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Roof Type vs. Solar Mounting
Roof Type vs. Solar Mounting
Compatibility Guide
Select your roof type below to instantly see the correct mounting system, attachment method, waterproofing standard, and structural requirements for P.E. plan set review.
🏠Composition Shingle
🏛️Concrete/Clay Tile
🔩Standing Seam Metal
🔧Exposed Fastener Metal
🏗️Flat / TPO / EPDM
🌲Wood Shake / Shingle
Complete Roof Type Compatibility Matrix
| Roof Type | Mount System | Attachment | Waterproofing | Solar Compatible? | P.E. Calc Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition Shingle (3-tab / Architectural) | L-Foot + Rail | Lag bolt into rafter (2.5" min embedment) | Flashing kit + sealant (Quickbolt, SnapNrack) | ✅ IDEAL | Yes — lag withdrawal |
| Concrete Flat Tile | Tile Hook + Rail or Flush Mount | Tile hook slides under tile; lags into rafter | No penetration through tile; hook design | ✅ GOOD | Yes — tile hook rated load |
| Clay S-Tile (Spanish Tile) | Curved Tile Hook + Rail | Hook slides under tile belly; lag into rafter | Specialized curved hooks (SunModo, QuickBOLT) | ✅ GOOD | Yes — hook load rating |
| Standing Seam Metal | Clamp-on Rail Mounts | S-5! or IronRidge clamps — NO penetrations | No roof penetrations required | ✅ EXCELLENT | Yes — clamp pull-out |
| Exposed Fastener Metal (R-Panel) | L-Foot with Sealing Washer | Lag bolt at rib (NOT valley) with EPDM washer | EPDM washer seal at each attachment point | ✅ GOOD | Yes — rafter calc |
| TPO / EPDM Membrane (Flat) | Ballasted Racking or Penetrating Standoff | Ballast blocks OR welded standoffs into deck | IRMA assembly or welded flashing if penetrating | ✅ GOOD | Yes — ballast wind uplift |
| Modified Bitumen (Flat) | Penetrating Standoff + Base Plate | Through-roof bolts into structural deck; flashing boot | Pipe boot flashing welded into membrane | ✅ ACCEPTABLE | Yes — deck pull-out |
| Wood Shake / Cedar Shingle | L-Foot (Replace Shakes) | Remove shake; install L-foot; replace surrounding | Flashing plates under adjacent shakes | ⚠️ COMPLEX | Yes — fire rating check |
| Slate Tile | Slate Hooks (Specialty) | Diamond-shaped slate hooks under slate | Lead flashing or synthetic slate hook system | ⚠️ VERY COMPLEX | Yes — specialized hook |
| Asbestos Tile | N/A | Cannot penetrate — hazmat regulations | N/A | ❌ NOT ALLOWED | N/A — remediation first |
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Get a Structural Plan Set →Related: ASCE 7-16 Structural Calculations · AHJ Permit Checklist · Permit Plan Sets