If you’re a solar PV installation professional, you probably already know that standing seam metal roofs are excellent candidates for solar. But why is that?
Well, one of the biggest advantages of installing a solar array on standing seam metal roofing is that metal is one of the longest-lasting materials on the roofing market (and it’s recyclable!), so the chances of needing to re-roof before the installation are slim. The lifespan of a metal roof can be up to 70 years, which is significantly longer than the expected lifespan of composition shingles, typically lasting between 15-20 years. In addition, most solar panel installations come with a warranty and can continue functioning at a strong capacity well beyond that. This can save the homeowner significant time and expense, especially if they plan to stay for the long haul.
Another advantage of installing solar on standing seam metal roofing is that you can attach your standing seam metal roof attachment directly to the metal rib, achieving an incredibly strong attachment point without penetrating the roofing material!
Installers, if you haven’t been officially introduced, meet SimpleBlock-U.
Before we go on, it’s important to remember that before starting any project on a standing seam metal roof, you should always check the roof panels to ensure they’re fastened properly and securely – after all, the roof panels will need to absorb the additional loads that will be transferred by adding the solar roof attachments.
EcoFasten has worked very closely with solar installers over the years, gaining valuable insights into their needs and the challenges they face during installation. One of the developments this led to is SimpleBlock-U, our rail-based clamp-to-seam solar mounting attachment specifically designed for standing seam metal roofs. SimpleBlock-U is a lightweight and durable solution that’s super easy to install.
With an innovative block design and two pre-installed oval-point set screws, installation time is significantly reduced, and there’s no need to penetrate the roofing materials. The versatile two-inch SimpleBlock-U has an open-ended T-slot with a hex tap bolt and flange nut, making it compatible with any racking manufacturer’s connection points, including L-feet and posts.
SimpleBlock-U is compatible with standing seam roofs (folding and snapping styles) with a vertical seam height of at least 1.0” and a horizontal seam width maximum of 0.5”.
You can even combine SimpleBlock-U with our popular Universal ClickFit L-Foot, for ease of “clicking-in” the ClickFit rails, an overall easy way to install our ClickFit System (which is also compatible with comp shingle and tile roofs).
Check out our SimpleBlock-U Installation Video, and see why installers use it for their standing seam metal projects – fast, easy, and straightforward:
In addition to the installation video, we also have a library chock full of SimpleBlock-U information! Want to download the cut sheets? No problem – they’re there. Our detailed Parts List shows the component information (just wo components!), while the Load Testing and Installation Manual are both extremely insightful and important resources.
EcoFasten also offers a full suite of electrical balance of system (eBoS) components because we know they’re crucial for the overall safety and functionality of the solar array. Check them out, and in the meantime, for your next standing seam metal project, give SimpleBlock-U a try and see why installers all over the country have been relying on this clamp-to-seam solution for years.
EcoFasten, an Enstall Company, has established a reputation for being one of the industry’s leading innovators by providing expert solutions for mounting solar PV on any roof. EcoFasten’s broad portfolio of solar rooftop mounting systems and attachments stems from the direct needs of solar PV installers. EcoFasten takes pride in providing the right solution for every application.
