Patent Publication Number: US-10763777-B2

Title: Roof mounting system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/051,479, filed on Jul. 31, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,594,251, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/942,265, filed on Mar. 30, 2018 issued as 10,218,304, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/711,745, filed on Sep. 21, 2017 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,218,304, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/461,166, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,793,853, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/229,974, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,774,292, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/003,472, filed on Jan. 21, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,723, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,199 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,721, filed Jul. 30, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/253,687, filed Apr. 15, 2014 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,464, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/271,650, filed Oct. 12, 2011 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,701,354, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/166,542, filed Jun. 22, 2011 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,299, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/914,209, filed Oct. 28, 2010 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,914, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/727,726, filed Mar. 19, 2010 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,153,700, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/161,668, filed Mar. 19, 2009, the entire contents of all of which are herein incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/914,209 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,914 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/298,101, filed Jan. 25, 2010, and 61/345,885, filed May 18, 2010, the entire contents of both of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/051,479, filed on Jul. 31, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,594,251, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/942,265, filed on Mar. 30, 2018 issued as 10,218,304, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/711,745, filed on Sep. 21, 2017 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,090,801, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/461,166, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,793,853, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/229,974, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,774,292, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/003,472, filed on Jan. 21, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,723, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,199, filed Jul. 30, 2015 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,721, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/253,687, filed Apr. 15, 2014 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,464, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/271,650, filed Oct. 12, 2011 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,701,354, which is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/914,209, filed Oct. 28, 2010 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,914, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/727,726 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,153,700, filed Mar. 19, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/161,668, filed Mar. 19, 2009, the entire contents of all of which are herein incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/914,209 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,914 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/298,101, filed Jan. 25, 2010, and 61/345,885, filed May 18, 2010, the entire contents of both of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/051,479, filed on Jul. 31, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,594,251, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/942,265, filed on Mar. 30, 2018 issued as 10,218,304, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/711,745, filed on Sep. 21, 2017 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,090,801, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/461,166, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,793,853, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/229,974, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,774,292, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/003,472, filed on Jan. 21, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,723, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,199, filed Jul. 30, 2015 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,721, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/253,687, filed Apr. 15, 2014 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,464, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/271,650, filed Oct. 12, 2011 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,701,354, which is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/166,378, filed Jun. 22, 2011 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,522, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/727,726, filed Mar. 19, 2010 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,153,700, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/161,668, filed Mar. 19, 2009, the entire contents of all of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/051,479, filed on Jul. 31, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,594,251, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/942,265, filed on Mar. 30, 2018 issued as 10,218,304, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/711,745, filed on Sep. 21, 2017 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,090,801, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/461,166, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,793,853, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/229,974, filed on Aug. 5, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,774,292, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/003,472, filed on Jan. 21, 2016 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,723, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,199, filed Jul. 30, 2015 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,721, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/253,687, filed Apr. 15, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/271,650, filed Oct. 12, 2011 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,701,354, which is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/727,726 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,153,700, filed Mar. 19, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/161,668, filed Mar. 19, 2009, the entire contents of all of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to roofing systems and roof-mounted fixtures and methods for assembling and installing the same. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, a roof mount assembly s provided for mounting a structure to a roof, the roof including at least one rafter and a substrate at least partially covering the at least one rafter. The roof mount assembly may generally include flashing positioned on the substrate, the flashing defining a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending therethrough; a fastener extending through the aperture; a bracket connected to the flashing by the fastener, the bracket being configured to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof; and a seal including a first portion positionable between the first surface of the flashing and the bracket and a second portion positionable to extend through the aperture and between the flashing and the fastener, the seal forming a water-tight seal to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. 
     In some embodiments, a method is provided for mounting a roof mount assembly to a roof, the roof including at least one rafter and a substrate at least partially covering the at least one rafter. The method may generally include inserting a seal into an aperture defined in a flashing; positioning the flashing and the seal on the roof; positioning a bracket on the flashing; extending a fastener through the bracket, the flashing and the seal and into the at least one rafter; retaining the bracket, the flashing and the seal on the roof with the fastener; and inhibiting fluid flow through the aperture with the seal. 
     Independent aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a roofing system according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of the roofing system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of flashing from the roofing system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a seal for use with the flashing shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6A  is a front view of an alternate seal for use with the flashing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7A  is a bottom perspective view of the seal shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the seal shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8A  is a top perspective view of the seal shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the flashing of  FIG. 2  with the seal shown in  FIG. 6  installed in the aperture. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the flashing and seal shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the flashing and seal shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the flashing and seal shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a bracket for use with the flashing and seal. 
         FIG. 13A  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the bracket. 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 14A  is a bottom view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an assembly including the flashing, the seal, the bracket and a fastener. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of a second embodiment of flashing according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 20  including seals installed in the flashing apertures. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the flashing and seals shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a front view of the flashing and seals shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the flashing and seals shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of a bracket for use with the flashing and seals shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 28A  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the bracket. 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 29A  is a bottom view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 28A . 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of an assembly including the flashing, the seals, the bracket and two fasteners. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 34  is an exploded view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 35  is a top view of a third embodiment of flashing including one aperture. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is a front view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 38  is a side view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 35  including the seal shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 40  is a side view of a bracket for use with the flashing and seal shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 41  is a bottom view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom perspective view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 43  is a top view of a fourth embodiment of flashing including one aperture. 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 45  is a front view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 46  is a side view of the flashing shown in  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of an assembly including the flashing shown in  FIG. 43  and a bracket. 
         FIG. 48  is a top perspective view of a bracket including a membrane exploded off of the bracket for clarity. 
         FIG. 49  is a bottom perspective of the bracket and membrane of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 50  is an exploded view of another roofing system embodiment. 
         FIG. 51  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 50 , taken along line  51 - 51  of  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 52  is a partial cross-sectional view of another roofing system embodiment. 
         FIG. 53  is a partial cross-sectional view of the roofing system of  FIG. 52  with an alternative flashing arrangement. 
         FIG. 54  is a top view of a flashing and seal according to some independent embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 55  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  55 - 55  of  FIG. 54  and illustrating the seal. 
         FIG. 56  is an exploded view of the flashing and the seal of  FIGS. 54 and 55 . 
         FIG. 57  is an alternate construction of the flashing shown in  FIGS. 54-56 . 
         FIG. 58  is a top view of a flashing and the seal according to some independent embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 59  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  59 - 59  of  FIG. 58  and illustrating the seal. 
         FIG. 60  is a perspective view of a panel mounted to a track system for mounting to a roof surface. 
         FIG. 61  is a close-up perspective view of  FIG. 60  with the panel shown in phantom, to more clearly illustrate the connection between the panel and the track system. 
         FIG. 62  is a side view of the panel and snow fence of  FIGS. 60 and 61 . 
         FIG. 63  is a perspective view of a panel and a snow fence mounted to a track system for mounting to a roof surface. 
         FIG. 64  is a cross-sectional view of the panel and snow fence taken along line  64 - 64  of  FIG. 63 . 
         FIG. 65  is a perspective view of a structure for mounting the panel and snow fence to the roof without the use of a track that can be utilized with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 66  is a side view of a first adjustable bracket shown in a first position in solid and a second position in phantom that can be utilized with any of the embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 67  is a perspective view of the first adjustable bracket of  FIG. 66 . 
         FIGS. 68-70  are various views of a second adjustable bracket that can be utilized with any of the embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 71  is a top view of a roofing system according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 72  is a cross-sectional view of the roofing system of  FIG. 71 , taken along line  72 - 72  of  FIG. 71 . 
         FIG. 73  is a front view of a mounting assembly from the roofing system of  FIGS. 71 and 72 . 
         FIG. 74  is an exploded view of the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 71-73 . 
         FIG. 75  is a top view of a mounting assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 76  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 75 , taken along line  76 - 76  of  FIG. 75 . 
         FIG. 77  is a front view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 75 . 
         FIG. 78  is an exploded view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 75 . 
         FIG. 79  is an end view of a bracket according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 80  is a top view of the bracket of  FIG. 79 . 
         FIG. 81  is a side view of the bracket of  FIG. 79 . 
         FIG. 82  is a bottom view of the bracket of  FIG. 79 . 
         FIG. 83  is a perspective view of the mounting assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 84  is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 83  and including an attachment bracket. 
         FIG. 85  is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of  FIGS. 83 and 84  in an alternate orientation. 
         FIG. 86  is a top view of a mounting assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 87  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 86 , taken along line  87 - 87  of  FIG. 86 . 
         FIG. 88  is a front view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 86 . 
         FIG. 89  is an exploded view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 86 . 
         FIG. 90  is a top view of a mounting assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 91  is a front view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 90 . 
         FIG. 92  is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 90 . 
         FIG. 93  is a side view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 90 . 
