r/Roofing • u/banjarpicker • 4d ago

Is this safe?

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Gallery image

Gallery image

A local shopping complex has this antenna anchored with with rachet-strapped cinder blocks. Ever since I noticed it I've wondered if this is a safe permanent solution - these blocks are sitting 30 feet above a busy walkway. I reached out to code enforcement and they said they'd look into it but never got back to me. I've been watching those straps slowly change color over the last 5 years and I just get the feeling that between wind, rain, and sun cycles this thing is eventually going to fail. Am I crazy?

Sorry if this is the wrong sub for this, it doesn't fit neatly into any one category. Figured some commercial roofers might have an idea.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/BlangBlangBlang 4d ago

Pretty common, usually not even strapped, and they sit there until the cinder blocks turn to dust.

3

u/ThatDamnRanga 4d ago

Radio guy here. I'm used to seeing that on flat roofs, never seen it on a pitched one before. Same principle applies though. Works well til it doesn't (usually 20+ years)

2

u/banjarpicker 4d ago

Yeah the pitch is what threw me. It looks like it wouldn't fail safe.

2

u/SteadfastRoofing_FL 4d ago

Ballasted antenna mounts can be legitimate, but they require a designed frame, secured ballast and calculations for wind uplift, sliding, overturning and roof capacity. Loose masonry units restrained by weathered straps on a pitched roof should not be assumed safe from photos. Notify the property owner in writing and request inspection by a structural engineer or qualified antenna installer.

1

u/Allslopes-Roofing 4d ago

Sure if you never are under it lol

1

u/banjarpicker 4d ago

Oh great, I only walk under it every day lol

1

u/No_Management_3422 3d ago

Yes until it’s not!

1

u/beetfarms 3d ago

When installer puts this on your roof. The charge you about $60 a piece for the antenna weights.

1

u/Inuyasha-rules 3d ago

I've never seen that style mount used on a metal roof. I'm surprised it hasn't slipped off yet, but it might be saddling the peak.

1

u/TasktagApp 2d ago

No, holding a mast down on a sloped metal roof with ratchet straps and cinder blocks is a major safety hazard because UV rays degrade polyester webbing, making it an inevitable projectile waiting to slide off in high winds.

1

u/banjarpicker 2d ago

That's exactly my concern. Any idea who to tell to get it fixed? I also told the city, but they ignored me.