Dicor needed for solar panel bracket?

[chriscowles]

Hello. I installed some solar panels using the standard z-bracket with two screws on each into the roof. I put a strip of butyl tape under the bracket before setting it on the roof. The screw goes through the butyl tape. I covered the screw heads with Dicor self-leveling sealant.

Do I need to run a bead of Dicor around the foot of the bracket, or is the butyl tape enough?

If I need to use Dicor, can anyone suggest how to get the Dicor on the back edge of the bracket, under the panel? There's only an inch of space and I don't think I can get the Dicor nozzle in far enough under the panel to seal the edges completely.

[Lundy]

I would put Dicor on any seem that potentially could be a place where water could intrude. You cannot have enough Dicor. I used a piece of 3/8 rubber fuel line and slid it on to the Dicor tube then gorilla tape so it can't come off. The fuel line could then be used to reach the back of the mounting bracket. I used about a 12 inch piece so it was easy to bend under the panel to reach where I needed the Dicor. Worked for me, there might be a better solution.

[SmackIt]

These will work...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MCD2Z5/

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by SmackIt

These will work...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MCD2Z5/

Thanks. I didn't know such things existed.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Lundy

... I used a piece of 3/8 rubber fuel line and slid it on to the Dicor tube then gorilla tape so it can't come off. The fuel line could then be used to reach the back of the mounting bracket. ...

Hmm... I can get that today. Good idea.

[Underthedog]

put on rubber glove, apply to finger, smear along edge.
rubber glove is optional

[DogFather]

If it's not too late or inaccessible, I'd back out the screws and inject a gob of Dicor into each screw hole, then replace the screws.

[robo44]

Originally Posted by DogFather

If it's not too late or inaccessible, I'd back out the screws and inject a gob of Dicor into each screw hole, then replace the screws.

Agreed x2

[dahagen]

Originally Posted by Lundy

I would put Dicor on any seem that potentially could be a place where water could intrude. You cannot have enough Dicor. I used a piece of 3/8 rubber fuel line and slid it on to the Dicor tube then gorilla tape so it can't come off. The fuel line could then be used to reach the back of the mounting bracket. I used about a 12 inch piece so it was easy to bend under the panel to reach where I needed the Dicor. Worked for me, there might be a better solution.

X2. You can never use too much Dicor.

[Trawlerphil]

I'm an EternaBond fan boy, but Dicor will work, even if it is a copper pipe in a PEX world.
https://www.amazon.com/EternaBond-RS...4977174&sr=8-3

[PSU Turf]

Originally Posted by DogFather

If it's not too late or inaccessible, I'd back out the screws and inject a gob of Dicor into each screw hole, then replace the screws.

I do this plus make a bed of Dicor between the roof and the bracket. After screws are installed cover the screw heads with Dicor.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Trawlerphil

I'm an EternaBond fan boy, but Dicor will work, even if it is a copper pipe in a PEX world.

That poses the same question: How do you apply it on the back side of the bracket? It's not flat. Do you fold it up and sandwich the bracket between another piece folded up on the outer side?

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by PSU Turf

I do this plus make a bed of Dicor between the roof and the bracket. After screws are installed cover the screw heads with Dicor.

On the inboard side of the panel I used well nuts and put Dicor in the hole before inserting the well nut. Some squished out and formed a donut around it.

As for a bed of Dicor, I used a strip of butyl tape. It's well-squeezed between the roof and the bracket. That being the case is why I asked about Dicor. Does the butyl tape not provide waterproofing? Is it not as reliable?

Knowing that water could seep down the shaft of the screw, I did cover the screw heads with Dicor.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by robo44

Agreed x2

I did that during installation.