         FIG. 94  is an exploded view of the mounting assembly of  FIG. 90 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 
     Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “central,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” etc.) are only used to simplify description of embodiments of the present invention and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
       FIGS. 1 and 1A  illustrate a roofing system  10  including a number of rafters or beams  12 , a roof substrate  14  (e.g., tarpaper, plywood or other decking material, insulation, and the like) supported on the rafters  12 , flashing  16  extending across the substrate  14  (i.e., placed immediately adjacent an upper surface of the substrate  14  or supported on one or more intermediate layers of roofing or sealing material, which in turn are placed on the substrate  14 ), a seal  18 , a mounting bracket  20  and at least one fastener  22  operable to connect the bracket  20  to the roof substrate  14  and the flashing  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the roofing system  10  includes a washer  21  positioned between the mounting bracket  20  and the fastener  22 . In some embodiments, the washer  21  can be a spring washer, a compression lock washer, a sealing ring or the like. In some embodiments, the washer  21  is omitted. The roofing system  10  is operable to support any of a variety of roof-mounted fixtures, such as, for example, snow fences, solar panels, an antenna, signs, billboards, or any of a number of other roof-mountable assemblies. Depending on one or more of the geographic location, anticipated quantity and type of precipitation, and anticipated roof and wind loading, the roofing system  10  can include any of a variety of flashing, seal and bracket arrangements, as will be discussed below. 
     The bracket  20  is operable to support any of a variety of roof-mounted fixtures, such as snow guards, snow fences, solar panels, an antenna, signs, billboards, or any other assembly mountable to a roof. Some roof-mounted fixtures are described in detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,326, filed Jun. 16, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,701, filed Dec. 6, 2000, the contents of both of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     Prior to installation of the roofing system  10 , apertures  24  are drilled or otherwise created in the rafters  12  and/or substrate  14 . The illustrated embodiment shows apertures  24  in the substrate  14 . The roofing system  10  inhibits leakage of fluids through the flashing  16 , and, in some embodiments, may also or alternately inhibit leakage of fluids beyond the flashing to portions of the substrate  14  or areas below the substrate  14 . The roofing system  10  can be utilized on any of a variety of roof types, such as slate roofs, membrane roofs, aluminum roofs, standing seam roofs, tile roofs, shingle roofs, and the like. 
     A first embodiment of flashing  16  for the roofing system  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 . The flashing  16  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-5  extends substantially along a plane but includes an upwardly extending protrusion, such as the illustrated projection  30  that tapers upward, out of the plane. The upwardly extending projection  30  has a first diameter d 1  in the plane, and a second diameter d 2  in a second plane that is substantially parallel to but spaced from the plane. The second diameter d 2  is less than the first diameter d 1 , to form a truncated cone or frustoconical shape. In other embodiments, the projections  30  can have other shapes and configurations, corresponding to the shape of an underside of an associated mounting bracket  20 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the projection  30  defines a concave interior side  26 , an exterior side  27  and a frustoconical end  28 . As used herein, frustoconical includes cones with rounded, flat, non-flat or nearly flat upper portions and truncated cones with rounded, flat, non-flat or nearly flat upper portions. As mentioned above, the projections  30  can have a number of different shapes and configurations. Similarly, in some embodiments, the concave interior side  26  of the projection  30  may have a number of different shapes and configurations, including but not limited to configurations in which the arch provided by the interior side  26  does not include a uniform radius. 
     The concave interior side  26  and the flashing  16  define a space therebetween. A seal can be positioned within the space to at least partially fill the space to further inhibit leakage through the aperture  24 . The seal has been omitted from  FIG. 1A  for clarity, but is illustrated and described in other embodiments. Any of the seals shown or described herein can be utilized with the roofing system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 1A . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , the upwardly extending projection  30  defines an aperture  32  positioned substantially in the second plane. The illustrated upwardly extending projection  30  and aperture  32  are circular, but in other embodiments, can be square, D-shaped, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, ovular, or other regular or irregular shapes. The illustrated aperture  32  is substantially centered on the upwardly extending projection  30 , but other, non-centered embodiments are possible. The flashing  16  has a first side  34  and a second side  36  opposite the first side  34 . The first side  34  and the second side  36  are substantially planar, apart from the projection  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the aperture  32  is sized to receive a seal  18  therethrough. The seal  18  can extend through the flashing  16 , such that the seal  18  engages or contacts the first side  34  of the flashing  16  and the second side  36  of the flashing  16 . The illustrated seal  18  includes a first end portion  40  that forms a substantially circular disk having a planar end surface  41  and a second end portion  42  that forms a substantially circular disk having a planar end surface  43  substantially parallel to the planar end surface  41 . The illustrated seal  18  also defines a stem, such as the illustrated tapered central portion  44 , extending between the first end portion  40  and the second end portion  42 . The tapered central portion  44  has a first diameter d 3  adjacent the planar end surface  41  and a second diameter d 4  adjacent the planar end surface  43 . The first diameter d 3  is less than the second diameter d 4 . The diameter of the tapered central portion  44  increases from the first diameter d 3  to the second diameter d 4  substantially linearly to form a taper along a substantially constant angle. The seal  18  has a substantially cylindrical overall shape, with a notch  45  cut out between the first end portion  40  and the second end portion  42  along the tapered central portion  44 . The notch  45  is defined by a tapered surface  46  extending between the first and second end portions  40 ,  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second diameter d 4  is approximately equal to the diameter of the first end portion  40  and the diameter of the second end portion  42 . 
     The illustrated seal  18  defines a substantially cylindrical aperture  48  that is substantially centrally located in the seal  18 . The aperture  48  extends normal to the outside surfaces of the first and second end portions  40 ,  42  and parallel to the substantially cylindrical overall shape of the seal  18 , in the illustrated embodiment. The aperture  48  has a smaller diameter than the seal first diameter d 3 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , so that the seal  18  has an adequate thickness between the first and second end portions  40 ,  42 . The seal  18  can be made from any suitable resilient sealing or elastomeric material, such as polymers, rubbers, plastics, and the like. 
     The seal  18  is insertable into the aperture  32  to couple the seal  18  to the flashing  16 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-12 . The notch  45  is sized to receive the flashing  16  therein. The seal  18  is operable to form a compression seal by being held against the concave interior side  26  of the flashing  16 . The seal  18  can be factory-installed in the flashing aperture  32  or can be inserted by on-site at a customer&#39;s building. A fixture for a punch press can be sized to install the seals  18  into the respective apertures  32 . In some embodiments, the punch press can be utilized to form the projection  30  and the aperture  32  in flashing  16 , at the same time. In some embodiments, the punch press can form the projection  30  and the aperture  32  in the flashing  16  and then insert the seal  18  into the aperture  32 , either during the same operation or during a separate operation. 
     In some embodiments, a hand tool can be utilized to insert the seal  18  into the aperture  32 . This tool can be operated by a single user to press or otherwise urge the first end portion  40  through the aperture  32 , such that the projection  30  contacts the tapered surface  46  of the tapered central portion  44 . The tool can include one or more fingers to engage the seal  18  and pull or push the seal  18  through the aperture  32 . The fingers can be inserted through the aperture  32  from the flashing first side  34  toward the flashing second side  36 . The fingers can then squeeze or pinch the first end portion  40  to temporarily reduce the diameter of the first end portion  40 . In another embodiment, the fingers can grasp a portion of the first end portion  40 . The first end portion  40  is then pulled through the aperture  32 . The seal  18  is resilient, such that the seal  18  returns to its previous shape and size after being inserted into the aperture  32 . 
     An alternate seal  18 A is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-8A . The seal  18 A, like seal  18  can extend through the flashing  16  such that the seal  18 A engages or contacts the first side  34  of the flashing  16  and the second side  36  of the flashing  16 . The illustrated seal  18 A includes a first end portion  40 A and a second end portion  42 A, spaced from the first end portion  40 A. The first end portion  40 A is tapered from a first diameter dA 1  outward to a second diameter dA 2 , which is greater than the first diameter dA 1 . The first end portion  40 A at the first diameter dA 1  has a substantially planar end surface  41 A. The illustrated first end portion  40 A tapers along a constant slope, but in other embodiments, tapers of varying slope are possible. The second end portion  42 A is tapered from a third diameter dA 3  inward to a location having a diameter which is less than the third diameter dA 3 . The second end portion  42 A at the third diameter dA 3  has a substantially planar end surface  43 A, which is substantially parallel to the planar end surface  41 A, as shown in  FIG. 6A . The illustrated second end portion  42 A tapers along a constant slope, but in other embodiments, tapers of varying slope are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of the first end portion  40 A is substantially identical to the slope of the second end portion  42 A. In other embodiments, the slope of the first end portion  40 A can be greater or less than the slope of the second end portion  42 A. 
     The seal  18 A includes a central portion  44 A that is positioned between the first end portion  40 A and the second end portion  42 A. The central portion  44 A is substantially disk-shaped and has a substantially constant diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion  44 A has a diameter equal to the second diameter dA 2 . The central portion  44 A extends between the first end portion  40 A and the second end portion  42 A and defines a notch  45 A therebetween. The notch  45 A permits the first end portion  40 A to be compressed without compressing the second end portion  42 A. 
