Solar Slip Sheets For Solar Roof Installation • Rubber/pvc, Epdm

At Mercer Gasket & Shim, we specialize in manufacturing and distributing custom gaskets, hoses, fittings, and expansion joints for a wide range of industrial applications. However, in recent years, we’ve experienced significant customer demand for solar slip sheets. These products play an essential role in roof-mounted solar power installations. Below, we provide an overview of what solar slip sheets are and what capabilities we offer with regard to these products.

What Are Solar Slip Sheets?

Solar panels often get the best exposure to sunlight when they’re positioned on a rooftop. However, this configuration can cause wear and tear to the roof due to the weight and movement of the panels and panel support structure.

Slip sheets are sacrificial rubber or plastic sheets designed for installation between the base mounts of the solar racking system and the surface of the roof. They protect the roof from damage caused by the solar array and prevent excessive heat buildup on the roofing surface.

In contrast to the temporary materials used to protect roofs during the initial construction of the solar power system, slip sheets stay on the roof surface for the entire life of the system. As such, they must be designed carefully to ensure they perform as intended. Some of the design elements to consider include:

• Solar power system design. If the support structures of the solar power system sit directly on the roofing surface and/or experience thermally driven oscillation movement, the solar installation needs slip sheets. If the support structure is not susceptible to thermally driven oscillation movement and is compatible with the roofing surface, the solar installation may not need slip sheets if the roof manufacturer gives approval.
• Roofing membrane type. Generally, the slip sheet matches the roofing membrane. For example, EPDM slip sheets are used for EPDM roofs, PVC slip sheets are used for PVC roofs, and TPO slip sheets are used for TPO roofs. We match the roofing manufacturer’s material to keep the warranty in place.
• Slip sheet thickness. The thickness of the slip sheet used typically matches the thickness of the roof. However, slip sheets are usually available in minimum thicknesses of .060 inches. As a result, slip sheets with .060 inches thicknesses are used for roofs with thicknesses of .060 inches and below, slip sheets with .090 inches thicknesses are used for roofs with thicknesses of .090 inches, and so on.
• Slip sheet size. Slip sheets must be appropriately sized for the solar power system. They should be at minimum 2 inches wider than the contact surface of the support system on all sides.

Our Solar Slip Sheet Cutting Capabilities

Using state-of-the-art knife cutting, waterjet cutting, and laser cutting technologies, our experts cut rubber/PVC, EPDM, or any other custom material needed for slip sheets to match the footprint of the particular solar power system. We offer the following cutting capabilities:

For knife cutting:

• Length: 120 inches
• Width: 60 inches
• Thickness: .50 inches
• Tolerance: ±.010 inches

For waterjet cutting:

• Length: 144 inches
• Width: 144 inches
• Thickness: 2 inches
• Tolerance: ±.007 inches

For laser cutting:

• Length: 120 inches
• Width: 60 inches
• Thickness: .125 inches
• Tolerance: ±.002 inches

We accommodate customer requests for prototype, high-volume, and short production quantities. Rush, same-day turnaround, and next-day services are available. We have cut millions of slip sheets throughout the years and have the expertise to help you with your project needs.

Why Partner With Mercer Gasket & Shim for Your Solar Slip Sheet Needs?

The experts at Mercer Gasket & Shim are fully committed to providing the products customers want when they want them. Armed with over 150 years of experience designing and manufacturing custom industrial products and high-tech manufacturing equipment, we have what it takes to provide properly sized solar slip sheets for nearly any roof-mounted solar installation.

To learn more about our solar slip sheet cutting capabilities, contact us today. To discuss your solar installation needs with one of our experts, request a quote