Frequently Asked Questions

About Quick Mount PV products ...

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Can I buy directly from Quick Mount PV?
Quick Mount PV products are sold to installers, contractors, electricians, roofers and other trade professionals exclusively through our distribution network. If you are an installer and would like to see Quick Mount PV products become available through your preferred distributor, let us know at . If you are a home or business owner who would like to make sure your solar installer uses Quick Mount PV products, be sure to tell them about us!
Are Quick Mounts compatible with all rails?
Quick Mount PV is designed to work with almost all standard racking systems. Any rail that uses standard L brackets will work nicely with Quick Mounts and will also allow for slight adjustments within the L foot to compensate for roof dips and slopes. Lower profile rails such as Unistrut and ProSolar can also be used with Quick Mounts. Here are a few of the racking systems that work with Quick Mount PV products:
- AEE Solar SnapNrack
- Conergy SunTop
- DPW Power Rail
- Haticon
- IronRidge
- JAC Products
- ProSolar
- Unirac
- Unistrut
- Zep Solar
If any of the racking systems you're interested in are not listed here, call our office or email and we will help you determine if it is compatible with Quick Mount PV products.
How long do Quick Mounts last?
SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air-conditioning Contractors National Association) sheet metal guidelines rate aluminum components for a lifespan of 50 years and stainless steel for 100 years. SMACNA requires .0326 of thickness when aluminum or stainless flashing is used on a roof. All Quick Mount flashings are .050 inch with the exception of the top flashing of the Universal Tile Mount, which is thinner to aid malleability. All included hardware is selected for durability and strength. For longevity, all exposed hardware is corrosion-resistant stainless steel; QBase's 5/16-inch Grade-8 lags were chosen for their greater tensile and shear strength. For durability the lags are shielded from corrosive moisture by a spun aluminum cone flashing. That's why all Quick Mounts are projected to last at least as long as the PV system and even most roofs. And Quick Mount uses EPDM rubber, the roofing industry standard for UV resistance and durability, everywhere a watertight seal is required.
Why do Quick Mounts cost more than the competition?

Quick Mounts are not the cheapest, but they are the best, most cost-effective code-compliant roof mounts available. Compare using Quick Mounts to the overall cost of flashings, hardware, and installation time required by others on the market. Our Classic Composition mounts require no roof cutting, take only a minute to install and are designed to last 50 years. Many other mounts take 8-30 minutes to install.

Taking into account the total cost for materials and installation time, Quick Mounts are two-thirds to half the cost of other mounts. Be sure to check carefully, as many manufacturers do not include flashing and basic hardware, which you have to purchase separately at additional time and expense. All Quick Mounts for steep slope residential roofs include code-compliant flashings and all the hardware you need to attach the mounts to the roof and the racking to the mount. All exposed hardware is stainless steel, and the rubber seals and counter flashings are high-quality EPDM rubber.
How do Quick Mounts compare to the competition in building code compliance?

Our pre-flashed and flashing-equipped products are completely waterproof and code compliant and will not void a roof's warranty when applied according to Quick Mount's and the roof manufacturer's instructions. Many other products on the market for roof penetration mounts are not code compliant and/or will void a roof's warranty. Quick Mount PV has done extensive research on the various building authorities and industry groups that govern the way rooftop waterproofing should be done.

Each authority calls for the roof entry to be flashed with the proper size and type of flashing. Many of the mounts on the steep-slope, residential market provide no flashing at all. Those that do are often too small to meet code. Retrofits are especially tricky as most of our competitors require cutting the shingles to line up the mount, which will void many roof warranties. Our Classic Comp mount is completely code compliant precisely because it has been designed both with building codes and roof warranties in mind.
Can I get longer hanger bolts for the Classic Composition and Shake Mounts?
Yes, we also stock 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch hanger bolts to replace the standard 5/16" x 6" bolts, in cases where you've got to penetrate a layer of insulation before reaching the rafters. Note that the longer hanger bolts are only longer in the shank portion of the bolts. The wood thread (bottom) end remains 3 inches and the machine threaded (top) end is always 1.25 inches.
Where can I get engineering reports for Quick Mount PV products?
Engineering reports for both shear and pullout strength for Classic Comp and Shake, New Roof Comp, Low Slope, Universal Tile, and Specialty Flat Tile mounts are available for download here. Provide these reports to the local building department when required. Installation guides for all our mounts also feature quick reference tables listing the allowable loads for structural attachments. If you need more documentation, or additional technical support, please call or email .
Where do I find installation and specification documents?
They can be downloaded here.
Will my building department recognize Quick Mount PV products?

