The ULAMEX Wide Hook Handle for Plain Tiles is a stainless steel roof hook with an extra-wide 135 mm profile, specifically engineered for plain tile (Biberschwanz / beaver-tail) roofs in double-cover laying patterns. The wide base distributes the mechanical load across a larger area of the tile and rafter, preventing tile cracking and ensuring long-term structural stability. Manufactured from H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430), this ferritic stainless hook has a fixed 70 mm height, 300 mm length and 2 mm thickness. The thinner, wider profile is optimised for the flat tile overlap geometry of Biberschwanz roofs. Fastened with a Torx wood screw into the rafter.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430), ferritic |
| Height | 70 mm (fixed) |
| Width | 135 mm |
| Length | 300 mm |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Fastening | Torx wood screw (into rafter) |
| Finish | Natural stainless (mill finish) |
| Roof type | Plain tile (Biberschwanz) double-cover |
| Service life | 25+ years |
Installation Guide
Lift the plain tile at the planned hook position to expose the rafter beneath. Position the wide hook so that its 135 mm base plate sits flat on the rafter, centred on the tile overlap area. The 300 mm length provides sufficient reach beneath the tile course to anchor securely on the rafter while the hook head emerges between the tile rows. Pre-drill a pilot hole if required, then drive the Torx wood screw through the base plate into the rafter. The wide base plate distributes the clamping force across a larger rafter area, reducing point loading. Replace the plain tile over the hook body — the 2 mm thickness allows the tile to sit almost flat on the hook without significant elevation change. If the tile does not sit level, a light grind on the tile underside at the contact point resolves the issue. Attach the PV mounting rail to the fixed 70 mm hook head. Space hooks according to the structural load calculation, typically 4 per module in standard wind zones.
Roof Compatibility
This wide hook is designed exclusively for plain tile (Biberschwanz / beaver-tail) roofs — one of the oldest and most widespread tile types across Central Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Biberschwanz tiles are flat, tongue-shaped tiles typically measuring 18×38 cm or 15.5×38 cm, laid in a double-cover (Doppeldeckung) or crown-cover (Kronendeckung) pattern. The 135 mm hook width is specifically proportioned to the tile width, distributing the load across the flat tile surface rather than concentrating it on a narrow contact strip. This prevents the brittle clay tile from cracking under the concentrated stress of a narrow hook. The wide hook is the preferred option for historic and listed buildings where tile integrity must be preserved. Maximum recommended rafter spacing: 80 cm. For roofs with varying rafter depths, consider the adjustable plain tile hook (30 mm wide) instead.
Material Properties — H17 Stainless Steel
H17 (1.4016 / AISI 430) is a ferritic chromium stainless steel with 16–18% chromium, delivering good atmospheric corrosion resistance and a tensile strength of approximately 450 MPa. The wide hook uses a 2 mm thickness rather than the 4 mm typical of narrower hooks — the extra width provides equivalent section rigidity through geometric stiffness (wider cross-section) rather than through material thickness alone. This results in a lighter hook that is easier to slide beneath the flat tile overlap. H17 is chosen over austenitic grades because the concealed mounting position beneath the tile does not require the higher corrosion resistance of V2A (1.4301). The ferritic structure resists stress corrosion cracking from thermal cycling beneath the roof covering.
Why Choose ULAMEX
ULAMEX has supplied structural steel and stainless steel components for over 35 years, holding EN 1090 certification for the execution of steel and aluminum structures. As a B2B wholesaler, we deliver roof hooks, PV profiles, clamps, fasteners and ballast systems from a single source — reducing procurement complexity and ensuring component compatibility. European delivery with competitive wholesale conditions for solar installers, distributors and EPC contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this hook 135 mm wide instead of the standard 30 mm?
Plain tiles (Biberschwanz) are flat, brittle clay tiles that can crack under concentrated point loads. The 135 mm width distributes the hook’s load across a much larger tile area, preventing stress concentrations that could damage the tile. Narrow 30 mm hooks (such as the adjustable plain tile hook) work by sliding between the tile edges, while this wide hook sits beneath the full tile width for maximum load distribution.
Can I use this wide hook on other tile types besides Biberschwanz?
The 135 mm width is specifically optimised for the Biberschwanz tile profile and laying pattern. For interlocking tiles (Frankfurter Pfanne, etc.), use the S-hook; for slate/shingle, use the J-gont hook. Using the wide hook on tile types it was not designed for may result in poor fitment and tile damage.
Is the 2 mm thickness strong enough for PV panel loads?
Yes. The 135 mm width provides a larger cross-sectional area than a narrow 4 mm thick hook, resulting in comparable or superior section rigidity. The wide profile distributes loads more evenly to the rafter. This hook is rated for standard residential PV installations with modules up to approximately 25 kg per unit and standard wind/snow loads per Eurocode EN 1991.