     Although the illustrated seal  18 A does not include an aperture, the seal  18 A can define a substantially cylindrical aperture that is substantially centrally located in the seal  18 A, similar to the aperture  48  shown in seal  18 . The aperture extends normal to the planar end surfaces of the first and second end portions  40 A,  42 A, in the illustrated embodiment. The aperture can have a smaller diameter than the seal first diameter dA 1 , so that the seal  18 A has an adequate thickness between the first and second end portions  40 A,  42 A. In some embodiments, the aperture can have a diameter equal to the dA 1 , such that the first end portion  40 A tapers upward toward the aperture. In some such embodiments, the aperture can be formed only when a fastener is inserted through the flashing  16  and the seal  18 A during installation of the roofing system  10 . In other embodiments, the aperture can be formed in the seal prior to assembly of the roofing system  10 . The seal  18 A, like seal  18 , can be made from any suitable resilient sealing material, such as polymers, rubbers, and the like. 
     The seal  18 A is insertable into the aperture  32  in the flashing  16  to couple the seal  18 A to the flashing  16 . When installed, the first end portion  40 A extends through the aperture  32 , such that the flashing  16  is positioned between the first end portion  40 A and the second end portion  42 A. The notch  45 A is sized to receive the flashing  16  therein. 
     A bracket, such as the bracket  20  illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , can be coupled to the seal  18  and flashing  16 . The illustrated bracket  20  is generally z-shaped and includes an elongate body portion  52  having a first end  54  and a second end  56  spaced from the first end  54 . A first flange  58  is coupled to the first end  54  and extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate body portion  52  in a first direction. A second flange  60  is coupled to the second end  56  and extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate body portion  52  in a second direction, opposite the first direction. The first flange  58  defines an aperture  62  extending substantially parallel to the elongate body portion  52 . The illustrated aperture  62  is substantially ovular, but other shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, and the like are possible. The aperture  62  is sized to receive a fastener, protrusion, or the like therethrough. The ovular shape of the aperture  62  permits flexibility and slight relative movement between the bracket  20  and the fastener, projection or the like, when installed. 
     The second flange  60  of the bracket  20  defines an aperture  64  that includes a first aperture portion  64   a  and a second aperture portion  64   b . The first aperture portion  64   a  has a substantially cylindrical shape and defines a first diameter d 5 . The second aperture portion  64   b  has a substantially cylindrical shape and defines a second diameter d 6  that is less than the first diameter d 5 . The first aperture portion  64   a  is sized to receive the seal first end portion  40 . The second aperture portion  64   b  is sized to be smaller than the seal first end portion  40  to permit pre-loading of the seal  18 , to thereby seal the aperture  64  with the seal  18 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the bracket  20 A is shown in  FIGS. 13A and 14A . The bracket  20 A differs from the bracket  20  in that the second flange  60 A includes an aperture  66 . The aperture  66  includes a first aperture portion  66   a  and a second aperture portion  66   b . The first aperture portion  66   a  has a substantially constant diameter da. The second aperture portion  66   b  has a variable, tapering diameter starting at diameter db, which is less than da and tapering inward to diameter dc. Diameter dc is less than either da or db. The second aperture portion  66   b  has a substantially constant slope at which the diameter changes between db and dc. In some embodiments, the aperture  66  is tapered along the entire distance between da and dc. In other embodiments, diameters da and db are substantially equal. In still other embodiments, the slope of the tapered portion  66   b  is greater or less than the illustrated slope. In yet other embodiments, the relative heights of the first aperture portion  66   a  and the second aperture portion  66   b  are variable. 
     The projection  30  in the flashing  16  is sized to receive the second end portion  42 A, as discussed above. The aperture  66  is sized to receive the seal  18 A and at least partially pre-load the seal  18 A to enhance the seal between the seal  18  and the bracket  20 A. In some embodiments, a differently shaped seal can be utilized. One such seal  18 A is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 7A . The seal  18 A is sized to substantially mate with the aperture  66 , such that the aperture  66  can slightly pre-load the seal  18 A. The first aperture portion  66   a  is sized to receive the central portion  44 A, such that da is substantially equal to or slightly less than dA 2 . In some embodiments, the central portion  44 A can be slightly tapered to permit insertion into the first aperture portion  66   a  when da is slightly less than dA 2 . The aperture portion  66   b  is sized to receive the first end portion  40 A, such that dc is substantially equal to or slightly less than dA 1 , and db is substantially equal to or slightly less than dA 2 . In embodiments where dc and db are slightly less than dA 1  and dA 2 , respectfully, slight pre-loading occurs when the seal  18 A is pressed into the aperture  66 . In embodiments where dc and db are substantially equal to dA 1  and dA 2 , respectfully, the seal  18 A can be preloaded by pressing the seal  18 A into the bracket  20 A by use of a fastener and the shape and size of the projection  30  in the flashing  16 . 
     The seals  18  and  18 A can be inserted into either or both apertures  64  or  66 , and other configurations and arrangements of seals and apertures can be utilized to achieve the desired seal between the flashing  16  and the bracket  20  or  20 A. 
     One or more fasteners can be used to couple the bracket  20  to the seal  18  and flashing  16  to form a roofing assembly. One such assembly  70  is illustrated in  FIGS. 15-19  and includes the flashing  16 , the seal  18 , the bracket  20 , one fastener  22 , and a washer  72 . The washer  72  can be a polymeric compression washer to provide a substantially water-tight seal between the fastener  22  and the bracket aperture  64 . In some embodiments, the washer  72  can be omitted or can be replaced by an o-ring or an applied sealant, such as caulk. Alternatively or in addition, the washer  72  can include a stiffening element, such as, for example, a rigid backing, to provide additional support. 
     The assembly  70  can be installed on a roof. The fastener  22  can extend through the flashing  16 , the seal  18 , the bracket  20 , into the substrate  14  and the rafters  12 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 1A . The washer  72  and the seal  18  work together to prevent or inhibit entry of water or other fluid into the aperture  64  or to the rafters  12  and/or substrate  14 . Even though the illustrated fasteners are bolts, other fasteners, such as screws, studs, nails, and other removable and non-removable fasteners, can be used. 
     A similar assembly can be formed with the seal  18 A and the bracket  20 A. This assembly can also include a fastener  22  and a washer  72 , as described above. The seals  18 ,  18 A can be used interchangeably with brackets  20 ,  20 A, and other shapes and arrangements of seals and brackets are possible. 
       FIGS. 20-34  illustrate another embodiment of a roofing system  110  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing system  10  described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-19 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-19 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-19  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing system  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 20-34  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 20-34  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-19  are numbered in the 100 series of reference numbers. 
     The second flashing  116  is substantially in the shape of a rectangular sheet having rounded corners. The flashing  116  extends substantially along a plane but includes a first upwardly extending projection  130  that tapers upwardly, out of the plane. The first upwardly extending projection  130  has a first diameter d 7  in the plane, and a second diameter d 8  in a second plane that is substantially parallel to but spaced from the plane. The second diameter d 8  is less than the first diameter d 7 , to form a truncated cone or frustoconical shape. The diameters d 7  and d 8  can be the same as or different than the diameters d 1  and d 2  of the projection  30  described above. 
     The primary difference between the roofing system  110  embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 20-34  and the roofing system embodiment  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-19  is that the roofing system  110  includes a second upwardly extending projection  131  in the flashing  116 . The second upwardly extending projection  131  has a first diameter d 9  in the plane, and a second diameter d 10  in a second plane that is substantially parallel to but spaced from the plane. The second diameter d 10  is less than the first diameter d 9 , to form a truncated cone or frustoconical shape. The diameters d 9  and d 10  can be the same as or different than the diameters d 7  and d 8  of the first projection  130  described above. 
     Each of the upwardly extending projections  130 ,  131  defines an aperture  132 ,  133  positioned substantially in the second plane. The illustrated projections  130 ,  131  are substantially the same size and shape as the projection  30 , but can have different shapes and configurations. Alternatively, each of the projections  130 ,  131  can have a different shape or configuration so as to require the corresponding mounting bracket  120  to be installed in a specific desired orientation relative to the flashing  116 . The illustrated upwardly extending projections  130 ,  131  and respective apertures  132 ,  133  are circular, but in other embodiments, can be square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, ovular, or other regular or irregular shapes. The illustrated apertures  132 ,  133  are substantially centered on the respective upwardly extending projections  130 ,  131 , but other, non-centered embodiments are possible. The second flashing  116  has a first side  134  and a second side  136  opposite the first side  134 . The first side  134  and the second side  136  are substantially planar apart from the projections  130 ,  131 . 
     First and second seals  118 ,  119  can be inserted into respective apertures  132 ,  133 , as described above and as illustrated in  FIGS. 24-27 . In other embodiments, a seal similar to seal  18 A can be inserted into the flashing  116 . Other aperture  132 ,  133  and seal configurations are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The seals  118 ,  119  can be inserted into the respective apertures  132 ,  133  as discussed above, such as with a punch press, a hand tool, or the like. 