Quick Mount PV products are recognized and welcome in jurisdictions all around the U.S., though not everyone has discovered us just yet. Dade County, FL for instance, first require manufacturers to obtain special approval for their product from county authorities.

We provide downloadable engineering reports for each of our products documenting vertical pullout strength and shear, to address any of your local building department's concerns. Our installation instructions are thorough and should answer any questions about the installation process. If your building department has any additional concerns we are always happy to contact them on our customers' behalf.

All of our pre-flashed and flashing-equipped products meet or exceed U.S. and international requirements for waterproofing. All Quick Mount PV products exceed requirements for pullout and shear strength when used as directed. It is always a good idea to have your project approved before you get started. Take all applicable data to the building department for approval.
How do I install into LVL (laminated veneer lumber)?
Treat LVL just as if it were a rafter: find the center, drill the pilot hole and drive in the hanger bolt.
Can Quick Mount PV be used on metal roofs?
Not at this time, but we are developing mounts for metal roofs and expect to announce their release in the not-too-distant future.
Does Quick Mount PV work on slate roofs?
Yes! No problem. Treat slate as you would a composition or shake roof. Our Classic Shake Mounts, with their large, 18" x 18" aluminum flashing will be ideal if the exposure of the slate is over 6 inches. If the exposure is less than 6 inches, our Classic Composition Mount (12" x 12") is the best fit. Remember, though, slate is more difficult to walk and work on.
What if the flat tiles are not the standard 12" x 17"?
The pre-formed aluminum flashing with our Specialty Flat Tile Mount is sized to fit seamlessly into most standard concrete flat tile systems (12" x 17") from the nation's three top manufacturers, but you may encounter roofs using a non-standard sized tile. No problem. Switch over to our Universal Tile Mount. It has a big, 18" x 18" flashing that's .032" thick, so it's firm but malleable. It employs a double-flash system to waterproof at the tile and deck levels. The oversized top flashing also allows lateral flexibility in positioning the mounts, handy when local code requires bolting the mounts directly into a rafter. Follow the instructions in the Universal Tile Mount installation manual, but do not bend the flashing.
What if I can't use your Specialty Flat Tile Mount because the local building department has told me every mount must be bolted to a rafter?
Sometimes it's a good idea to anchor your mounts into rafters, particularly in regions prone to hurricanes or high winds where OSB and plywood substrates do not provide the pull out strength required to withstand extreme conditions. Quick Mount PV's Universal Tile Mount has an oversized aluminum flashing, big enough to give plenty of lateral flexibility when the rafters don't line up. Just center the QBase over the rafter and secure it with the two 3" lags included with each mount kit. The QBase and 6.5-inch aluminum post have been tested to 3857 lbs. average pullout (Douglas fir) and 775 lbs. average shear. Follow the instructions in the Universal Tile Mount installation manual.
Do Quick Mount PV products work with solar thermal systems?
Of course! Our mounts are the strongest on the market, so naturally they're the best you can buy for mounting solar hot water on any steep slope, low slope, commercial or residential non-metal roof. Our QBase products – the New Roof Comp, Low Slope and Universal Tile mounts – have the best shear strength available. And our Classic Comp and Shake mounts can be beefed up for hot water by replacing the standard 5/16-inch diameter hanger bolt with a thicker 3/8-inch bolt when required by local code. Though, the 5/16-inch hanger bolt works just as well with solar thermal, and has a similar pullout rating.

Our mounts also work as a waterproof, rest-easy solution for satellite dishes, air conditioning and electrical conduit. You name it! We can also design a custom solution for any need our standard products don't address.

System Design Considerations ...

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How many mounts should I install per module?
The number of mounts necessary for each module will vary from job to job, as no two sites are alike. Each installation requires the collection of data unique to that site and setup in order to complete the calculation. The spacing between mounts will depend upon a number of variables, including strength of rail, distance between parallel rails, and the cantilever of the modules over the rails.

