Extrutech Blowing Off

[Red Baron]

I had trouble with the 12" panels blowing off in windstorms - primarily I think because the contractor didn't install enough screws. I'm putting the 24" panels on my 6/1 and would like to know if they would be less likely to blow off if I put the screwed side facing the predominant wind direction, or the grooved side?

 

[Red Baron]

Also, Extrutech has instructions for installing in cold weather, but do you think this is a no no?

 

[Jimmy Buffett]

Mine were installed during a winter ice storm. The builders had no electricity at their hotel so they came on down and installed the panels so winter installation is not an issue. I've never had any trouble. The screw bill was astronomical though. It never crossed my mind that the screws would cost 500- 600 bucks.

 

[Red Baron]

Specs now call for a washer on each screw. Did you do that?

 

[Jimmy Buffett]

I don't think so but I can see that it would be advantageous without adding a lot of cost. Those tap-cons are pricey.

 

[Jack]

I did a 5 & 1 with Extrutech and had half of it blow off. We repaired it adding screws every 12" (lots of screws wth washers) and so far we only lost one panel so hopefully we figured it out. This stuff does come off in gusty winds.

Good Luck;
Jack

 

[pitzerwm]

Why does it come off? Is the wind getting behind it?

 

[MikeV]

My extrutech panels just went thru Hurricane Ike, right on Galveston Bay. Didn't lose a single panel.

 

[Red Baron]

Mine blew off, I assumed because the contractor installed the screws too far apart. We're installing the screws every 18" this time, and with 1/4" washers which should help some more. Of course none of that will do any good if they blow off from the grooved edge. We're also applying plenty of Liquid Nails to the back of the 24" panels.