Safe Roof Access
By Nathan Plaxco,
Posted
01/20/2011
Reliable walkways play a key role in accessing and properly
maintaining rooftop accessories
The "green movement" is no longer a
trendy catchphrase; it is a tangible industry with tremendous
potential. Its growth can largely be linked to such recent
developments as catastrophic weather events, gas shortages, crude
oil cost increases, war, the events of 9/11, and even the recent
oil spills off the coast of China and in the Gulf of Mexico.
There is a recommitment to building smarter: using recycled
construction products, finding and using sustainable clean energy
sources, as well as recent breakthroughs in technology that make
this all possible and affordable. Also the United States government
has given significant tax incentives for LEED certified projects
and has begun retrofitting many of its own Naval facilities with
solar panels as well.
For these reasons, the installation
of photovoltaic cells is on the rise. This is true for both new
construction and the retrofitting of existing roofs. Of course, the
idea of harvesting nature's prized possessions is not new. For more
than a century, residents of Bermuda have used roof systems to
catch rainwater to store in cisterns for later use. Think of all
the unused roof space here in the U.S. that could be collecting
clean, sustainable energy from the sun…it's staggering.
Photovoltaic cells are a very important technology for reasons
other than the obvious environmental benefits. As a domestic source
of energy, it lessens our dependency on foreign oil and contributes
to the nation's energy security. As a relatively young and
high-tech industry with government backing and incentives, it helps
to create new jobs and strengthen the economy.
With more companies
investing, researching, developing and marketing solar panels, the
equipment is becoming more affordable and available. Cambridge,
Mass.-based GTM Research, a research, market analysis and
consulting firm, commented on the future prospects of the utility
scale of PV cells: "Utilities in the United States already have
signed contracts for 5,400 megawatts worth of photovoltaic power
plants that will be built by 2014, with another 10,100 megawatts in
negotiation. Additionally, the U.S. utility-scale photovoltaic
market is expected to grow from $1 billion in 2010 to $8 billion by
2015. The global PV industry is increasingly turning its attention
toward the U.S. utility PV market as a driver of global demand over
the next five years. Indeed, conditions appear right to support
massive growth."
A recent analysis from Bloomberg New Energy Finance suggests that
the U.S. market for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal generation
will grow annually by 42 percent, to reach 44 GW by 2020. This will
require more than $100 billion of investment.
"By the middle of this decade, the U.S. retail solar market will
be driven by fundamental, unsubsidized competition, which should
transform the U.S. into one of the world's most dynamic solar
markets," said Milo Sjardin, Bloomberg New Energy Finance's U.S.
head of research.
This demand also dictates the need
to safely access and navigate rooftops in order to install and
maintain the growing amount of solar equipment. Other than the
safety concerns, avoiding roof penetrations is always preferred for
any kind of metal standing seam roof. These issues are both
successfully addressed with the Metalwalk rooftop walkway system
and available OSHA and IBC compliant safety handrail, by Design
Components Inc.
Using S-5! non-penetrating clamps, the proven and tested Metalwalk
system not only protects the metal roof from damaging foot traffic,
but more importantly provides a safe, stable, non-slip walking
surface for workers maintaining roof mounted PV cells, HVAC units
or similar equipment.
Metalwalk can also be pitch corrected for
traversing higher roof pitches and can be supplied with a powder
coat finish to match painted roof panels. Optional features
include: 4-inch high toeboards, self‑closing safety gates and
attachments to fixed rib panels. The system is lightweight,
requires no additional sub-framing, installs quickly and easily,
and can integrate with roof hatches or fixed access ladder
systems.
Nathan Plaxco is a Technical Sales & Marketing representative
with Design Components. For more information, visit www.rooftopwalkway.com