Also essential to each calculation are the mount's pull-out strength, the roof slope, applicable wind zone data, the roof type and integrity of the structure, and more. Quick Mount PV provides engineering reports and installation guides for download. You will need to do the calculations using these and other variables, as you are the only one who knows them all. A licensed installer should be able to perform the calculations for you. If s/he can't, then find somebody who can. A licensed engineer is the best solution. Some of the racking manufacturers provide guides to calculating a code compliant install as well.
How do I calculate for wind and snow loads?
The proper calculations will depend upon many variables and considerations. Each installer will need to complete the calculations based on variables unique to each job. Determining the spacing between mounts depends upon the strength of the rail, the distance between parallel rails, the amount of cantilever where the modules overhang the rails, the pullout strength of the mount, the slope of the roof, the wind zone and roof type, the structural integrity of the roof framing, and more. We can provide structural test reports on all of our mounts, as needed. It is assumed that a licensed installer can answer these questions. If s/he can't then s/he will need to find somebody who can. A licensed engineer is the best solution.
Should I re-roof before installing a PV system?
Typically, if the roof is due for re-roofing within the next 5 years it is advisable to re-roof at the time of the solar installation. Estimate the cost of re-roofing and use your best judgment. Otherwise the PV system can be removed at a later date and reinstalled over the new roof.
Which should I choose, aluminum mounts with a mill finish or anodized aluminum?
Bronze or clear anodized aluminum cost more, but are often favored for their aesthetics, because they blend more easily into the roof color. But the main benefit of anodizing is added corrosion resistance in coastal areas with high salt content in the air, mostly within 1-2 miles of the ocean. Ask about anodizing with custom colors, too.
How high off the roof are the modules with the Quick Mount PV Classic Composition Mount?
Our mounting block is 1.25 inches. Using an L foot and a rail typically will add 2 to 3 more inches plus the depth of the module frame. As described above, the glass will typically be 6 inches off the roof deck using our Classic Composition Mount. That can easily be increased with our height extensions, available in 2.5-inch, 3.25-inch and 4-inch lengths.

ProSolar and Unistrut rails do not utilize an L foot, making their typical height 4 to 4.5 inches off the roof, which is why extensions are recommended.

Installing Quick Mounts ...

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How do I raise the modules higher off the roof while using the Classic Comp Mount?
Some rails use an L foot and some are bolted directly to the PV modules for a lower profile. L feet allow additional clearance off the roof, but to gain even more height, Quick Mount PV offers height extensions in three different lengths: 2.5-inch, 3.25-inch and 4-inch. Many different racking systems in the industry work with Quick Mount PV products.
How do I keep from voiding a roof's warranty?
The manufacturer's instructions will spell out exactly what does and does not void the warranty of their roofing product. Officially, the roofing manufacturer's instructions supersede our instructions, as our product is weaving into theirs.

On a roof with a material and labor warranty in place (new roof), it is recommended to at least consult the roofer of record. Often the roofing contractor will void the labor portion of their warranty if someone from another trade modifies their work. Give the roofing contractor the option of handling the roofing modifications, or at least give them the opportunity to inspect and approve the modifications you make. There will be fees to this roofer, but if it maintains the labor warranty, it should be money well spent.

Do a thorough roof evaluation before beginning work. Take photos of important roof features and determine the quality of the roofing so any repairs or replacement can happen before or in conjunction with the installation. On a composition roof it is important to know as much as possible about who manufactured the materials, the age of the roof, the type of substrate (plywood or oriented strand board [OSB]), the rafter size, spacing and span, the age of roof structure, who built the home and who roofed it.

Often the building owner will have the name of the composition manufacturer on file. If not, take a piece of the roof material to a roofing yard; they can usually recognize the maker and its approximate age. Tile roof manufacturers put a stamp of some sort on the back of each tile. This mark can be identified by the roofing yard, or by a little online surfing. Once you know the manufacturer, it should be easy to obtain their written installation instructions.

The manufacturer's instructions will spell out exactly what does and does not void the warranty of their roofing product. Most have a clause about a recommended range of rooftop temperatures appropriate for installing the roof. This is commonly missed, but can easily be noted if you read the instructions. It is also important to have manufacturer instructions in the job file, for future reference. If no manufacturer can be found, there is likely no warranty in place.
What is the best method for locating rafters?
We hear this question all the time and, unfortunately, because every roof is unique, there is no one right answer. Rafters should be spaced 16 or 24 inches on center but, once you get on the roof you'll find that structures shift and settle, designs and installations change, and remodels or additions happen, so it's best to assume that no two roofs will be the same.