     A bracket, such as the bracket  120  illustrated in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , can be coupled to the seals  118 ,  119  and flashing  116 . The illustrated bracket  120  is generally z-shaped and includes an elongate body portion  152  having a first end  154  and a second end  156  spaced from the first end  154 . A first flange  158  is coupled to the first end  154  and extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate body portion  152  in a first direction. A second flange  160  is coupled to the second end  156  and extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate body portion  152  in a second direction, opposite the first direction. The first flange  158  defines a pair of apertures  162 ,  163  extending substantially parallel to the elongate body portion  152 . The illustrated apertures  162 ,  163  are substantially ovular, but other shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, and the like are possible. The apertures  162 ,  163  are sized to receive a fastener, projection, or the like therethrough. The ovular shape of the apertures  162 ,  163  permits flexibility and slight relative movement between the bracket  120  and the fastener, projection or the like, when installed. 
     The second flange  160  of the bracket  120  defines a first aperture  164  that includes a first aperture portion  164   a  and a second aperture portion  164   b . The second flange  160  of the bracket further defines a second aperture  165  that includes a first aperture portion  165   a  and a second aperture portion  165   b . The first aperture portions  164   a ,  165   a  have a substantially cylindrical shape and define a first diameter d 11 . The second aperture portions  164   b ,  165   b  have a substantially cylindrical shape and define a second diameter d 12  that is less than the first diameter d 11 . The first aperture portions  164   a ,  165   a  are sized to receive the seal  118 . The second aperture portions  164   b ,  165   b  are sized to be smaller than the seal  118 , to permit pre-loading of the seal  118 , to thereby seal the aperture  164  with the seal  118 . 
     The apertures  164 ,  165  can have the same shape and size as aperture  64 , or can be larger than or smaller than the aperture  64 . First aperture portions  164   a ,  165   a  can have different diameters to denote proper orientation of the bracket  120  on the flashing  116 . Other configurations and arrangement of brackets and apertures are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     An alternate embodiment of the bracket  120 A is shown in  FIGS. 28A and 29A . The bracket  120 A is similar to the bracket  120  shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , such that items include the indicator “A” to denote the similarity. The bracket  120 A differs from the bracket  120  in that the second flange  160 A includes apertures  166  and  167 . The apertures  166 ,  167  have a variable, tapering diameter starting at diameter dd, and tapering inward to diameter de. Diameter dc is less than da. The apertures  166 ,  167  have a substantially constant slope at which the diameter changes between da and dc. In some embodiments, the apertures  166 ,  167  are tapered along only a portion of the distance between da and dc. In still other embodiments, the slopes of the respective apertures  166 ,  167  are greater or less than the illustrated slope. The apertures  166 ,  167  can have the same diameters dd, de or can have different diameters and/or different slopes. 
     The apertures  166 ,  167  are sized to receive a seal similar to seal  18 A, illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-8A , and at least partially pre-loading the seal  18 A to enhance the seal between the seal  18  and the bracket  20 A. In some embodiments, a differently shaped seal can be utilized. The seals  118 ,  119  or other similar seals can be inserted into either apertures  164 ,  165  or  166 ,  165 . Other configurations and arrangements of seals and apertures can be utilized to achieve the desired seal between the flashing  116  and the bracket  120  or  120 A. 
     One or more fasteners can be used to couple the bracket  120 ,  120 A to the seals  118 ,  119  and flashing  116  to form a roofing assembly. One such assembly  170  is illustrated in  FIGS. 30-34  and includes the flashing  116 , the seals  118 ,  119 , the bracket  120 , two fasteners  122 ,  123  and two washers  172 ,  173 . The washers  172 ,  173  can be polymeric compression washers to provide a substantially water-tight seal between the fastener  122 ,  123  and the bracket apertures  164 ,  165 . In some embodiments, the washers  172 ,  173  can be omitted or can be replaced by an o-ring or an applied sealant, such as caulk. 
     The assembly  170  can be installed on a roof. The fasteners  122 ,  123  can extend through the flashing  116 , the respective seals  118 ,  119 , the bracket  120 , and into rafters or substrate similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 1A . The washers  172 ,  173  and the seals  118 ,  119  work together to prevent or inhibit entry of water or other fluid into the apertures  164 ,  165  or the rafters  12  and/or substrate  14 . Even though the illustrated fasteners are bolts, other fasteners, such as screws, studs, nails, and other acceptable removable and non-removable fasteners, can be used. 
     The bracket  120  is operable to support any of a variety of roof-mounted fixtures, such as snow guards, snow fences, solar panels, an antenna, signs, billboards, walkways, pipe lines, mechanical units, signage, screens, cabling or any other assembly mountable to a roof. The inclusion of two projections  130 ,  131  can be beneficial to inhibit rotation of a bracket  120  while mounted on a roof and/or to define a specific orientation of a bracket  120  relative to the roof. Other bracket configurations and arrangements are possible, and the illustrated bracket  120  is provided by way of example only. In some embodiments, bracket  20  can be coupled to only one projection  130 ,  131 , such that the brackets  20  can have different orientations, and the unused projection can be sealed with other structure. 
     A similar assembly can be formed with the seal  118 A,  119 A and the bracket  120 A. This assembly can also include a pair of fasteners  122 ,  123  and washers  172 ,  173 , as described above. The seals  118 ,  118 A,  119 ,  119 A can be used interchangeably with brackets  120 ,  120 A, and other shapes and arrangements of seals and brackets are possible. 
       FIGS. 35-42  illustrate another embodiment of a roofing system  210  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing systems  10 ,  110  described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-34 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-34 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-34  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing system  210  illustrated in  FIGS. 35-42  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 35-42  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-34  are numbered in the 200 series of reference numbers. 
     A third flashing  216  is illustrated in  FIGS. 35-39 . The third flashing  216  is substantially in the shape of a rectangular sheet having square corners. The flashing  216  extends substantially along a plane but includes a first upwardly extending projection  230  that tapers upwardly, out of the plane. The first upwardly extending projection  230  has a first diameter d 13  in the plane, and a second diameter d 14  in a second plane that is substantially parallel to but spaced from the plane. The second diameter d 14  is less than the first diameter d 13 , to form a truncated cone or frustoconical shape. The diameters d 13  and d 14  can be the same as or different than the diameters d 1  and d 2  of the projection  30  described above. 
     The first upwardly extending projection  230  defines an aperture  232  positioned substantially in the second plane. The illustrated upwardly extending projection  230  and aperture  232  are circular, but in other embodiments, can be square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, ovular, or other regular or irregular shapes. The illustrated aperture  232  is substantially centered on the upwardly extending projection  230 , but other, non-centered embodiments are possible. The third flashing  216  has a first side  234  and a second side  236  opposite the first side  234 . The first side  234  and the second side  236  are substantially planar apart from the projection  230 . 
     The third flashing  216  also includes a second upwardly extending projection  276  extending out of the first plane around a majority of the circumference of the first projection  230 . The second upwardly extending projection  276  has a substantially curved shape and forms almost a complete ring around the first projection  230 . The second projection  276  forms a channel, slit or other similar narrow aperture or path, such as the illustrated slit  278 . The slit  278  can be oriented vertically below the upwardly extending projection  276  to provide a pathway for moisture to move away from the projection  230 . Moisture can be moved or drawn away from the aperture  232  by at least one of wicking, capillary action, surface tension, gravity, and evaporation. In some embodiments, the slit  278  is positioned on a downhill side of the roof relative to the aperture  232  to utilize gravity to move fluid away from the projection  230 . The projection  276  can further direct fluid away from the projection  230  to inhibit leakage of water into the aperture  232 . In some embodiments, the slit  278  includes a cutout or downwardly protruding extension to further move fluid away from the projection  230  and aperture  232 . 
     In other embodiments, the first and second projections  230 ,  276  can be formed together on a second sheet of flashing or other similar material, and the second sheet can then be secured (i.e., welded, brazed, soldered, glued or fastened in another conventional manner) to the flashing  216 . 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a seal  218  inserted into the aperture  232 , similar to the embodiments described above for seals  18  and  118 . The seal  218  can contact both the first side  234  and the second side  236  of the flashing  216 . The seal  218  can be inserted into the apertures  232  in any of the methods described above. The projection  230 , aperture  232 , and projection  276  can be formed into the flashing  216  during the same operation or by the same machine as when the seal  218  is inserted into the aperture  232 . In other embodiments, the projections  230 ,  276  and aperture  232  can be formed into the flashing  216  prior to inserting the seal  218  into the aperture  232 . 
     The slit  278  and projection  276  are shown in  FIG. 39  more clearly, so as to illustrate the height difference between the flashing plane, the projection  230  and the projection  276 . In the instance that fluid would flow over the projection  276  and up the projection  230 , seal  218  would inhibit the fluid from entering the aperture  232 . 
