Martin Roofing & Solar’s patent-pending residential solar mount received certification from UL complying with its fire hazard-related 2703 standard. The hidden-fastening solar mount (HSFM) is the first residential roof solar attachment to be UL 2703 certified that does not penetrate shingles.

“Asphalt shingles are on approximately 75% of America’s single-family homes. On one hand, solar panels work to extend the longevity of shingles by shielding shingles from the harshest weather. On the other hand, solar installations have created countless millions of holes in shingles via the solar systems’ traditional mounting methods,” said Preston Nelson, director of Martin Solar. “The sad truth is that those traditional mounts are guaranteed leak-free for only about 10 years, while a new roof is typically warrantied for anywhere between 30 and 50 years, depending on the grade of shingle. It’s an obvious problem, and this mismatch is the major motivation for many homeowners to refuse residential solar.”

The patent-pending design saves shingles from holes by attaching underneath the shingles. Shingles then seal over the top of the mount, concealing the fasteners underneath.

“Leaving absolutely zero exposed penetrations, HFSM is guaranteed leak-free for a term equal to the warrantied lifetime of a new shingle roof, whether that is 20 years, or 50 years,” Nelson said. “In the case of installation on an existing roof, then the guarantee endures for a term equal to the existing warranty of the roof. While the solar mount lays in seamlessly during installation of a new roof, 15-years-old is the oldest shingle roof that was retro-fitted, to-date.”

Matt Brendel, president of Martin Roofing & Solar, said: “Led by my Grandfather, Martin Roofing went into business over 40 years ago. We are a well-known, local business, known for fair pricing and great service. In order to put my family’s name onto solar, I knew that we would need to do something that hadn’t been done, to make something totally knew. We are really pleased with the result so far, and it has gained a lot of attention. Not only are some other solar companies interested in what we are doing, but it’s even got the attention of shingle companies. I think that our next step is to get these on top of brand new homes that can be sold as ‘Solar-Ready Homes,’ since it integrates so well with the shingles.”

News item from Martin Roofing & Solar