SWIF Rack makes solar installation simple

By Emma Peterson. 

This elevated racking system provides contractors with a new way to support solar panels while preserving access and roof integrity. 

A new episode of Roofing Road Trips® featured April Chen, architect and CEO of SWIF Rack™; Tom Desimone, a Duro-Last approved applicator; and Mitch Gilbert, VP of technology and Duro-Last. The discussion centered round the topic of the collaboration between Duro-Last and SWIF Rack that is helping contractors install solar more efficiently. 

April opened the conversation by sharing a bit of background on SWIF Rack as a company. She shared, “SWIF Rack produces the first UL273-certified, class A fire-rated system that is purpose-built to preserve roof integrity by eliminating overburdening and enhancing energy production.”  

SWIF Rack was designed by a multigenerational roofer (April’s father Steve) and elevates solar panels off the roof through a racking system. April described:  

The SWIF Rack isn't the only product that lifts panels off the roof. Most installations have the modules kind of laying, hovering above the roof six or eight inches, maybe a little bit more, depending on the product type. But SWIF Rack actually lifts the modules a minimum of three feet above the roof deck without any obstacles beneath it, which is significant.  

Why is it so significant? Tom explained:  

Elevation and maintenance matter. They’re two of the strongest priorities when it comes to building roofs and solar systems that are maintainable and long-lasting. Take the electrical components as an example. On traditional ballasts, these components are often resting on the roof itself, which can lead to dangerous combustion and fires. So, being able to raise those panels not only gives you better access to the roof but also creates a safer environment. 

With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that the SWIF Rack system caught the eye of the Duro-Last team. Mitch shared, “We always want to put our customers at the center of everything we do and we were thinking about all of the challenges we've had trying to chase leaks or service a roof when there's solar in the way when we saw the pictures of what SWIF Rack does. And it really spoke to us.”  

Today, Duro-Last has partnered with SWIF Rack to make solar installations easier all over the nation.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more!