Running Wires Across A Rooftop?

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 12-03-2008, 09:54 PM   #1
Registered User
 
Scottyk's Avatar
 
Trade: Burglar alarm installer / Locksmith
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5

Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


Was hoping someone had some advice. I need to pull low voltage siamese cable across a flat tar commercial rooftop. I rather not run the wires across the roof, but I dont have any other choice. Pipe in EMT or PVC? I dont want to use fasteners <dont want to cause any leaks> so use Tar or another adhesive to strap pipe?

Scottyk is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 12-04-2008, 07:47 AM   #2
Synacom
 
Synacom's Avatar
 
Trade: Information Transport Systems Installer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 49

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


One potential problem to be aware of is that a flat roof has a slope to it and you don't want your wires to divert water from its intended path. Make sure the unsecured length of cable is as short as possible and properly secured at both ends. I like pvc because it follows the contour of the roof and bends easily. If you get a chance to talk with a roofer or look at a commercial flat roof you will find they are not that difficult to patch - I prefer not to but will when necessary.
Synacom is offline  
Old 12-04-2008, 08:26 AM   #3
LRG WoodCrafting
 
Leo G's Avatar
 
Trade: Master Sawdust Producer
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Posts: 13,211

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


Use a short standoff with a large plate and use hot tar to secure it to the roof. That way there ar no holes to patch and it will be off the roof and not prevent proper water flow.
__________________
Sawdust Follows Me Everywhere

Quote:
Originally Posted by HusqyPro View Post
Carpenter by day.
Mad scientist by night.
http://lrgwood.com
Custom Cabinets in Hartford County Connecticut
Leo G is offline  
Old 12-04-2008, 08:59 AM   #4
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


I have seen so many 2x4 ends cut to 4x4x2 (actual dimensions vary) used as elevators/standoffs.

Load your conduit with at least 4 pull-strings, assemble, put in place, pitch the hell or NP1 the hell out of the elevator/standoff blocks, pull your wire. LEAVE excess pulls-strings in place for FUTURE work.

Done. Easy. Relatively quick. Off roof. Drink A Beer!


POST SCRIPT:

What does your Local Code demand????? I would imagine that code may be helpful here.
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

Last edited by MALCO.New.York; 12-04-2008 at 10:06 AM.
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 12-04-2008, 09:44 AM   #5
Registered User
 
sgr1's Avatar
 
Trade: electrical contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 10

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


I would put in EMT. PVC will wrap and look bad from the heat and it might come apart. Caddy makes some supports made for the roof. erico.com
Steve
__________________
www.srelectric.org Texarkana,TX Electrical Contractor
sgr1 is offline  
Old 12-04-2008, 10:30 AM   #6
Registered User
 
Scottyk's Avatar
 
Trade: Burglar alarm installer / Locksmith
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


Thanks for all the help guys... that beer sounds good now
Scottyk is offline  
Old 12-04-2008, 10:37 AM   #7
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Scottyk View Post
Thanks for all the help guys... that beer sounds good now

Tell me, a former ALOA Member, about you Lock Experience.


MALCO.Services@gmail.com
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 12-04-2008, 03:50 PM   #8
Registered User
 
Scottyk's Avatar
 
Trade: Burglar alarm installer / Locksmith
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


Malco,

Been a locksmith by trade for 15years out of Longisland. Member of ALOA, SAVTA, NSO member. Been doing alot of card access lately, along with alot of other low voltage security.. intercoms, nurse call systems, burglar, cctv. First time I had to do a pull across a roof top though.. thank you for the advice. Why no longer a member of ALOA?
Scottyk is offline  
Old 12-06-2008, 09:09 AM   #9
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,369

Re: Running Wires Across A Rooftop?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Scottyk View Post
Malco,

Been a locksmith by trade for 15years out of Longisland. Member of ALOA, SAVTA, NSO member. Been doing alot of card access lately, along with alot of other low voltage security.. intercoms, nurse call systems, burglar, cctv. First time I had to do a pull across a roof top though.. thank you for the advice. Why no longer a member of ALOA?
Ask Enforcer. He might know..................


Actually, I went from locks to Repos to Bail Enforcement. Bail Enforcement OFTEN requires a certain level of nastiness and sometimes this "Nastiness" can bite you on yer assssss. Picture getting clearer???

Hope to eventually meet you.
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Powered Gable Vent vs. Powered Rooftop Ventilator redzthredz HVAC 6 06-15-2010 05:49 AM
Running wires across a rooftop? Scottyk Roofing 6 12-05-2008 03:57 PM
condenser fan not running BigoWhiteboy HVAC 10 11-19-2008 08:28 PM
toilet keeps running... mo-flo Plumbing 72 08-15-2008 12:02 AM
Stretching wires 18 inches? Mike Finley Electrical 34 11-30-2006 07:35 AM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?