Hi:
I install last season a set of 10 aquatherm soloar panels on my roof. I installed the hold down straps and and clamps as instructed but both bottoms ripped of this winter. Also, the hold down strap coating ripped off. I didnt think I lived in a high wind zone but I guess I do! I used the standard screw that came with the setup. I think they are about 3 inches long. Please advise how to repair and prevent this from happening again!
Thanks
Hi Coolpool, I'm sorry to hear you're having some issues with our polypropylene-coated stainless-steel strapping. I'd love to help you solve the problem. Can you tell me what size collectors do you have? Also, how far up from the inlet (bottom) header and how far down from the outlet (top) header did you place the strapping? The bottom strap should be 16" up from the inlet header, and depending on the length of collector there is an appropriate distance from the outlet header for the other strap.
As our collectors are mounted on 51" centers, and rafters can span anywhere from 16-48" apart, it's not common to be able to mount into the rafters. That said, if you're getting some high winds that are causing the collectors to pull out the strapping, I'd recommend adding in some supplemental inlet header brackets. They operate using a spring-tension so that the collectors can still expand and contract. Our part number for that bracket is 12035-1 (for 1/5" headers) or 12035-2 (for 2"). Each bracket also comes with two additional strap brackets, since most applications that require the inlet header bracket would also require additional straps across the collectors. In your case I would start by adding just the header bracket. If you have 10 collectors, you'd require 11 of the inlet header brackets.
You can order the parts through our Regional Distribution Center in Netcong, NJ - Sun Source Energy Products. Rich Bonte, owner of Sun Source, can be reached at 973-691-6911 or by email at rbonte (at) sunsourceproducts (dot) com.
Best Regards,
Dan Sizelove
Marketing Coordinator / Customer Service
Aquatherm Industries, Inc.