Solex Roofing Installation Manual 9
Solex Energy Ltd +44(0)1305 837223 www.solexenergy.co.uk
The roof is built up as follows:
1. Rafters
– for complete eaves to ridge installation of solar
slates the rafters should be of length (c x g)+50-f where c =
number of courses, g = batten gauge between centres, and f =
facia board thickness
2. Membrane
– a breather membrane should be used, laid
across any of the following roof constructions:
•
Rafters,
or
•
Rafters with insulation between, or
•
Insulation sarking boards, or
•
Timber sarking boards.
The breather membrane MUST be laid correctly to form a
waterproof layer which will drain water to the eaves without
pooling.
In the event of any damage occurring to the
absorber at any time, this breather membrane will ensure
that no water enters the building.
3. Facia and eaves
– where the solar slates go right to the
eaves one of the arrangements shown in the diagrams above
should be suitable. A tilting fillet or ply may be used, but
plastic eaves carriers will melt in the heat under the glass tiles.
The membrane can also be dressed down behind the facia,
although care must be taken over the fate of water running
behind the facia. (picture – eaves before installation of facia)
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 above.
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.
