New Southern Building Code - Wind Load Restrictions 

Due to the increased incidences of violent storms in Florida, new building code restrictions are being put in place specifying wind load (psf) capabilities for roof mounted solar heating systems. Every solar heating system will be affected by this new code, as will the protection of your home, your property and your exposure to liability from damage caused by improperly installed systems. Some solar systems conform more easily to the new code, and each requires manufacturer’s specific engineering in order to qualify for a permit. A notable difference in how solar systems meet this new code is the difference between “monolithic” or solid collectors, and individual tube design collectors. HELIOCOL is a patented individual tube design collector that has clear advantages to homeowners with regards to fulfilling the new wind load requirements. HELIOCOL offers you peace of mind in meeting permitting requirements, while at the same time maintaining the aesthetics of your home.

There are 3 major provisions to the new code:

1. Restrictions on system placement. The roof area allowed for monolithic collectors is much smaller than the area allowed for Heliocol collectors. When properly calculated, this area may not accommodate a properly sized system. For example, a 30’ wide roof, with a 10 degree pitch usually will only accommodate a 9’ monolithic collector rather than a 12 ˝’ Heliocol collector. (See Figure 1).
2. Strapping requirements In certain areas, many monolithic systems will require strapping every 21”, as many as 6 straps per 12’ collector. Heliocol systems require no hold down straps. (See Figure 2).
3. Roof penetration requirements Specifications for lag bolt penetrations to the roof are very strict within the new code, typically requiring attachment to a truss/rafter or a wood block placed in the attic underneath the roof sheathing. A five panel monolithic system with fixed clamps and straps may need up to 96 roof penetrations into trusses or blocking. A five panel Heliocol system would require only 20 roof penetrations and no attic access to meet code. (See Figure 3).