Frequently Asked Questions

For any type of support questions, please do not hesitate to call us.
What kind of materials are the black fittings made of?	The fittings are mild steel. They are welded, then zinc plated and powder coated.
Is the tubing galvanized?	Yes, the tubing is steel with a special triple process zinc galvanizing coating that lasts about four times longer than standard galvanized pipe.
Do you provide Engineering?	Yes. We provide a comprehensive, job specific structural calculation packet, stamped by a licensed structural engineer, with each project. You will also get AutoCAD shop drawings on 24" x 36" sheets. The shop drawings include the frame and panel layout (roof plan), and a detail sheet.
How tall can the RoofScreen system go?	This depends on many factors including the wind load for the project. The tallest system we have designed to date is 22' tall.
How high of a wind load can the RoofScreen system take?	The RoofScreen system can be used in any wind load. The modular design allows the frames to be installed closer together, making the system stronger, when the wind load is higher.
How long is the installation “learning curve?”	If you have a crew leader that has basic construction experience, it will only take the first job. For someone who has done similar type of work, it is not unreasonable to expect them to be up to profitable speed within a few hours, and it will only get faster from there.
Who can install the RoofScreen system?	The RoofScreen system is very user friendly. With our instruction manual, anyone with basic construction experience can handle the installation.
Can the RoofScreen be curved or arched?	Yes. We can custom curve the tubing to create arched and curved RoofScreens. You can find more information on this subject in our Design Guide.
Can the face of the screen be sloped or tilted back?	Yes. By sliding the fittings on the tubing, any degree of slope can be created. Please note that the installation can become more difficult if the roof is sloped. You can find more information on this subject in our Design Guide.
What happens when I need to re-roof in the future?	One of the great features of the RoofScreen system is that it can be completely or partially dismantled. During future repairs or re-roofing, the crew can either remove it completely and reinstall it later, or remove and replace one frame at a time during the roofing process.
How does the RoofScreen system attach over tapered roof insulation?	The roof insulation must be cut out so the Base Supports can mount to the solid roof framing substrate. The Base Supports, which are available in 5”, 9” and 12” tall, need to extend through the insulation by at least 3 to 4 inches to allow proper roofing. If the insulation is too thick for the Base Support to extend through, a Spacer Hat is need. You can find more information on this subject in our Design Guide.
What type of roof flashings are available?	All Stainless Steel: Use when flange can be nailed down, or with peel and stick membrane over single ply roofing. Stainless Flashing with lead base: Use with BUR roofing over insulation or concrete when flange cannot be nailed down. One-piece TPO formed boot: Use with TPO membrane roofs. Check with us concerning roof manufacturer warranties.
How does the RoofScreen system attach to metal roofing?	The RoofScreen Base Supports can be flashed in by the metal roofing installers the same way they would flash in a skylight, fan curb or any other type of square penetration. Alternatively, a flexible rubber pipe flashing can be used if it can be installed in a way that doesn’t block the water flow. View a technical bulletin on using a flexible rubber pipe flashing here.
Does the RoofScreen system attach directly to the HVAC equipment?	No. Our system is designed to mount to the roof with our patented watertight Roof Attachment system. With the RoofScreen system, you can screen multiple units and other miscellaneous rooftop equipment with one continuous wall, allowing it to blend in with the architecture of the building. This type of installation also allows unrestricted access to the roof and HVAC equipment for service and repairs.
What is the normal lead-time for the materials?	• Engineering and shop drawings take about 1 to 3 weeks depending on the complexity of the project. • All of the component parts including the tubing are stocked at our facility in Santa Cruz, CA and we can typically ship within one week of receiving an approved order. • The panels are custom ordered by project and can take from 2 to 12 weeks depending on the type and finish of the panels ordered. For information about the steps and procedures required for a RoofScreen project, see our Project Flow Chart.