Note: Straight vs. Gabled Roof The Procedure for securing the attachment channel for both solid and beam roof systems are very similar. Note that the attachment channels for the gable roof need to be cut at an angle at the top to accommodate the peak of the roof (Figure 6.1).
6-1. Marking the House Wall
The attachment channel placement height can be determined by using the CThru room layout sheet. The maximum attachment height is the module height, plus 1/2" for the bottom track, plus 1 1/4" for the header beam, plus the roof attachment channel height. The roof attachment channel height will be determined by the thickness of the roof; 3" Weather Guard roof, 4" Weather Guard roof, 6" for 6" Weather Guard rood, 3" for single-glass beam roof, and 4" for saul glass beam roof. Transfer the maximum attachment height onto the house wall for roof attachment channel placement. Using a chalk line, mark the maximum attachment height on the house wall (Figure 6.2) This chalk line will mark the upper most edge of the roof attachment channel. Locate studs in the house wall (approximately every 16") and mark their location just above the maximum attachment chalk line remember not to go beyond the widths of the wall attachment channel.
Note: it is important that the pitch of the roof is a MINIMUM of 3/8" in 12" unless specified otherwise by your local building municipality. CThru recommends a stop of at least 1/2" in 12. If the pitch to the roof is not in accordance with the pitch dictated by your local municipality, the warranty may become null and void.
Counter flashing may be required when installing the attachment channel. When attaching to a wall with siding, it may be necessary to remove a course of siding or cut a groove in the house wall so that the counter flashing may be attached under the felt paper behind the siding. Figure 6.3 shows two examples of counter-flashing the roof attachment channel.
6-3. Cutting and Pre-Drilling the Attachment Channel
The roof attachment channel will arrive in stock lengths. The roof dimensions listed on the CThru layout sheet are given in 4" increments to match the stock widths of the panels. Generally overhands of 6" to 12" are placed over each wall. Obtaining the roof attachment channel length from the CThru room layout sheet, determine your overhand measurement and cut the roof attachment channel to the correct length. Gabled roof attachment channels will need an angled cut so both slides of the channel butt together at the peak of the gable (see Figure 6.1)
Note: Both the straight and gabled Weather Guard roof attachment channels will be longer than the width of the room to account for overhauling of the roof. The glass roof attachment channel will be the exact width of the room.
Temporarily place the roof attachment channel(s) on the house wall and mark the location of the studs onto the attachment channel. Pre-drill two 1/4" holes in the roof attachment channel at each of these "stud location" marks.
The spacing of these holes depends on the thickness of the roof you are attaching. See Figure 6.4 for the vertical spacing of the pre-drilled holes for each roof extrusion thickness.
Note: On thermally broken attachment channels, a fasteners must be placed above and below the thermal break.
6-4. Sealing and Securing the Attachment Channel
Tip: Now is the best time to cut the front wall header beam. Cut the front wall header beam to the same length as the roof attachment channel.
Apply silicone or caulking to the back of the channel, as shown in Figure 6.3. The roof attachment channel will be attached to the house wall with lad screws . Use two 5/16" diameter las screw (at least 2.5" in length) through the predrilled of the roof attachment channel to secure the it to the studs on the house (Figure 6.5). Use your 4' level and framing square to ensure that the roof attachment channel is level, plumb, and square to the bottom track. You may have to account for any small variances of slope of the foundation during this process.
Note: For stucco walls, caulk the back of the attachment track with sealant and secure with 3 1/2" lad screws. On house walls with siding, secure the attachment track just under the counter flashing.
