The ULAMEX Adjustable “S” Hook Handle adds stepless height adjustability to the proven S-hook design for mounting photovoltaic panels on interlocking tile (Pfannendach) roofs — the most common residential roof type in Germany, Austria and across Central Europe. Manufactured from H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430), this ferritic stainless hook is 30 mm wide and 4 mm thick, available in four lengths: 450, 470, 500 and 530 mm to match virtually all standard interlocking tile profiles. The height adjustment mechanism compensates for rafter depth variations, enabling a perfectly level PV mounting rail without shimming or spacers. Fastened with a Torx wood screw into the rafter.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430), ferritic |
| Height | Adjustable (stepless) |
| Width | 30 mm |
| Length options | 450 / 470 / 500 / 530 mm |
| Thickness | 4 mm |
| Fastening | Torx wood screw (into rafter) |
| Finish | Natural stainless (mill finish) |
| Roof type | Interlocking concrete and clay tiles (Pfannendach) |
| Service life | 25+ years |
| Length Dimension | 450 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm | 530 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustable x 30 mm | x | x | x | x |
Installation Guide
Lift the interlocking tile at the planned hook position to expose the rafter. Select the correct hook length based on your tile profile — measure the distance from the rafter to the tile surface and choose the length (450, 470, 500 or 530 mm) that allows the S-bend to navigate around the tile interlock without lifting the adjacent tile. Position the hook on the rafter with the S-shaped head emerging between two tile courses. Set the height adjustment to bring the hook head to the required rail level. Pre-drill a pilot hole if needed, then drive the Torx wood screw through the base plate into the rafter. Replace the interlocking tile over the hook body. The tile should sit flat — if the tile rocks on the hook, lightly grind the underside at the contact point. Attach the PV mounting rail to the hook head. Space hooks according to the structural calculation, typically 4 per module in standard wind zones.
Roof Compatibility
The adjustable S-hook is compatible with all major interlocking concrete and clay tile profiles used across Europe. The four length options — 450, 470, 500 and 530 mm — cover the tile profiles from leading manufacturers including Braas (Frankfurter Pfanne, Harzer Pfanne, Tegalit), Nelskamp (Nibra DS 5, S-Pfanne), Jacobi (Z10, Z7v), Creaton, Wienerberger (Koramic) and equivalent profiles from other European producers. To select the correct length, measure the tile batten spacing (Lattweite) and match it to the corresponding hook length. The adjustable height mechanism is particularly valuable on renovation projects where older rafters may have inconsistent depths across the roof. Maximum recommended rafter spacing: 80 cm.
Material Properties — H17 Stainless Steel
H17 (1.4016 / AISI 430) is a ferritic chromium stainless steel with 16–18% chromium content and a tensile strength of approximately 450 MPa. For interlocking tile roof hooks, H17 is the industry-standard material choice. The hook is concealed beneath the tile during normal operation, shielded from direct weather exposure, which makes the full corrosion resistance of austenitic grades (V2A / 1.4301) unnecessary. H17 provides fully adequate atmospheric corrosion protection at a significantly lower material cost. Its ferritic structure resists stress corrosion cracking from the thermal cycling that occurs beneath roof tiles — temperatures can swing from below freezing to over 80°C in summer. H17 is magnetic, aiding on-site handling.
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
How do I choose between the 450, 470, 500 and 530 mm lengths?
The correct length depends on your tile profile’s batten spacing (Lattweite). Measure the distance between tile battens and match it to the closest hook length. For Frankfurter Pfanne tiles, 450 mm is typically correct; for larger profile tiles like some Nelskamp or Braas models, 500 or 530 mm may be required. When in doubt, order a sample set and test-fit before committing to full quantities.
What is the advantage of the adjustable S-hook over the fixed-height version?
The adjustable S-hook allows each hook to be set to a different height, compensating for rafter depth variations. This is essential on renovation projects and older buildings where rafter dimensions are inconsistent. The fixed 70 mm S-hook works well on new-build roofs with uniform rafter depths where every hook sits at the same level.
Do I need to grind the interlocking tiles when using this hook?
For most interlocking tile profiles, light grinding of the tile underside at the hook contact point is recommended to prevent the tile from rocking on the hook body. This is a standard practice for S-hook installations and takes only a few seconds per tile with an angle grinder. The 4 mm hook thickness keeps the grinding requirement minimal.