     The brackets  20 ,  20 A,  120 ,  120 A can be utilized with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 35-42 . A bracket  220 , as shown in  FIGS. 40-42 , can be also or alternatively be utilized with the flashing  216 . The bracket  220  is generally z-shaped and includes an elongate body portion  252  having a first end  254  and a second end  256  spaced from the first end  254 . A first flange  258  is coupled to the first end  254  and extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate body portion  252  in a first direction. A second flange  260  is coupled to the second end  256  and extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate body portion  252  in a second direction, opposite the first direction. The first flange  258  defines an aperture  262  extending substantially parallel to the elongate body portion  252 . The illustrated aperture  262  is substantially ovular, but other shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, and the like are possible. The aperture  262  is sized to receive a fastener, projection, or the like therethrough. The ovular shape of the aperture  262  permits flexibility and slight relative movement between the bracket  220  and the fastener, projection or the like, when installed. 
     The second flange  260  of the bracket  220  defines an aperture  268  that includes a first aperture portion  268   a , a second aperture portion  268   b , and a third aperture portion  268   c . The first aperture portion  268   a  has is substantially ring-shaped and defines a first diameter d 15 . The second aperture portion  268   b  has a substantially cylindrical shape and defines a second diameter d 16  that is less than the first diameter d 15 . The third aperture portion  286   c  is substantially circular and has a third diameter d 17  that is less than the first and second diameters d 15  and d 16 . 
     A downwardly protruding annular flange  282  extends between the first aperture portion  268   a  and the second aperture portion  268   b . The first aperture portion  268   a  is sized to receive the second projection  276 . The downwardly protruding annular flange  282  is substantially planar with a distal surface of the second flange  260  of the bracket  220 . The second projection  276  and the downwardly protruding annular flange  282  substantially mate, such that the downwardly protruding annular flange  282  contacts the flashing  216  between the first projection  230  and the second projection  276 . The second aperture portion  268   b  is sized to be smaller than the seal  218  to permit pre-loading of the seal  218 , to thereby seal the aperture  268  with the seal  218 . The first aperture portion  268   a , the downwardly protruding annular flange  282  and the second aperture portion  268   b , projection  230  and seal  218  work together to form a labyrinth seal to inhibit entry of fluid into the aperture  232 . 
     A notch, channel, recess, or the like, such as the illustrated notch  284 , can be defined in the bracket second flange  260 . The notch  284  is in fluid communication with the first aperture portion  268   a . In the event that fluid flows between the bracket  220  and the flashing  216 , the fluid is permitted to flow out through the slit  278  and/or the notch  284 . In some embodiments, the slit  278  and notch  284  are substantially aligned and positioned on a downhill side of the roof relative to the projection  230 . Gravity is then used to move fluid away from the aperture  232  via the slit  278  and/or notch  284  to further inhibit entry of fluid through aperture  232 . Other sizes, shapes, quantities, and configurations of notches can be utilized in combination with the bracket  220 . 
     The bracket  220  can be utilized in the above described embodiments in place of bracket  20  and  120 . Alternatively, the brackets  20  and/or  120  can include a notch similar to the illustrated notch  284  to provide a path for fluid to flow away from the respective apertures  32 ,  132 ,  133 . The bracket  220  can further include a tapered portion, similar to the tapered portions of brackets  20 A and  120 A. The bracket  220  with a tapered portion can be utilized in place of brackets  20 A and  120 A and can be shaped to mate with seal  18 A. In some embodiments, the brackets  20 A and/or  120 A can include a notch similar to the illustrated notch  284  to provide a path for fluid flow away from the respective apertures  32 ,  132 ,  133 . 
       FIGS. 43-47  illustrate another embodiment of a roofing system  310  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing systems  10 ,  110 ,  210  described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-42 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-42 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-42  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing system  310  illustrated in  FIGS. 43-47  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 43-47  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-42  are numbered in the 300 series of reference numbers. 
       FIGS. 43-47  illustrate a fourth flashing  316  associated with the present invention. The fourth flashing  316  is substantially in the shape of a rectangular sheet having square corners. The flashing  316  extends substantially along a plane but includes an upwardly extending projection  330  that tapers upward, out of the plane. The upwardly extending projection  330  has a first diameter d 17  in the plane, and a second diameter d 18  in a second plane that is substantially parallel to but spaced from the plane. The second diameter d 18  is less than the first diameter d 17 , to form a truncated cone or frustoconical shape. The diameters d 17  and d 18  can be the same as or different than the diameters d 1  and d 2  of the projection  30  described above. 
     The projection  330 , like the projections  30 ,  130 , and  230 , can define an aperture  332  positioned substantially in the second plane. The illustrated upwardly extending projection  330  and aperture  332  are circular, but in other embodiments, can be square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, ovular, or other regular or irregular shapes. The illustrated aperture  332  is substantially centered on the upwardly extending projection  330 , but other, non-centered embodiments are possible. The fourth flashing  316  has a first side  334  and a second side  336  opposite the first side  334 . The first side  334  and the second side  336  are substantially planar apart from the projection  330 . 
     The flashing  316  can further define other non-planar features, such as a trench  386  extending circumferentially around the projection  330  and a channel  388 , extending between the trench  386  and an edge of the flashing  316 . The trench  386  can provide a pathway for fluid around the projection  330  to inhibit fluid flow up the projection  330 , similar to the function of the projection ridge  276  shown in  FIGS. 35-39 . The channel  388  can provide a pathway for fluid to move away from the projection  330 , similar to the function of the slit  278  shown in  FIGS. 35-39 . 
     Moisture can be moved or drawn away from the aperture  232  by at least one of wicking, capillary action, surface tension, gravity, and evaporation. In some embodiments, the channel  388  is positioned on a downhill side of the roof relative to the aperture  332  to utilize gravity to move fluid away from the projection  330 . The trench  386  can further direct fluid away from the projection  330  to inhibit leakage of water into the aperture  232 . In some embodiments, the channel  388  includes a cutout, scoring or downwardly protruding extension that extends a portion of the way to the edge of the flashing to further move fluid away from the projection  330  and aperture  332 . 
     Although not specifically illustrated, a seal, such as seal  18 ,  18 A,  118  or  218  can be inserted into the aperture  332 , similar to the embodiments described above for seals  18 ,  18 A,  118 , and  218 . Reference should be made to the descriptions of the above-described and illustrated seals  18 ,  18 A,  118 , and  218  for specific details on seals that can be utilized with flashing  316 . The seal can contact both the first side  334  and the second side  336  of the flashing  316 . In the instance that fluid would flow past the trench  386  and up the projection  330 , seal  318  would inhibit the fluid from entering the aperture  332 . 
     The seal can be inserted into the apertures  332  using any of the methods described above. The projection  330 , aperture  332 , trench  386 , and channel  388  can be formed into the flashing  316  during the same operation or by the same machine as when the seal is inserted into the aperture  332 . In other embodiments, the projection  330 , trench  386 , channel  388 , and aperture  432  can be formed into the flashing  316  prior to inserting the seal into the aperture  332 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 47 , a bracket  320  can be coupled to the flashing  316 . Although a bracket similar to bracket  20  is shown, any of the above-described brackets, such as  20 ,  20 A,  120 ,  120 A or  220 , can be utilized with the flashing  316 . The flashing  316  can define two projections and thereby two trenches and a channel joining the trenches and extending to an edge of the flashing  316 . In another embodiment, the flashing  316  can define two projections and two trenches, such that each trench joins a separate channel and each channel separately extends to an edge of the flashing  316 . Other combinations and configurations of projections, slits, trenches and channels can be utilized within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 48 and 49  illustrate another embodiment of a bracket  420  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the brackets  20 ,  20 A,  120 ,  120 A,  220  or  320  described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-47 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-47 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-47  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the bracket  420  illustrated in  FIGS. 48 and 49  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 48 and 49  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-47  are numbered in the 400 series of reference numbers. 
       FIGS. 48 and 49  illustrate a bracket  420  similar to the bracket  20 A shown in  FIGS. 13A and 14A . The bracket  420  further includes a flexible membrane  490  coupled thereto adjacent aperture  466 . The aperture  466  can be sized to receive the flexible membrane  490  in a first aperture portion  466   a , that has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the flexible membrane  490 . The aperture  466  can further include a second aperture portion  466   b  that is substantially tapered or frustoconical and has first and second diameters, both of which are less than the membrane diameter. 
     The flexible membrane  490  can be permanently or removably coupled to the bracket  420 . The flexible membrane  490  can be affixed to the bracket  420  by a suitable adhesive. In some embodiments, a protective sheet or “sticker” is affixed to the flexible membrane  490  to protect the membrane  490  during manufacturing and shipping. The sticker is then removed from the membrane  490  prior to installation. The flexible membrane  490  can comprise a polymer, rubber, plastic or other suitable elastomeric material. 
