PV Roof Handles

roof handles — The Foundation of Every Pitched Roof PV System

A solar roof handle is the structural component that connects the PV mounting rail to the roof rafter, passing through the gap between roof tiles. The hook is screwed into the rafter using hanger bolts or wood screws, and the mounting rail is fixed to the upper part of the hook. The roof tile sits on top of the hook without being cut (in most cases), preserving the waterproof integrity of the roof covering.

Choosing the correct roof handle depends on the tile type, tile profile and rafter dimensions. ULAMEX supplies dedicated hooks for the most common European roof coverings:

• "S" Hook

  for standard interlocking concrete tiles (Frankfurter Pfanne, Harzer Pfanne and similar S-profile tiles). The most widely used hook type in Central Europe.

• Plain Tile Hook (Wide)

  for flat/plain tiles (Biberschwanz). Wider base to accommodate the flat tile profile.

• J-Gont Hook

  for bituminous shingles and similar flat roofing materials.

• Trapezoidal Hook

  for trapezoidal and corrugated sheet metal roofs. Adjustable height bracket for different rib heights.

• Seam Sheet Hook

  for standing seam metal roofs. Clamps onto the seam without roof penetration.

• Double Adjustable Hook

  for complex tile profiles. Angle-mounted with dual height adjustment.

Selected hook models feature an EPDM sealing washer between the hook base and the rafter surface, preventing water ingress along the screw connection. Check individual product specifications for EPDM availability. Height-adjustable models allow precise alignment of the mounting rail level, compensating for rafter depth variations across the roof surface.

Which roof handle for Which Roof Type?

Concrete and Clay Tiles (Frankfurter Pfanne, S-Pfanne)

The "S" hook is the standard choice for interlocking concrete and clay tiles. The hook slides between two tile rows and sits on the rafter, with the tile resting on the hook body. Adjustable versions compensate for rafter depth differences of up to 30 mm.

Plain Tiles (Biberschwanz) and Flat Tiles

Plain tile hooks have a wider, flatter base than S-hooks to accommodate the overlap pattern of Biberschwanz tiles. The hook passes under the tile with minimal tile grinding required.

Slate and Shingle Roofs

J-Gont hooks are designed for thin, flat roofing materials such as bituminous shingles, natural slate and fibre cement slates. The hook profile is thinner to avoid lifting the tile.

Trapezoidal and Corrugated Sheet Metal

Trapezoidal hooks mount directly to the metal sheet on the high rib or to the substructure beneath. Height-adjustable brackets accommodate different rib profiles. No tile to work around — direct mechanical connection.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Seam clamp hooks grip the standing seam without penetrating the roof surface. A non-penetrating solution that preserves the roof warranty. Ideal for industrial and commercial buildings.

roof handle Specifications