There are many creative ways to mount a camera to a building with a high vantage point.
These cameras tend to be pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) style since the camera is far from the desired target which may be located anywhere across a widespread area. For this reason, access to the camera and the mounting method can become critical.
Several challenges to rooftop camera mounting exist:
- Access to the camera for service
- Presence or lack of a parapet
- Penetration of the rooftop membrane
In most cases, accessing a roofline camera from the ground is not practical. This involves long ladders and a potentially long fall. A bucket truck is an option, however that may be costly to rent if your organization doesn't have easy access to one.
Ideal access is from the rooftop itself. If a parapet is present, then a mount can be attached to the parapet which doesn't penetrate the roof membrane. A parapet mount allows the camera to be located past the edge fo therrof. When service is required, the mount can spin around 180 degrees allowing servicing of the camera from the safety of the roof. Likewise, if the rooftop is able to be penetrated or if there is something on top of the roof that can be used as a flat surface, you can use the same parapet mount with a flat roof adaptor.
However, in some cases there isn't a parapet or there is a policy in place not to penetrate the building in any way. If all else fails, consider a non-penetrating mounting options such as those offered by ROHN Products shown below. With one of these mouting systems, you can order your PTZ camera system with a pendant mast/pole mount option. This combination allows you to meet the building policies and still safely access your camera without a ladder.
As a matter of fact, we've even heard of clients modifying their own mounting systems.
Take for instance the idea of modifying a ground based, portable basketball backboard systems to be used on a rooftop. Consider filling the portable pole with sand to keep it more stable. This option allows the mount to be easily moved by simply rolling the modified system.
Here's to playing it safe!
Contact us to assist with creative ideas for your next security project.
