The present invention relates to a tool for forming a joint in an interlocking side-lapped seam formed between first and second structural decking panels. The decking tool may include a frame, actuator, and arms with jaws, wherein the actuator forms a structural component of the decking tool and is located between the frame and the arms with the jaws. Moreover, the decking tool may further comprise one or more shields and jaw guards. The one or more shields may cover the arms on at least one side for protection. The one or more jaw guards may be utilized with or without the shields, and may or may not be integral with the shields. The one or more jaw guards have a number of benefits, such as protecting the jaws, positioning the jaws, being utilized as levers to help remove the jaws, and being utilized to prevent separation of the side-lap seam.

An apparatus for seaming roof assemblies having a modular provision of tooling stations is disclosed herein. Such an apparatus includes multiple tooling stations that may be added or removed on demand in order to facilitate different degrees of seaming engagements as needed. Such a device utilizes horizontal rollers to provide seaming of overlapping roof panel ends to reduce the potential for separation thereof after building erection has been undertaken, further impeding water egress therethrough and wind updraft damage, at least, as well. The modular device thus provides a manner of selecting specific numbers of horizontal rollers for seaming contact with metal roof panels, thereby allowing for different types of panels and end structures thereof, as well as reduce the propensity for jamming of such multiple rollers during utilization. The method of utilization of such a modular device is encompassed herein as well.

The invention provides a system for installing a load on a metal panel roof, the system comprising a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by ribs defined by the roof panels, and a load adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure. In some embodiments, standing seams on ribs, and side rails on the rail and closure structure, extend parallel to each other, and optionally parallel to opposing sides of a hole in the roof. In some embodiments, substantially all of a downwardly-directed force of the load passes downwardly through the rail and closure structure to the ribs, and from the ribs to underlying structural members of the building.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.

The invention provides a system for installing a load on a metal panel roof, the system comprising a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by ribs defined by the roof panels, and a load adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure. In some embodiments, standing seams on ribs, and side rails on the rail and closure structure, extend parallel to each other, and optionally parallel to opposing sides of a hole in the roof. In some embodiments, substantially all of a downwardly-directed force of the load passes downwardly through the rail and closure structure to the ribs, and from the ribs to underlying structural members of the building.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams, in both lateral and longitudinal directions, to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, adjacent photovoltaic modules may be oriented so that a boundary between an up-roof photovoltaic module and a down-roof photovoltaic module is not noticeable by observers positioned at typical viewing angles of the roof.

The invention provides a system for installing a load on a metal panel roof, the system comprising a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by ribs defined by the roof panels, and a load adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure. In some embodiments, standing seams on ribs, and side rails on the rail and closure structure, extend parallel to each other, and optionally parallel to opposing sides of a hole in the roof. In some embodiments, substantially all of a downwardly-directed force of the load passes downwardly through the rail and closure structure to the ribs, and from the ribs to underlying structural members of the building.

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing and appear seamless to an observer. BIPV systems can be on-roof systems, elevated from the surface of a roof, being flush or forming a substantively uniform plane with roof panels or other panels mimicking a solar panel appearance. Pans supporting BIPV solar panels can be coupled by standing seams to other photovoltaic-supporting pans or pans supporting non-photovoltaic structures, having both functional and aesthetic advantages. In some configurations, inverted seams can couple photovoltaic-supporting pans and non-photovoltaic structures, forming a substantively planar surface. In some configurations, the appearance of BIPV systems can be particularly aesthetically pleasing and generally seamless to an observer.

Embodiments of the invention include structural decking systems with at least a four-layered seam and methods for manufacturing and assembling structural decking systems with at least four-layered seams. The decking panels may be provided with an edge having an exposed male lip with two layers, and an opposite edge having a female lip with two layers. Individual panels may be coupled together by placing the female lip of a first panel over the male lip of an adjacent panel, thus creating an unjoined seam. In order to couple the panels together, the panels may be secured through various couplings configurations. The couplings may be formed by deforming, cutting, and/or welding the seam. Not only do the couplings help prevent vertical separation between adjacent panels, the couplings minimize lateral shifting along the seam, and ensure a desired level of shear strength in the seam and across the structural decking system.

The invention provides a system for installing a roof penetrating structure to a metal roof, the system comprising: a) a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations of said roof; b) a skylight adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure; and c) a support member for sealing a cut away portion of the rib structure to divert water away from the rail and closure structure.