The design and installation of rooftop pipe supports are things a business should approach with utmost care because they can have long-term implications for the pipes and the integrity and durability of the roof. Adopting a few best practices when it comes to choosing, designing, and installing rooftop pipe support solutions can help businesses get the best out of this investment for their commercial/industrial facilities.
Rooftop Pipe Support Best Practices
A few best practices when it comes to designing, selecting, and installing rooftop pipe support are:
Taking Roof Integrity and Durability Into Account
A good rooftop pipe support system should benefit the integrity and durability of the roof instead of diminishing it. There are several factors that can push the system either way, including weight distribution and individual support placement. Including this perspective in the scope of rooftop pipe supports can help you make the right decisions.
Pipe Expansion and Contraction
Pipes can both expand and contract based on the weather outside and the fluid traveling inside (and the difference in temperature between them). When pipes are unsupported or are lying on inadequate support systems, this expansion and contraction can lead to significant movement and degradation in the pipes themselves and may even cause leaks and tears, especially around welded joints. Proper rooftop pipe supports should allow the pipes to expand and contract without damage to the roofing system.
Roofing Warranty
Unless it’s already voided or pipe support is a higher priority element for the business, rooftop pipe supports shouldn’t void the warranty of the roofing material. It's quite common with penetrative pipe support structures that puncture the roofing membrane, and even with filling, they may be vulnerable to seepage and compromise the integrity of the entire structure.
Right Support and Base Type
Choosing the right support type and base type for your pipes is essential, especially for the pipes themselves. If the support is not designed to provide adequate room for pipes expanding or contracting based on the weather or the pipes, even if the support is exposed to high winds and other environmental elements, it may lead to damaged pipes and based on their content, it may also have significant negative repercussions for the roofing. Choosing the right support, like fixed, rolling, hanging, etc., and a base that distributes the weight properly can be crucial to roof integrity.
Support and Base Material
Choosing the right material for the support is important as well. It’s exposed to a wide range of environmental elements and is under mechanical stress, which may vary based on what fluid (and how much) is traveling through the pipes. The material tolerances should allow for extremes in all temperature and stress conditions. This is just as important for the bases, which may receive heat from a different source (conduction - direct contact from the surface). If the base size is just enough to bear and distribute the weight of the pipe at full capacity, it may be vulnerable in cold weather when it may shrink slightly.
Non-Penetrative Supports
Wherever possible, opting for non-penetrative rooftop pipe supports may be ideal. It doesn't harm the rooftop membrane, which is a plus from a rooftop durability and integrity perspective. Each penetrative support can be interpreted as a point of vulnerability because even if it's filled, it may develop cracks over time and allow for seepage and moisture to get in.
Wind and Seismic Activity
Rooftop pipe supports should also take into account lateral forces as opposed to just vertical (gravitational) force acting on the support and the roof. Strong wind activity can have significant repercussions for the pipes that are not properly anchored and protected by the support. Similarly, even small seismic activity can harm pipes that are in direct contact with the roof, but the problem may remain the same or even get worse if they are elevated using inadequate support structures.
Proper Support Spacing
If the support structures are improperly spaced and there is more space between two consecutive supports than there should be, it may lead to sagging of the pipeline, which can cause undue stress on the joints, especially when it’s full. In contrast, if the supports are closer to each other, it may significantly increase the cost of the entire support system.
Slope
Roofs with slopes may require different design practices and considerations when it comes to rooftop pipe supports. This may require using supports that are cascading in length or using a variety of support lengths for different segments of the pipelines, which may be beneficial, and even if it costs more, it may have long-term benefits in terms of pipeline integrity.
Access
Lastly, it's important that a rooftop pipe support system take the issue of access into account. Based on how much activity there is on the roof and what areas of the roof have to be made accessible for routine maintenance and repairs, a comprehensive rooftop pipe support system has to incorporate access points like a crossover in the design.
PHP Systems Rooftop Pipe Support
PHP Systems has pioneered zero-penetration rooftop pipe and equipment supports and has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing custom rooftop pipe support units and systems for a wide range of commercial and residential clients. If you want to work with a manufacturer that adheres to all rooftop pipe support best practices, feel free to reach out.