Building Control Guidance on Retro-fitting Solar Panels

[bigbob1]

i'll take a load of pictures for you to show you how to fix an anchor with a 4mm bolt to a rafter not a problem.

I suggest you use a person that is competent at being able to evaluate a structure and give you proffesional advice on how to go about doing your work on that structure. It seems you don't.

I can't see what the problem is with finding the correct fixing to do the job i don't struggle with that??

If a chartered structural engineer, that you can contact and talk to about this (please do!) says that a 4mm screw is okay for a 38mm rafter then what is the problem??

I think your just a bit annoyed that you've been pulled for even thinking about using the crap clickfit system and are obviously trying to move away from that fact, by quoting stuff from charts (EC5 table 8.6) that has absolutely nothing to do with this etc etc axially loaded screws etc etc.

I have never claimed to know everything about this but some people appear to think they do. I have not got a problem asking the right people the right questions to get the correct answer.

So it brings me to this, "How do you fix to a 38mm rafter???" OH YEAH you use clickfit!!!!

Some people eh!!

 

[SRE]

SRE he wouldn't be on here if he had done 7 years at college to become a structural engineer would he?

I suggest you check out SIG fixings, you can get a 4mm shafted hex head zinc coated wood screw.

cheers

I'm not sure I get your point about going to college for 7 years meaning he shouldn't be here??? I've been to college for a similar length of time does that mean I shouldn't be here either? I'm not keen on Clickfit but don't feel the need to critical of either perspectives, it's a personal choice that you each have to be happy in your own mind is suitable for your installs. No need to attempt to bludgeon anyone into submission with superior knowledge or be disrespectful of other points of view.

I'm guessing that it's been a long week for everyone

 

[Worcester]

I'll take a load of pictures for you to show you how to fix an anchor with a 4mm bolt to a rafter not a problem.

Many thanks Bigbob1 would really appreciate that, it's always good to learn from experienced people, - What anchor / fixing system are you using with those screws?

 

[bigbob1]

Schletter mounting system

You'll have to talk to SIG fixings and ask them to get hold of those bolts, i just get 500 a time bout £25. They do a sealing washer as well that will fill any gap up in the roof anchor hole when a washer comes down on top so there is no movement in the bracket once fixed, and these are designed for roofing applications so have a long life and don't perish. they do a fixing that you use a ratchet on and also one that can be done up with a battery drill.

They also do a self drilling fixing for wood application but i think this is a no no.

One i'm starting on the 5th September has 38mm rafters.

 

[Worcester]

Schletter mounting system
One i'm starting on the 5th September has 38mm rafters.

Would be great to see the photo's on that, thanks

 

[Fitstart]

So should I be worried that a company is coming to fit panels to my roof next week and they are going to use ClickFit?

 

[SRE]

It wouldn't be my choice, but I think you can be reassured that if Worcester is using it - it meets all necessary requirements. He's a chartered engineer and will have reviewed all relevant issues in microscopic detail. Building Control officers rarely have an engineering background and tend to get the wrong end of the stick regularly. They have just had to repay numerous Building Control fees to customers as a result of a mistake made (in good faith) by BC officers.

 

[Fitstart]

Thanks for the reply, that has eased my concerns a little. I am in a fairly exposed rural spot in Scotland however. The installer assures me that it will be fine. House is mid eighties timber frame bungalow.

 

[SRE]

As long as you've had a structural survey and the surveyor has said it's fine you'll be ok. Make sure the information from the structural engineer is included in your handover pack when you get it and if you haven't had a structural survey - get another installer

 

[Fitstart]

No structural survey. Again the installer said it was not required.
Starting to get worried.

 

[SRE]

No structural survey. Again the installer said it was not required.
Starting to get worried.

Every job without exception should have a structural survey - it doesn't cost much in comparison with your overall spend. Insist on it or change your installer .... very shoddy approach not to have one done - high winds ... who will you fall back on if the roof can't cope with the windload?

We've just recently done a job in eactly the same situation as you - our structural guy rejected the roof because it was showing signs of splaying. One beam installation later (about £350 and a lot of swearing) and the customer had a roof suitable for the installation of solar panels. If he's gone with the other installers he'd invited round - all nationals - not one of them did any structural calcs - could have been a solar sandwich!!

 

[Fitstart]

I'll contact a structural surveyor tomorrow! - Install is supposed to be on Tuesday.

 

[SRE]

I'll contact a structural surveyor tomorrow! - Install is supposed to be on Tuesday.

Should be the installer that does it and pays for it. They will get it much cheaper than you will - if you're in a particularly windy area make sure they fit extra hooks on the top and bottom rows. We only ever have top and bottom row hooks @ 800mm and 1200mm in the middle.

 

[Fitstart]

Thanks I will also contact the installer and inform him that I want this survey done and we can negotiate how the fee is paid. I presume the VAT can be reduced to 5% if he organises it.

 

[SRE]

Yes it should be all part of your install costs.