     The bracket  420  can be coupled to any of the above-described flashing  16 ,  116 ,  216  or  316  or any other suitable flashing. The aperture  466  is sized to receive at least one of a projection and a seal, such as any of the projections and seals described herein. The flexible membrane  490  can deform around a projection without rupturing or cracking. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane  490  is used in place of a seal because the flexible membrane  490  sufficiently seals the aperture  466 . A fastener, such as any of the fasteners illustrated and described herein can be inserted into the flexible membrane  490  to form an aperture in the flexible membrane  490 . The flexible membrane  490  is operable to substantially retain its shape and resist further tearing or ripping. The flexible membrane  490  can closely adhere to the fastener to substantially seal the aperture  466 . In embodiments that utilize brackets like  120  or  120 A, a flexible membrane can be coupled to the bracket adjacent each aperture, whereas in other embodiments, a single flexible membrane can be coupled to the bracket covering both apertures. 
       FIGS. 50 and 51  illustrate another embodiment of a roofing system  510  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing systems described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-49 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-49 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-49  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing system  510  illustrated in  FIGS. 50 and 51  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 50 and 51  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-49  are numbered in the 500 series of reference numbers. 
       FIGS. 50 and 51  illustrate another roofing system  510  including flashing  516 , a bracket  520 , a fastener  522 , and a compression washer  572 . In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 50 and 51 , the flashing  516  is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and includes a first projection  530  similar to the previously-described projections  30 ,  130 ,  230 , and  330 . In other embodiments, the flashing  516  can be elastic or membranous, or alternatively, rigid or semi-rigid flashing can be supplemented with a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane can be similar to the flexible membrane  490  or can extend over substantially the entire surface area of the flashing  516 . The flexible membrane can comprise a polymer, rubber, plastic or other similar material. 
     In embodiments in which the flexible membrane replaces the flashing  516 , the projections  530  and  592  need not be formed into the flexible membrane. Rather, the flexible membrane can stretch and conform to the base  594  to include projections similar in shape and size to projections  530  and  592 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 50 and 51 , the flashing  516  further includes a second projection  592  that extends in substantially the same direction as the first projection  530 . The second projection  592  can be substantially circular, as illustrated, or can be ovular, square, rectangular, triangular, or other regular or non-regular shape. The second projection  592  is sized to at least partially receive or engage a rigid base  594  between the flashing  516  and a roof substrate. In embodiments in which the flashing  516  can be elastic or membranous, the first and/or second projections  530 ,  592  can be formed when the flashing  516  is draped across the base  594 . 
     The illustrated base  594  is substantially circular, but can be ovular, square, rectangular, triangular or other regular or non-regular shapes. The geometry of the base  594  can correspond with the geometry of the second projection  592 , or as mentioned above, can cause the flashing  516  to be formed around the contours of the base  594  such that the flashing  516  matingly engages the base  594 . 
     The base  594  can include at least one tooth  596  depending downwardly therefrom. The illustrated base  594  includes three teeth  596  extending away from the flashing  516 . The teeth  596  can bear against or grip a roof substrate to inhibit movement of the flashing  516  with respect to the roof substrate. In some embodiments, a user can press, push or pound the base  594  against the roof substrate, such as with a hammer. The base  594  retains the flashing  516  against the roof substrate to limit or eliminate gaps created by movement of the flashing  516  relative to the roof, roof substrate, and the like. The base  594  further permits the fastener  522  to be tightened against the flashing  516  and the bracket  520  without denting, deforming or damaging the flashing  516 . 
     The illustrated base  594  further includes an aperture  598  and a projection  500  through which the aperture  598  extends. The illustrated aperture  598  and projection  500  are substantially centered on the base  594 . The aperture  598  is sized to receive the fastener  522  and can be the same size or a similar size as aperture  532 . The illustrated projection  500  extends into the space provided by the projection  530 , and substantially mates with the projection  530 , such that projections  530  and  500  extend together. The projections  530  and  500  work together to inhibit relative movement of the flashing  516  with respect to the roof. 
     The illustrated bracket  520  is substantially L-shaped and includes an elongate body portion  552  and a first flange  558 . The illustrated elongate body portion  552  includes an aperture  569  that is sized to receive a fastener to support at least one of a snow guard, a snow fence, a solar panel, an antenna, a sign, and a billboard, or related components. The illustrated first flange  558  includes a tapered aperture  566  that is sized to at least partially receive the first projection  530  and the washer projection  500 . The tapered aperture  566  is also sized to receive the fastener  522  therethrough. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the compression washer  572  includes a washer and a seal, such as an o-ring. The fastener  522  has a head that bear against the washer and the washer bears against the o-ring to provide a resilient seal between the fastener head and the bracket  520 . 
     The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 52 and 53  illustrate another embodiment of a roofing system  610  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing systems described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-51 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-51 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-51  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing system  610  illustrated in  FIGS. 52 and 53  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 52 and 53  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-51  are numbered in the 600 series of reference numbers. 
       FIGS. 52 and 53  illustrate a roofing system  610  that includes a piece of flashing  616  defining an aperture  632  therethrough. The flashing aperture  632  defines a diameter d 19  in  FIG. 52  and diameter d 20  in  FIG. 53 . The diameter d 19  of  FIG. 52  is greater than the diameter d 20  of  FIG. 53 . In some embodiments, the flashing  616  can include a projection defining a substantially frustoconical shape, similar to the projections described above. The roofing system  610  further includes a roof bracket  620 , which can include any of the previously-illustrated and described brackets. The illustrated bracket  620  is only partially shown, to more clearly illustrate the details of the engagement between the bracket  620  and the flashing  616 . The illustrated bracket  620  includes an aperture  671  extending through the bracket  620  and having a substantially frustoconical shape. 
     The roofing system  610  also includes a seal  618  having a generally frustoconical shape and defining an aperture  648  extending therethrough. The seal  618  has a first narrow end  641  that defines a narrow seal diameter d 21  and a second wide end  643  that defines a wide seal diameter d 22 . The narrow seal diameter d 21  is less than the wide seal diameter d 22 . The first narrow end is spaced from the roof surface and the second wide end is proximate to or adjacent to the roof surface. 
     The roofing system  610  further includes at least one fastener, such as the illustrated fastener  622 . The fastener  622  can be any threaded or unthreaded fastener suitable to retain the roofing system  610  on a roof. The fastener  622  extends through the flashing aperture  632 , the seal aperture  648 , and the bracket aperture  671 . The fastener  622  has a fastener diameter d 23 , that is less than the flashing diameter d 19  of  FIG. 52  and is less than or substantially equal to the flashing diameter d 20  of  FIG. 53 . The diameter of the fastener  622  is less than or substantially equal to the narrow seal diameter d 21  and is less than the wide seal diameter d 22 . The seal aperture  648  can be sized to receive the fastener  622  and to optionally form a substantially water-tight seal with the fastener  622 . 
     The roofing system  610  can further include a washer  672 , as illustrated in  FIG. 53 . The washer  672  can be included in the embodiment of  FIG. 52 , or could be omitted from the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 53 . The washer  672  can be a polymeric compression washer to provide a substantially water-tight seal between the fastener  622  and the bracket aperture  671 . In some embodiments, the washer  672  can be omitted or can be replaced by an o-ring or an applied sealant, such as caulk. Alternatively or in addition, the washer  672  can include a stiffening element, such as, for example, a rigid backing, to provide additional support. The washer  672  can have an aperture that defines an diameter that is larger than or substantially equal to the diameter of the fastener  622 . 
       FIG. 53  illustrates possible leak points of the roofing system  610 . A first possible leak point A is between the head of the fastener  622  and the washer  672 . A second possible leak point B is between the washer  672  and the bracket  620 . A third possible leak point C is between the bracket  620  and the flashing  616 . The washer  672 , the fastener  622 , the bracket  620  and the seal  618  work together to substantially inhibit or prevent flow of fluid through first and second leak points A, B. The bracket  620 , the seal  618  and the flashing  616  work together to substantially inhibit or prevent flow of fluid through the third leak point C. 
       FIGS. 54-56  illustrate an alternative seal arrangement that can be used with any of the above-described applications.  FIGS. 54-56  illustrate flashing  716  having a protrusion  730  defining an aperture  732  and a seal  718  extending therethrough. The flashing  716  includes a first surface  734  and a second surface  736  opposite the first surface  734 . As shown in  FIGS. 55-56 , the seal  718  includes a first seal member  718 A and a second seal member  718 B. The first seal member  718 A substantially mates with the second seal member  718 B to have substantially the same shape as the seal  18  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . 
     The illustrated first seal member  718 A has a substantially T-shaped cross section and includes a first end portion  740 A, a second end portion  742 A and a middle portion  744 A. The first seal member  718 A defines a seal aperture  748  extending therethrough between the first end portion  740 A and the second end portion  742 A. The first end portion  740 A of the illustrated embodiment has a first planar end surface  741  and a first outer diameter d 24 . The illustrated second end portion  742 A defines an outwardly protruding flange  747 A and has a second planar end surface  743 A. The illustrated outwardly protruding flange  747 A defines a second outer diameter d 25  less than the first outer diameter d 24 . 
