Paver and Strut Knucklehead Upgrade Cooling System Support During Re-Roofing

This project involved the installation of KnuckleHeads to improve the support structure of a rooftop cooling system during a commercial re-roofing job.

The building was an approximately 28,000-square-foot facility housing a large internet service provider located in Southfield, Michigan. The cooling system included three large chillers and associated pipes and conduit that were originally supported in some areas with wood sleepers sitting on top of polypropylene bases and in other areas with galvanized steel curbs.

In places, the chiller feet were cantilevered on the steel curbs. EPDM membrane was used to replace the original coal tar roof. The chillers and piping were gently lifted during tear-off and membrane installation, then reset using two types of GREEN LINK KnuckleHeads.

To support the chiller feet, Paver KnuckleHeads were selected. But because chillers are sensitive to leveling—fans operating in units that are not level will burn out their bearings more quickly—the paver supports were modified. The standard paver 7” head was expanded to 12” to comfortably accommodate the full footprint of the chillers, eliminating any cantilevering.

GREEN LINK Adhesive/Sealant was used to bond KnuckleHeads to polyester risers, which were loose laid onto EPDM slip sheets. Because KnuckleHeads are height adjustable, a level, evenly distributed load was achieved. In addition to the modified paver KnuckleHeads, strut KnuckleHeads were installed to support Unistrut steel channel for elevating piping and conduit. The re-installation of the cooling system was completed in a day.

See complete project photos on Green Link’s website.