The ULAMEX “S” Hook Handle is the industry-standard stainless steel roof hook for mounting photovoltaic panels on interlocking tile (Pfannendach) roofs — the most common residential roof type in Germany, Austria and Central Europe. The distinctive S-shaped profile navigates around the tile interlock, emerging above the roof surface to support PV mounting rails while preserving the watertight tile pattern below. Manufactured from H17 stainless steel (1.4016 / AISI 430), this ferritic stainless hook has a fixed 70 mm height, 30 mm width and 4 mm thickness, available in four lengths: 450, 470, 500 and 530 mm to match virtually all standard interlocking tile profiles. 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 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 mm 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 for your tile profile: measure the distance between tile battens (Lattweite) and choose the matching length from 450, 470, 500 or 530 mm. Position the S-hook on the rafter with the S-bend oriented to navigate around the tile interlock. Pre-drill a pilot hole if required, then drive the Torx wood screw through the base plate into the rafter. Replace the interlocking tile over the hook body. For most tile profiles, lightly grind the underside of the tile at the hook contact point to prevent rocking — this is standard practice and takes seconds with an angle grinder. The tile sits on the hook body while the 70 mm hook head protrudes above the tile surface. Attach the PV mounting rail to the hook head. Space hooks at intervals specified by the structural calculation — typically 4 per module in standard wind zones (up to wind zone 3), or 6 per module in exposed locations.
Roof Compatibility
The S-hook is compatible with all major interlocking concrete and clay tile profiles manufactured in Europe. The four length options cover tiles from leading producers including Braas (Frankfurter Pfanne, Harzer Pfanne, Tegalit), Nelskamp (Nibra DS 5, S-Pfanne), Jacobi (Z10, Z7v), Creaton, Wienerberger (Koramic) and equivalent products from regional manufacturers. Interlocking tiles account for the vast majority of residential roofing in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Belgium, making the S-hook the highest-volume roof hook type in the European PV market. Select the hook length based on your tile’s batten spacing: 450 mm for standard Frankfurter Pfanne, and 470, 500 or 530 mm for larger-format tiles. The fixed 70 mm height works optimally on new-build roofs with uniform rafter depths. For renovation projects with inconsistent rafter dimensions, the adjustable S-hook is recommended. Maximum rafter spacing: 80 cm.
Material Properties — H17 Stainless Steel
H17 (1.4016 / AISI 430) is a ferritic chromium stainless steel containing 16–18% chromium, with a tensile strength of approximately 450 MPa. It is the industry-standard material for PV roof hooks across Central Europe, chosen for its combination of adequate corrosion resistance, mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness. The hook operates in a concealed position beneath the tile, protected from direct and prolonged water exposure, which makes the higher corrosion resistance of austenitic grades (V2A / 1.4301) unnecessary. H17’s ferritic crystal structure provides excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking from the thermal cycling beneath roof tiles — temperatures can range from sub-zero in winter to over 80°C in direct summer sun. The magnetic property of H17 aids on-site handling, especially when working at height.
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 select the right S-hook length for my tile profile?
Measure the tile batten spacing (Lattweite) on your roof — this is the distance between the upper edges of two consecutive tile battens. Match this measurement to the available hook lengths: 450 mm for standard Frankfurter Pfanne (approx. 320 mm Lattweite), or 470/500/530 mm for larger-format tile profiles. When in doubt, order a sample in each relevant length and test-fit before committing to full project quantities.
Do I need to grind every tile where an S-hook is installed?
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 4 mm hook body. This takes only a few seconds per tile with an angle grinder and is standard practice in the PV installation trade. Some thinner tile profiles may sit flat without grinding — always check by placing the tile on the hook before committing to grinding.
What is the difference between the fixed S-hook and the adjustable S-hook?
The fixed S-hook has a set 70 mm height, providing a consistent rail level when all rafters are at the same depth. The adjustable S-hook offers stepless height adjustment to compensate for rafter depth variations of up to 20–30 mm. Use the fixed version for new-build roofs with uniform rafters; choose the adjustable version for renovation projects and older buildings with inconsistent rafter dimensions.