Solex Roofing Installation Manual 20
Solex Energy Ltd +44(0)1305 837223 www.solexenergy.co.uk
3. Facia and eaves
– where the solar slates go right to the
eaves the arrangement shown in the diagram above may be
suitable, as long as care is taken over the fate of water
running behind the facia. Alternatively other methods may be
used, as long as the membrane is supported to prevent
pooling. Note that plastic eaves carriers will melt in the heat
created behind the glass slates.
4. Counterbattens
– 25mm thick counterbattens must be used.
These must go on top of the membrane, and start from under
the second batten as shown.
5. Insulation
– 25mm mineral fibre batts are cut to fit snugly
between the counterbattens, over the whole roof except the
far left and far right ‘channels’ between the counterbattens,
which are left open to allow space for the absorber loops,
manifolds and pipes.
The easiest way to cut the batts is to place one against a
counterbatten, and cut down with a knife using the opposite
counterbatten as a guide. Use a blunt tipped knife to avoid
damaging the membrane.
Wetting of the insulation should be avoided if possible,
although it will not be damaged by water. If exposed to the
weather most water will drain out down the membrane, and
the remainder will evaporate when the roof is watertight.
Note that the insulation supplied is the minimum
recommended for the system.
Extra insulation, especially
in the form of foam insulation boards over the rafters, will
increase the efficiency of the system.
6. EPDM
– the left and right channels are covered with an EPDM
membrane, which is stapled to the counterbattens and
dressed neatly into the channel. This has three purposes – it
protects the breather membrane from UV, it prevents the
colour of the membrane from showing through the slates, and
in the unlikely event of a leak from a manifold or pipe it offers
added protection to the building. The EPDM must therefore
be dressed over the eaves to allow run off.
The EPDM should also be used to cover any roof membrane,
insulation, battens etc. which will show through the glass tiles
if left uncovered.
7. Spacing battens
– the metal Nu-lok battens used for this roof
must be spaced away from the counterbattens by 10-12mm.
This is achieved using thin laths nailed horizontally across the
counterbattens at the Nu-lok batten interval (308 +/-2mm).
These spacing battens must be positioned accurately, as the
galvanised battens are fitted over them at this fixed spacing
interval.
