the ultimate guide to rooftop pipe supports - c-port.net
TRANSCRIPT
The Ultimate Guide To
Rooftop Pipe Supports
An introduction into the factors to consider
when it comes to choosing a non-penetrating
rooftop pipe support
Scott Stelmaschuk
A Publication of
Table of
Contents
Introduction
Section 1: The History of Pipe
Supports
Section 2: Common Commercial
Rooftop Types
Section 3: Know Your Local Codes
Section 4: Seismic, High Wind and
Variable to Consider
Section 5: The Climate
Section 6: Spacing
Introduction
Non-penetrating rooftop pipe supports
are not a new concept, however there
is a lot that rides on the ability to hold
up for 20+ years. Failure comes with a
price tag which can go deeper than
just the rooftop. As with any other
roofing component, you need to know
what qualities to consider before a
product is chosen to be used on a job.
This pdf will introduce you to the 6
main factors that you need to consider
before choosing a product to hold up
gas lines, electrical conduit, HVAC
equipment, condensers, duct work &
more.
SECTION ONE
The History Of Pipe Supports
1
The History Of Pipe Supports
The Days Of Wood
Before non-penetrating rooftop pipe supports were common in the
construction industry, there was wood. Contractors would run to
(hopefully) the nearest hardware store, Pick up some pressure
treated 4x4’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, 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 deal with the climate
• Twisting and contorting under equipment and pipes
• Rotting
• Floating “down stream” with heavy rainfalls
• Generally a short lifespan
• Expensive choice once you factor in labor
Figure 1: A traditional non-penetrating wood rooftop pipe
support. A common sight among older rooftops.
“The use of wood may appear to
have a lower cost, but that is
just not the case when you
actually break it down.
“
SECTION TWO
Common Commercial Rooftops Types
2
Common Commercial
Rooftops
A commercial rooftop is an important investment. 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. Below are common roofing types that we come across most
often.
• 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 manufactures 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 adhesives, tape,
mechanically attached or ballasted.
Common Commercial
Rooftops
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 their
prevalent white color which deflects heat. 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.
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.
Common Commercial
Rooftops
Asphalt Decks
Flat roof systems for commercial buildings usually require asphalt
decks for rooftop parks and garden. 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.
Figure 2: A brand new EPDM right after install
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 a sharp plastic
support sitting on the roof membrane with the possibility of
puncturing it. Do you need a gasket, slip sheet or
supplemental pad?
“Some membranes are “tougher”
than others, you don’t want a
sharp plastic support sitting on
the roof membrane with the
possibility of puncturing it
“
SECTION THREE
Know Your Local Codes
3
Know Your Local Codes
Building codes are in place to protect public health, safety and
general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy
of buildings and structures. Being aware of building codes in other
territories (similar you yours) can be advantageous because you
can spot trends, and some of these trend could potentially be
coming your way.
I can’t come here to tell you that you can do these 5 things but not
these 3 things when it comes to rooftop pipe supports in your
building code. This is why engineers and contractors need to know
the local codes. An example is that many territories have banned
wood, now you are seeing territories ban plastic supports.
LEED Credits
LEED Credits are not in building codes, they are something that
could be taking into account during the design phase of the
building, and the rooftop pipe support market has some that abide
to these criteria and some that do not. Available for virtually all
building, community and home project types, LEED provides a
framework to create a healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving
green buildings. Keep it in mind when choosing a pipe support.
SECTION FOUR
Seismic, High Wind and Other Variables
to Consider
4
Seismic Zones, Wind Uplift and
Other Variables To Consider
Seismic and high wind applications are job and location specific.
Buildings located in regions that commonly encounter high winds,
fierce storms, or seismic activity require more than just a
traditional roof equipment support system to protect the structural
integrity of the roof, preserve equipment, and meet building codes.
The seismic application for rooftop supports now are much more
“forgiving” to roof the membrane. The slashing, slicing and dicing
are gone as there are rooftop supports that take the arthroscopic
approach of smaller incisions, which reduces the potential for
future leaks.
Gasket, Slip Sheet or Supplemental Pad
A “gasket” or slip sheet mechanically attached under
the rooftop support adds value to everyone involved
because it enhances the seismic system, improves for
wind uplift and makes installation easy because you
can adhere (or heat-weld) the material to the roof
membrane (ex. EPDM on EPDM). It also provides an
extra layer of protection between the roofing
membrane and pipe support.
“
“Some membranes are
“tougher” than others, you
don’t want a sharp plastic
support sitting on the roof
membrane with the
possibility of puncturing it
EPDM
membrane
mechanically
attached 3”
wider per side
than the
support
SECTION FIVE
The Climate
5
The Climate
Think about a piece of plastic furniture that is left outside, 24 hours
a day 7 days a week. Now think about that happening for at least
25 years. Everyday the extreme heat and sun will beat down on
the contents of the roof. The frigid cold in winters as snow blows
across the roof hitting everything. Some climates getting both
extremes over the course of the year. My point is that the
materials that the rooftop pipe supports are made of are going to
matter in the long run. A support made of rubber (recycled or
virgin) that is UV stabilized will outlast a plastic support. Being
aware of these conditions can turn a broad selection of pipe
supports into a few select ones.
SECTION SIX
Spacing
6
Spacing
As we touched on in the local codes section, there are many
variable to consider when it comes to spacing. Some of these are
going to be dictated by the code 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 cost by spacing the supports
further apart. You also will have less weight on the roof. However,
now you have less support for you piping, increasing the risk of
sagging and breaking. To make an informed decision, you are
going to want to consider these factors for your job:
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.
Spacing
4. Type of Roof: 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 consider this so you are not putting
too much weight on one point causing denting, sinking and
ultimately damage.
5. Contents: If the pipe is carrying a hazardous material that can
caused 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.
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.
LEARN MORE
ConclusionIdentifying the necessary criteria that is required in your location will create a long term solution that
provides the necessary traits for the conditions present. Recycled rubber supports are typically
going to meet these criteria. Check out our recommendation below!