Getting the right support

摘要

Air conditioning (AC) contractors face a range of challenges when installing AC systems on rooftops such as which support option to choose, how long it takes to install and how safe the system is. Here, Sam Birch, technical manager at Big Foot Systems, explains how non-penetrative frameworks have evolved to overcome these installation challenges When it comes to installing AC equipment on a rooftop, a quick and easy install is a must. Whether it is due to meeting a tight construction schedule or just keeping customers happy, it is important for engineers to fit AC units simply and quickly. As a result, there have been a number of options AC contractors have used... DIY supports made from cut-down struts are one quick-fix solution that engineers have opted for when installing AC units on site. However, without sufficient structure and feet, struts cannot manage the load of the AC units effectively. This is a significant issue since without load management, units can damage the roof surface and potentially pose a health and safety hazard. Cut down struts are also not robust so cannot guarantee longevity when it comes to supporting an AC unit, this is a concern since if they fail, an expensive cooling unit could be damaged. Cut-down struts also have sharp edges which can be both a health and safety issue and potentially damage other materials, such as delicate single ply membrane roofs.