There are a few tricks, however, for finding where the rafters truly are, so you can be relatively sure you've secured a connection to its center. First and foremost, you will want to find out as much as possible about the roof before you begin your installation (read the "Know Your Roof" section in the Quick Mount PV installation guide for each product).

One of the easiest and most common methods is to look at the overhang of the roof. When the ends of the rafters are visible, it's possible to project the course of the rafters up the roof from there. Use a chalk line to mark the rafter location.

Another is to locate an eyebrow vent on the roof and measure off its center equally in both directions. It is also possible to find rafters using a density meter. During frosty conditions the rafter's perimeters will be visible from the roof. If all else fails, you'll have to go into the attic.

Climbing into the attic space reveals the structural layout from the inside, so you can see exactly where the rafters are. Use the measurements you take in the attic, up on the roof to mark the locations of your pilot holes. Note that attic spaces tend to be hot and can be dangerous in certain weather conditions. There are also specific ways to walk in an attic in order to avoid damage to ceiling areas. It is important that you investigate and learn the safety of working within attic spaces.
Will any sealant do?
Not just any sealant will do, no. It is important to use a sealant compatible with all the materials it will contact when placed into the pilot holes on the roof. Most roofing manufactures have a suggested or approved roofing sealant that is compatible with their roofing type.

We have been recommending Geocel 2300 and Chemlink M1, but many others are compatible with asphalt, wood, aluminum, and stainless steel. In the freeze-thaw zones, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for freeze-thaw conditions.

In the past installers have counted on Sikaflex as a universal sealant. The specifications of Sikaflex 1A, however, state: "Do not use in contact with bituminous/asphaltic materials." The very first issue of SolarPro magazine (Oct/Nov 2008) addressed the question of sealants in an article titled "Pitched Roof Racking." The article highlighted the fine print in the Sikaflex 1A specifications.

Sikaflex may work with many wood shake roofs, but, it is very important to use the roofing manufacturer's suggested/recommended/approved sealants. Using the wrong sealant may cause a chemical reaction to break down your sealant faster than its stated lifespan, risking water intrusion. The more you know about the roof you are working with the more you can respect its properties to insure high quality, watertight mounting systems.
Is it possible to apply too much sealant?
Yes. It is required to put sealant in the pilot hole prior to driving the hanger bolt; and some people put a bead of sealant on the bottom of the flashing in a horseshoe shape about four inches across with the open end on the low side of the roof. But this should be the extent of any extra sealant as we still want the flashing to float with the expansion and contraction of the roofing materials, as it was intended.
What are the torque specifications for the Classic Comp Mount
13 ft-lb is recommended for securing the hanger bolt into the rafter.
Can I mount to an I-joist?
No. It's critical to supply solid blocking between the I-joists and then mount to the blocking. You don't want to disturb an I-truss with a hanger bolt. The hanger bolt will have inadequate pullout strength and inserting it will damage the joist. Be sure to follow the I-joist manufacturer's instructions.
How do I remove Quick Mounts from a composition roof?
There are two methods of removal:

1. If you are temporarily removing the PV system to reroof and reinstall in the same location, just remove the nuts and washer at the top of the mount to allow removal of the flashing. Leave the hanger bolts in place and reassemble the new roofing around them before reinstalling the PV arrays.

2. If you need to remove the hanger bolts, use this technique: lock two nuts together at the top of the hanger bolt, then use a half-inch open ended wrench on the bottom nut to back the hanger bolt out. Unlock the two nuts and reuse them. It's also possible to use a heavy nut on the bottom (5/16" nut x 9/16" hex), locked to a normal nut on top (5/16" nut x ½" hex). Then, a deep 9/16-inch socket will span over the 1/2" hex, and you can spin them out quickly with a cordless gun.
Are Quick Mount PV trainings available?
Yes. Quick Mount PV training sessions are often available through webinars, or PowerPoint and hands-on presentations offered at distributor dealer trainings, trade shows, as a part of PV and thermal installation classes, and in conjunction with other training organizations. For a list of upcoming trainings and events you can visit our training & events page, and/or email .