When designing a roof pipe support system, the primary consideration is usually the pipes and conduits themselves. Their dimensions, material, and the fluids traveling through them are important factors to take into account when designing roof pipe supports because you want to make sure that the support systems are sturdy enough to handle peak loads and durable enough to “weather” the environmental impact for years to come. But another major factor that should be taken into consideration is how that roof pipe support system will impact rooftop durability. The right roof pipe support system will not just serve its intended purpose without harming rooftop durability, but if designed the right way, it may significantly increase this durability by redistributing the pipe/conduit load more effectively.
From a rooftop durability perspective, here are some of the factors that you should take into account when designing roof pipe support systems.
All pipes or conduits lying over or going through the rooftop of your facility have an impact on rooftop durability. If they serve as a load much higher than what the roof is designed to bear, they might be testing the limits of this durability and may pose a threat to the rooftop integrity. Most rooftops are designed with a safety factor of 2.0, which may not be enough to sustain significant loads for a relatively long period. Assessing the load that pipes traversing the roof carry (at full capacity) should be the first step in designing the support system. If the load is above a certain threshold, a conventional support system design may not be able to redistribute it effectively enough to bring it down to healthy rooftop durability limits.
An efficiently designed roof pipe support system may be able to distribute the load of pipes and conduits traversing a roof in a way that preserves or enhances rooftop durability. Even if the roof as a whole is strong and durable enough to bear the whole load of pipes/conduits at full capacity, even without a support system, they may not be evenly distributed, and some parts of the roof may get more load than others, making them more vulnerable. A roof pipe support system can resolve this problem if it's designed with the perspective of horizontal load distribution instead of simple vertical separation/elevation from the roof. This would allow it to contribute to rooftop durability and longevity.
Roof pipe support systems should be designed to handle rough environmental conditions like UV exposure, sub-zero temperatures, etc., so they don't become structurally weak from exposure and break, causing the pipes to dip or break under the stress of their load. In addition to being an important factor for the piping itself, it's also a rooftop durability consideration. If the content of the spill can cause the rooftop to weaken and collapse, either due to the contents of the pipes or additional weight, it significantly undermines the rooftop's durability.
How a roof pipe support system is anchored/installed on the roof can also have a significant impact on rooftop durability. Penetrative/mechanical installations that are anchored by the roof membrane itself make more sense from the support perspective, but they can have a negative impact on the rooftop's durability. In contrast, non-penetrating loads can contribute to rooftop durability by keeping the membrane material intact and preserving its integrity by avoiding the introduction of new structural vulnerabilities.
A pipe support system that has to penetrate the rooftop creates additional vulnerabilities in the structure. These penetrations have to be weather-proofed and sealed, but it has its limitations. The sealing material may crack over time, allowing seepage and moisture to infiltrate the roof, significantly reducing its durability and warranty. Roof penetrations should be avoided as much as possible to ensure the roofing quality and sustainability.
If the pipe support system is anchored through the roofing substrate (penetrating it), it may make the roof more vulnerable to high winds and storms. Wind can cause higher stresses on the roof substrate, especially for higher-diameter pipes (bigger surface area).
Different industries and regions may have their own compliance requirements and regulations when it comes to rooftop durability and integrity. They have to be taken into account when designing a roof pipe support system to ensure that the system does not violate clauses like stress tolerances on certain roof segments.
Mapping the roof for any vulnerabilities in terms of underlying support, thickness, or weak spots created by existing penetrations (like traversing pipes and conduits) can be a good practice. This can help with the identification of installation points or regions where supports can be erected without compromising rooftop durability. However, simply opting for a non-penetrating (also called a zero-penetration) roof pipe support system may forestall many of the aforementioned problems and reduce vulnerabilities related to membrane anchoring that can have a negative impact on rooftop durability and warranty.
To learn more about how PHP Systems can design a custom roof pipe support system for your commercial/industrial facility without undermining and, in some cases, enhancing your rooftop durability, contact us at 800.797.6585 or contact us through our website.