Big Foot Systems Non-Penetrating Flat-Roof Mount
March 25, 2010 — Our co-op or condo roofs are functional enough: They keep the rain out, and what better place to put our water towers and HVAC equipment? Our roofs are also potential moneymakers — think cell-phone towers — and energy-savers — think solar panels. But we keep coming back to that whole "rain" thing. Because whenever we mount anything on our roofs, it almost always means bolting it down through the rooftop membrane. And once you pierce the skin, water can seep inside.
At least until now. Whether you're doing a DIY project, like a rooftop garden, or having major work done, you can use (or suggest be used) this non-penetrating mount for flat roofs.
The eponymous Big Foot Systems mounting technology for flat roofs replaces corrosion-prone landscape timbers or labor-intensive welded metal fabrications with prefabricated, 1.6-square-inch, corrosion-resistant, galvanized tube modules supported by 1-square-foot, UV-protected, glass-filled nylon footings with anti-vibration mat bases — which, most importantly, don't penetrate the roof membrane.
Imported from the UK company by Airtec, of Fall River, Mass., Big Foot Systems comes in three standard module packages: 4.3 x 3.3-feet; 4.3 x 6.6-feet; and 4.3 x 9.8-feet. Larger modules of 2-square-inch or 2 x 4-square-inch tubes are available for larger equipment of up to 10 tons. You can also get them custom-fabricated.
Each footing has a vertical height-adjustment range of four-inches for easy leveling. Spans between footings can be easily widened or narrowed to accommodate weight-loading, and clamps are available to lock down all types of equipment footings.
Big Foot Systems, only just available in the U.S., has been used in Europe successfully for years — including at the British Airways terminal at Heathrow Airport, London. It's certainly worth looking into a non-penetrating rooftop mount. Because when it comes to co-op and condo buildings' roofs and the possibility of water seepage, the penetration is mightier than the sword. Or, well, equally so, we guess.
Big Foot Systems • Apex Way, Hailsham,East Sussex, BN27 3WA, United Kingdom • +44 (0)1323 844 355 +44 (0)1323 844 355 • E-mail contact page here
Imported and distributed in the U.S. by Airtec Products Corp. • 1244 Davol Street, Fall River, Mass. 02720 • (508) 675-2669 • toll-free (800) 324-7832 (800-3AIRTEC) • customerservice@airtecproducts.com