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Overcoming challenges in mounting M&E systems on rooftops
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Installing M&E systems on flat roofs is challenging enough, but what if the roof or surface you are fixing to has a pitch or slope? It’s important that services are installed level to ensure safe and proper functioning of the equipment. That’s the view of Raajan Bains, Walraven technical sales manager
his presents challenges for fixing the M&E services using standard rooftop support feet as the majority are designed to sit on a flat surface. The most common solution offered is that of a rubber wedge to place under the support foot, which is fine if the pitch of the roof slope matches the pitch of the wedge. Instead of using wedges, fully adjustable
rooftop support feet, like Walraven’s Yeti® 480, provide a better option as they offer full flexibility in pitch with a simple adjustment mechanism. This ensures that the M&E equipment can be securely mounted and aligned regardless of the rooftop’s topography. This adaptability reduces the need for extensive site preparation and allows installations to proceed more smoothly and quickly.
The pitch is a challenge, but what else should be considered?
We are regularly contacted by contractors whose primary problem on site is sourcing a suitable support foot for mounting M&E services on a sloping surface or roof. Whilst this is a key problem for them to overcome, there are also other factors to consider when installing on a rooftop, that affect the appropriate choice of solution. Here are some of the other key considerations when selecting support systems for mounting installations on rooftops.
Load distribution to maintain structural integrity of the roof
This must be considered prior to installation to ensure it is not compromised with the chosen solution. One of the key factors relating to this is ensuring suitable load distribution of the installation. Every rooftop surface has its own deformation rating, how much load can be safely applied to the surface until penetration. This will determine the number and placement of roof support feet required. Different support feet will deliver different levels of load distribution depending on their design. The manufacturer will be able to help you determine the number of feet required for the optimal solution as this will differ from one product to another.
Surface material
Different roof surfaces will have different coefficients of friction. This means that the resistance to motion between the rubber support feet and the roof surface can differ. Therefore a suitable solution must be chosen to ensure that the installation is stable and does
not move or slide on the surface. Again the manufacturers can help you understand if their products will be suitable for the surface material you are installing on.
Vibration and noise resistance
If you’re installing HVAC equipment on a rooftop, this can often result in noise and vibration which can pass through the building structure and potentially cause severe problems. In some cases anti-vibration products such as spring mounts may be required, but the rooftop support feet can also help towards combatting problematic noise and vibration. As most rooftop feet are made of rubber, they
provide some ‘natural’ level of vibration and noise resistance, but in most cases this cannot be quantified or guaranteed because the product has not been tested and certified for this. So if there is a particular concern regarding noise on your build, you might need to look carefully for a solution with certified noise reduction such as Walraven’s Yeti® 480 support foot.
Weather conditions
When installing on an exposed rooftop, it is critical to take into account the effect that different weather conditions will have on the installation. For example, wind and snow loads need to be considered when looking at the overall rooftop load capacity. UV rays can cause serious degradation to plastic and rubber elements of a rooftop installation, such as the plastic or rubber support feet. This could seriously limit the lifetime of the installation if the feet used do not have any UV resistant properties. To ensure the longest lifespan of the installation you might want to consider looking for support feet that have a certified UV resistance rating according the EN standards.
Environmental considerations
If environmental considerations are important on your project, you will want to use products that help you deliver more sustainable installations, or meet any requirements specified in the building design documents. Most rooftop support feet are made of rubber or plastic. Manufacturers should be able to tell you if they are made of recycled materials or not, be aware that not all will be. So if this is an important requirement for your project you should enquire with the manufacturer.
10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2026 Read the latest at:
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Scalability and future expansion
As building needs evolve and new technologies emerge, the ability to adjust and reconfigure rooftop installations becomes increasingly valuable. Adjustable, long-life feet systems can allow for easy modifications or additions to existing installations without major disruptions or costly retrofits. Whether accommodating changes in equipment layout, expanding renewable energy capacity, or integrating advanced monitoring systems, choosing quality, long-life, modular rooftop supports can future- proof rooftop installations and support long-term sustainability goals.
To conclude
Taking this back to where we started, challenges installing on pitched roofs is one of the main drivers for Contractors seeking advice from companies like Walraven, due to the limited number of solutions on the market to deal with this. Standard solutions like adding rubber wedges can sometimes solve the problem (sometimes not!) but it’s useful to also consider the broader project requirements to see if a higher spec, all-in-one solution such as Walraven’s Yeti® 480, can contribute to other project deliverables such as noise reduction, long lifespan, ease of installation and environmental considerations.
Walraven Ltd
M&E fixings specialist established in 1942. A complete range of products and technical support service for installers and contractors making mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations.
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