     The outwardly protruding flange  747 A is deformable, such that the first seal member  718 A is insertable into the aperture  732 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outwardly protruding flange  747 A retains the first seal member  718 A in the aperture  732 . As shown by arrow A in  FIG. 56 , the first seal member  718 A is inserted into the aperture  732  from the flashing first surface  734  toward the flashing second surface  736 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outwardly protruding flange  747 A defines at least one cutout configured to decrease a force necessary to deform the outwardly protruding flange  747 A. The outwardly protruding flange  747 A is shown by way of example only and can take on many other sizes, shapes and configurations. In some embodiments, the outwardly protruding flange  747 A may be omitted completely. 
     The illustrated second seal member  718 B has a substantially frustoconical shape and includes a first end portion  744 B and a second end portion  742 B. The first end portion  744 B is in substantial engagement with the middle portion  744 A of the first seal member  718 A, and the second end portion  742 B is in substantial engagement with the second end portion  742 A. The first and second seal members  718 A and  718 B are sized and shaped to form a water-tight seal therebetween. The second end portion  742 B of the second seal member  718 B defines a cutout  747 B shaped to receive the outwardly protruding flange  747 A. The illustrated flange  747 A and cutout  747 B are provided by way of example only, and other mating, inter-engaging configurations and arrangements of parts can be used in place of the illustrated flange  747 A and cutout  747 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface  743 A is substantially co-planar with a second planar end surface  743 B of the second end portion  742 B. In other embodiments, the surface  743 A is not co-planar with the second planar end surface  743 B. 
     The second seal member  718 B includes an inner surface  749  and an outer surface  751 . The inner surface  749  includes the cutout  747 B and substantially abuts against the middle portion  744 A and the second end portion  742 A of the first seal member  718 A. The outer surface  751  has a substantially frustoconical shape and substantially abuts against the second surface  736  of the flashing  716 . As shown by arrow B, the second seal member  718 B is inserted into the protrusion  730  from the flashing second surface  736  into abutting engagement with the flashing second surface  736 . The first and second seal members  718 A and  718 B can be pressed into mating engagement and retained on the flashing  716  by the inter-engagement of the outwardly protruding flange  747 A and the cutout  747 B. 
     A user can install the seal  718  on the flashing  716  on site by hand, without the use of special tools or equipment. The assembled flashing  716  and seal  718  may be positioned on the roof. A bracket may then be positioned on the seal  718  and the flashing  716 , and a fastener may be installed to fix the assembly to the roof. The portion  740  of the seal  718  is between the flashing  716  and the bracket, and the portion  744 A of the seal  718  is between the flashing  716  and the fastener, thus forming a water-tight seal to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture  732 . 
       FIG. 57  illustrates an alternative arrangement to provide a seal in the protrusion  730  with only the first seal member  718 A. The illustrated first seal member  718 A is the same as the first seal member  718 A of  FIGS. 54-56  but can have a different shape or configuration. A void  753  is defined between the middle portion  744 A, the second end portion  742 A and the protrusion  730 . The void  753  is substantially the same size and shape of the second seal member  718 B shown in  FIGS. 54-56 . The void  753  is substantially sealed from the outside environment by the first seal member  718 A. 
       FIGS. 58-59  illustrate an alternate seal arrangement that can be used with any of the above-described applications.  FIGS. 58-59  illustrate flashing  816  having a protrusion  830  defining an aperture  832  and a seal  818  extending therethrough. The flashing  816  includes a first surface  834  and a second surface  836  opposite the first surface  834 . As shown in  FIG. 59 , the seal  818  includes a first seal member  818 A and a second seal member  818 B. The first seal member  818 A substantially mates with the second seal member  818 B to have shape similar to the seal  18  shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . 
     The first seal member  818 A includes a ring  840  having a first surface  841 A. The second seal member  818 B includes a first end portion  840 B, a second end portion  842  and a middle portion  844 . The second seal member  818 B has a first surface  841 B and a second surface  843 . The second seal member  818 B defines an aperture  848  extending therethrough. The first surface  841 A of the first seal member  818 A and the first surface  841 B of the second seal member  818 B are not illustrated as co-planar but can be substantially co-planar in other embodiments (not shown). 
     The first end portion  840 B includes an outwardly protruding flange  847  sized and shaped to retain the first seal member  818 A in engagement with the second seal member  818 B. The outwardly protruding flange  847  is flexible and deformable, thereby permitting the first seal member  818 A to be pressed onto the second seal member  818 B over the outwardly protruding flange  847 . The flange  847  deforms and subsequently, returns to the original shape and thereby retains the first seal member  818 A in engagement with the second seal member  818 B. The first and second seal members  818 A and  818 B cooperate to form a substantially water-tight seal in the aperture  832 . Like the seal arrangements illustrated in  FIGS. 56-59 , the seal  818  can be installed on the flashing  816  by hand on site, without the use of special tools or equipment. 
     Any of the illustrated seal embodiments can include a single monolithic piece or two or more pieces that combine to form the illustrated seal shapes and configurations. 
       FIGS. 60-62  illustrate another embodiment of a roofing system  1110  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing system described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-59 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-59 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-59  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing system  1110  illustrated in  FIGS. 60-62  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 60-62  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-59  are numbered in the 1100 series of reference numbers. 
       FIGS. 60-62  disclose a roofing system  1110  including a solar panel  1112  mounted to a track  1114  that is mountable to a roof in a substantially vertical orientation (i.e. extending substantially normal to a roof apex). A plurality of sections of flashing  1116  are provided where the solar panel  1112  and/or track  1114  are coupled to the roof. A plurality of brackets  1118  are positioned between the respective sections of flashing  1116  and the solar panel  1112 . A plurality of fasteners  1120  extend through the respective bracket  1118 , flashing  1116  and into the roof. Further fasteners  1122  couple the respective bracket  1118  to the track  1114 . A second plurality of brackets  1126  are coupled to the solar panel  1112  and engage the roof in some embodiments, and are spaced above the roof in other embodiments. The second plurality of brackets  1126  are coupled to the solar panel  1112  with a plurality of fasteners  1128 . The illustrated brackets  1118 ,  1126  are shown by way of example only. Any suitable brackets can be utilized, such as any of the brackets shown and described herein. 
       FIGS. 63 and 64  disclose a roof system  1210  including a solar panel  1212  mounted to a track  1214  that is mountable to a roof in a substantially horizontal orientation (i.e. extending substantially parallel to a roof apex). The roof system  1210  also includes a snow fence  1230  including a snow guard  1232  extending substantially perpendicular to a roof surface and a plurality of extensions  1234   a ,  1234   b , etc. extending substantially parallel to the roof surface. 
     The illustrated snow fence  1230  is modular, such that any suitable number of extensions  1234   a ,  1234   b , etc. can be utilized to achieve a desired length L of the snow fence  1230 . The extensions  1234   a ,  1234   b , etc. include a locking structure  1240  to releasably couple the extensions  1234   a ,  1234   b , etc. to an adjacent extension. 
     The snow guard  1232  extends away from the extension  1234   a  along a height of H. The snow guard  1232  is positioned a distance D away from the nearest edge of the solar panel  1212 . In some embodiments H is less than or equal to two times D (H&lt;2*D or H=2*D). The height H and distance D can vary for different angles of roofs and global locations. Preferably the height H and distance D are selected to limit or avoid shadows from the snow guard  1232  to partially or substantially cover the solar panel  1212 . 
     The solar panel  1212  is spaced from the snow fence  1230  a desired distance d, in which d=D−L, to permit rain, snow or other precipitation from the solar panel  1212  to flow under the snow fence  1230 . The precipitation can flow between the tracks  1214 , optionally into a gutter, and off the roof. The snow guard  1232  can be positioned an angle that is non parallel to the roof apex to permit precipitation to flow off of one side of the snow guard  1232 . The snow fence can be orientated at a non-parallel angle with respect to the roof to permit precipitation to flow off of one side of the snow fence  1230 . 
     In some embodiments, a top surface of the extensions  1234   a ,  1234   b , etc. can have a greater coefficient of friction than a top surface of the solar panel  1212 . As precipitation slides along the solar panel  1212  the precipitation can gain speed and “fly” off the roof if not slowed or stopped. In some climates, this scenario can pose problems, depending upon the quantity and type(s) of precipitation experienced. The snow fence  1230  can slow or stop snow and ice from flying off the roof, but can permit rain to fall off of the roof. As the snow and/or ice melt, the water can run off of the extensions  1234   a ,  1234   b  by changing the angle of the snow guard  1232  and the extensions  1234   a ,  1234   b , etc. with respect to the roof. 
     In some embodiments, one or more portions of the snow fence  1230  and track  1214  can function as a rain diverter by directing rain or snow melt away from doorways or walkways. 
