach mechanically through the roof membrane, while non-penetrating pipe supports sit on the surface of the roof and are anchored with ballast. And there are a number of benefits to that.

It’s the bane of construction experts and architects alike: fitting as much as you can into a space that’s much smaller than what you really need. When your available space is non-negotiable, your only option is triage. In other words, you have to make decisions between the “nice” and the “necessary,” which means prioritizing things like roof supports, roof walkways, and other types of equipment and piping. 

Properly installed and maintained rooftop equipment can be a great way to optimize otherwise unusable space – but the “properly installed and maintained” part is critical. Every component – the equipment, the roof supports, and the bases – has to work together the way it’s supposed to. Here’s what you need to know to make your roof supports an asset rather than a liability. 

Inferior rooftop supports can dump even the most expensive, top-of-the-line equipment right onto your roof, but the opposite isn’t necessarily true. There are certain kinds of equipment that don’t belong on your roof no matter how good your rooftop supports are. Here’s a quick list of equipment that shouldn’t be on your roof and an explanation of why each is a bad idea:

Nothing is more frustrating than having to go back and fix an installation that wasn’t done right the first time. When it comes to installing piping or ductwork on a rooftop, the pipe support design and system are the most important elements that often get overlooked. These oversights can result in unnecessary and costly repairs.

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.

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.

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.

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: