A system and method for managing maintenance and repair of a commercial building roof that creates an access event log each time a roof location is accessed and precipitation event log is created each time precipitation occurs at the roof location to narrow the search for access events possibly resulting in roof damage causing a roof leak. A centralized computing system accessible by remote computing devices at each rooftop location is accessed to create an access event log when personnel access the roof. The computing system collects weather data for each rooftop location based on the global position coordinates for the rooftop location. Upon discovery of a roof leak, a system query will identify access events occurring since the latest precipitation event after which no leaks were reported to identify a list of potential causes for the roof damage. The system and method may also be used to consolidate roof maintenance, inspection, and repair to improve asset management.

A racking system is configured to install at least one photovoltaic panel on a rooftop. The racking system includes a plurality of rails. A splice bar is connected the plurality of rails and configured to mechanically strengthen the plurality of rails. A ground lug is attached to an extrusion of a side channel on each of the plurality of rails by sliding the ground lug through a rail opening. A ground wire is held in a serrated opening for safely grounding the racking system. A clamp is attached to a top channel of at least one rail such that the at least one rail and the at least one photovoltaic panel are operatively coupled to the clamp and such that the clamp is under pressure due to a spring but is able to freely rotate around a longitudinal axis.

An apparatus, system and method for detecting defects in building structures is provided. The apparatus includes a detector operable to determine an indication of the defect; and a transmitter operable to wirelessly transmit the indication from the apparatus to a central controller. The system includes the detection unit; a locator operable to determine the location of the detection unit; and a memory for storing the indication and the location in association with each other. The memory may be part of a central controller in wireless communication with the detection unit. The apparatus or central controller may include a processor operable to determine from a plurality of measurements performed by the detection unit a resultant measurement vector indicating a direction from the detection unit toward the defect. The detection unit may be operable to autonomously change its location. A display showing resultant measurement vectors at various locations can be produced.

A roof system that includes a roof covering in the form of planting areas, a water storage, a wind turbine, a water turbine, a solar panel, and a water heater. The roof system includes a plurality of ceramic chambers each including a wind turbine and a recess for housing a planter area.

A roof system that includes a roof covering in the form of planting areas, a water storage, a wind turbine, a water turbine, a solar panel, and a water heater. The roof system includes a plurality of ceramic chambers each including a wind turbine and a recess for housing a planter area.

Roof brackets for attaching a structure such as a patio cover to a building, and methods for installing the brackets. The brackets have a saddle for receiving a support beam of the structure. The brackets can be attached to the building roof, but do not penetrate the roof substrate, thus preventing leakage and other structural problems. The roof brackets comprise a plate that is installed between the roof substrate and the shingles or tile on the roof. The brackets are available in different configurations depending on the roof pitch for easy installation. One roof bracket has a riser so that the saddle is lifted above the roof. Another roof bracket is configured so that when installed the saddle is located beyond the edge of the roof. Other brackets can be attached to the rafters under the roof. These also come in different configurations depending on roof pitch, and they are configured to extend below and outward from the fascia.

Roof brackets for attaching a structure such as a patio cover to a building, and methods for installing the brackets. The brackets have a saddle for receiving a support beam of the structure. The brackets can be attached to the building roof, but do not penetrate the roof substrate, thus preventing leakage and other structural problems. The roof brackets comprise a plate that is installed between the roof substrate and the shingles or tile on the roof. The brackets are available in different configurations depending on the roof pitch for easy installation. One roof bracket has a riser so that the saddle is lifted above the roof. Another roof bracket is configured so that when installed the saddle is located beyond the edge of the roof. Other brackets can be attached to the rafters under the roof. These also come in different configurations depending on roof pitch, and they are configured to extend below and outward from the fascia.

A roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable, and resistant to environmental wear includes a module that can be used to form a weatherproof covering over top of a building surface. The module can also form a weatherproof covering, and be used as part of a thermal energy recovery or removal system. The module can also form part of a thermal energy recovery system that includes an array of solar cells to generate electrical energy.

A roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable, and resistant to environmental wear includes a module that can be used to form a weatherproof covering over top of a building surface. The module can also form a weatherproof covering, and be used as part of a thermal energy recovery or removal system. The module can also form part of a thermal energy recovery system that includes an array of solar cells to generate electrical energy.

Photovoltaic mounting systems that form chemical flashings are provided herein. Such mounting systems can include a mounting plate adapted to interface with an off-the-shelf mounting puck so as to allow mounting of the puck on the roof surface without use of traditional roof flashing and/or modification of shingles of the roof surface. Such mounting plates can include a top surface adapted to interface with the puck and a bottom surface that defines a cavity between the mounting plate and the puck in which to form the chemical flashing by injecting a flowable sealant into the cavity via an inlet of the mounting plate that remains accessible from outside the puck during mounting. Such mounting plates can further include features for orienting the plate, directing runoff away from any sealed roof penetrations and filling of the cavity with flowable sealant.