Securing Your Roof is More than Just an Attachment

By Yvette Cruz.  

One size does not fit all. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks in depth with Mark Gies, director of product management at S-5! about the importance of attachments. S-5! has been specializing in producing and distributing clamps and brackets for metal roofs for over 30 years. In recent years, the company has been educating contractors and customers about solar panel installation.   

Talking about solar installations led to the relevance of attachments used and the significance they offer to the industry. Mark says, “Our focus on the attachments, is that we don't really focus on creating a universal clamp that fits a lot of things. There are so many roof profiles out there, tons of them. And our focus is on trying to be pretty specific to design a clamp for each profile.”  

With different types of building materials that come in different shapes and sizes, the idea of a universal clamp may seem appealing. In reality, it may be more dangerous. If an attachment could fit with every screw, that would mean it could fit a bigger bolt as well as a tiny screw which would not be secure. Mark goes on to say, “We design something that performs the best for that roof.” Being unique to each project will make it safer and more stable allowing it to last for years. 

“We pride ourselves in having all the data that's available,” Mark states. Each task should be custom to that roofer’s need. Knowing what kind of materials are used can help safely secure products such as solar panels or help plan for future installation of newer products.  

Learn more about S-5! in their directory or visit s-5.com. 

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about S-5! and their adaptation to solar. 

About Yvette 

Yvette Cruz is a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. She is also a dedicated background actor for various film projects. Besides work, she spends her time with her family, reading and cooking.