       FIG. 65  illustrates a bracket and fastener arrangement  1300  that can be utilized with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIGS. 66 and 67  illustrate an adjustable height bracket  1400  that can be utilized with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The illustrated bracket  1400  permits an end user to select the distance between the roof and the solar panel and/or the distance between the roof and snow fence.  FIGS. 66 and 67  illustrate the bracket  1400  in a first position that extends the height of the bracket to H 1  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 66 ).  FIGS. 66 and 67  illustrates the bracket  1400  in a second position that retracts the height of the bracket to H 2  (shown in solid in  FIGS. 66 and 67 ).  FIG. 66  illustrates the bracket in the second position in solid and in the first position in phantom. The illustrated bracket  1400  includes four possible heights, but brackets with other quantities and ranges of heights can be utilized. 
       FIGS. 68-70  illustrate an adjustable height bracket  1500  that can be utilized with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The illustrated bracket  1500  permits an end user to select the distance between the roof and the solar panel and/or the distance between the roof and snow fence. The illustrated bracket  1500  is coupled to the snow fence  1230  and a portion of flashing. The illustrated bracket  1500  can be adjusted to any of a number of positions within a range. The illustrated bracket  1500  includes a first, generally L-shaped portion  1502  and a second, generally L-shaped portion  1504 . The first, generally L-shaped portion  1502  includes a first pair of slots  1506 ,  1508  and the second, generally L-shaped portion includes a second pair of slots  1510 ,  1512 . The first pair of slots  1506 ,  1508  are substantially aligned with the second pair of slots  1510 ,  1512  and a pair of fasteners  1514 ,  1516  are inserted into the respective slots  1506  and  1510 ,  1508  and  1512 . 
     The first and second portions  1502 ,  1504  each include at least one rough surface that is formed, machined, molded, sanded or otherwise manufactured to have a high coefficient of friction. Two rough surfaces are illustrated, however, both a front and a back of the L-shaped portions  1502 ,  1504  can form rough surfaces. In such an embodiment, the rough surfaces face one another to engage and substantially “lock” together when the fasteners  1514  and  1516  are tightened. The height of the adjustable height bracket  1500  can be adjusted to any height in a range of heights. The range is at least partially dependent upon the length and location of the slots  1506 ,  1508 ,  1510 ,  1512 . Other quantities, locations and orientations of slots and brackets can be utilized in combination with the present invention. 
       FIGS. 71-74  illustrate another embodiment of roofing assemblies  2026 ,  2046  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing assemblies described above in connection with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-70 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-70 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-70  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing assemblies  2026 ,  2046  illustrated in  FIGS. 71-74  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 71-74  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-70  are numbered in the 2000 series of reference numbers. 
       FIGS. 71 and 72  show a roofing system  2010  including a number of rafters or beams  2012  (one such rafter  2012  is illustrated), a roof substrate  2014  (e.g., tarpaper, plywood or other decking material, insulation, and the like) supported on the rafters  2012 , flashing  2016  extending across the substrate  2014  (i.e., placed immediately adjacent an upper surface of the substrate  2014  or supported on one or more intermediate layers of roofing or sealing material, which in turn are placed on the substrate  2014 ), a seal  2018 , a first mounting bracket  2020  and at least one fastener  2022  operable to connect the first bracket  2020  to the roof substrate  2014  and the flashing  2016 . In the illustrated embodiment, the roofing system  2010  includes a washer  2021  positioned between the first mounting bracket  2020  and the fastener  2022 . In some embodiments, the washer  2021  can be a spring washer, a compression lock washer, a sealing ring or the like. In some embodiments, the washer  2021  is omitted. The roofing system  2010  is operable to support any of a variety of roof-mounted fixtures, such as, for example, snow fences, solar panels, an antenna, signs, billboards, or any of a number of other roof-mountable assemblies. Depending on one or more of the geographic location, anticipated quantity and type of precipitation, and anticipated roof and wind loading, the roofing system  10  can include any of a variety of flashing, seal and bracket arrangements, as will be discussed below. 
     The first bracket  2020  is operable to support any of a variety of roof-mounted fixtures, such as snow guards, snow fences, solar panels, an antenna, signs, billboards, or any other assembly mountable to a roof. Some roof-mounted fixtures are described in detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,326, filed Jun. 16, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,701, filed Dec. 6, 2000. 
     Prior to installation of the roofing system  2010 , apertures  2024  are drilled or otherwise created in the rafters  2012  and/or substrate  2014 . The illustrated embodiment shows an aperture  2024  in the rafter  2012  and the substrate  2014 . The roofing system  2010  inhibits leakage of fluids through the flashing  2016 , and, in some embodiments, may also or alternately inhibit leakage of fluids beyond the flashing to portions of the substrate  2014  or areas below the substrate  2014 . The roofing system  2010  can be utilized on any of a variety of roof types, such as slate roofs, membrane roofs, aluminum roofs, standing seam roofs, tile roofs, shingle roofs, and the like. 
     One or more fasteners can be used to couple the first bracket  2020  to the seal  2018  and flashing  2016  to form a mounting assembly. One such assembly  2026  is illustrated in  FIGS. 71-74  and includes the flashing  2016 , the seal  2018 , the first bracket  2020 , one fastener  2022 , and a washer  2028 . The washer  2028  can be a spring washer, a sealing ring, a compression washer, or the like, to provide a substantially water-tight seal between the fastener  2022  and the first bracket  2020 . In some embodiments, the washer  2028  can be omitted or can be supplemented by an o-ring or an applied sealant, such as caulk. Alternatively or in addition, the washer  2021  can include a stiffening element, such as, for example, a rigid backing, to provide additional support. 
     The assembly  2026  can be installed on a roof. The fastener  2022  can extend through the flashing  2016 , the seal  2018 , the first bracket  2020 , into the substrate  2014  and the rafters  2012 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 . The washer  2028  and the seal  2018  work together to prevent or inhibit entry of water or other fluid between the flashing  2016  and the first bracket  2020  or under the flashing  2016  to the rafters  2012  and/or substrate  2014 . Even though the illustrated fasteners are bolts, other fasteners, such as screws, studs, nails, and other removable and non-removable fasteners, can be used. 
     The illustrated first bracket  2020  includes a substantially planar first end  2030 , first and second arms  2032 ,  2034  and a substantially planar second end  2036 . The first end  2030  defines an aperture  2038  extending therethrough, through which the seal  2018  and fastener  2022  extend. The seal  2018  illustrated in  FIG. 72  is substantially frustoconical in shape, but other shapes, configurations and arrangements can be utilized to provide a seal between the flashing  2016  and the first bracket  2020 . The first bracket  2020  can have a suitably sized and shaped aperture to receive the seal  2018 . The illustrated aperture  2038  includes a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The vertical portion is positioned near the washer  2028  and the tapered portion is positioned near the seal  2018 . The tapered portion substantially mates with the seal  2018  to substantially inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture  2038 . The flashing  2016  can also include a substantially frustoconical projection extending at least partially into the bracket aperture. Multiple suitable seals and receiving apertures are illustrated and described herein. 
     The illustrated first bracket  2020  defines an aperture  2040  bound by the first end  2030 , the first and second arms  2032 ,  2034  and the second end  2036 . The illustrated aperture  2040  is substantially rectangular in cross-section. Other aperture shapes, sizes and locations can be formed by the first bracket  2020 . The first bracket  2020  can be cast, extruded, molded, or otherwise formed. In some embodiments, the first bracket  2020  is formed from steel, but in other embodiments, other metals or non-metallic materials can be utilized to form the first bracket  2020 . 
     The illustrated second end  2036  defines an aperture  2042  sized to receive a second fastener  2044  therethrough. The second fastener  2044  is part of a second roofing assembly  2046  that further includes a plate  2048 , a first nut  2050 , a second nut  2052  and a second bracket  2054 . The second roofing assembly  2046  is coupled to the assembly  2026  by the engagement of the fastener  2044  in the aperture  2042  in the second end  2036  of the first bracket  2020 . The first nut  2050  can be positioned along the second fastener  2044  to adjust the relative length of the second fastener  2044  extending above the aperture  2042 . 
     The illustrated second bracket  2054  is substantially U-shaped and includes a first flange  2056  and a second flange  2058 . Other sizes, shapes and configurations can be utilized in place of the illustrated second bracket  2054 . The first and second nuts  2050 ,  2052  permit adjustment of the length of the second fastener  2044  above the first bracket  2020 . Specifically, a length L between the plate  2048  and the first and second flanges  2056 ,  2058  is variable due to the engagement of the first and second nuts  2050 ,  2052  and the second fastener  2044 . The length L is adjustable to retain any of a variety of roof-mounted structures between the plate  2048  and the flanges  2056 ,  2058 . 
     The first fastener  2022  defines a first axis A 1  and the second fastener  2044  defines a second axis A 2 . A distance d between the first axis A 1  and the second axis A 2  is shown in  FIG. 72 . The second fastener  2044  is offset from the first fastener  2022  by the distance d. The first fastener  2022  extends into one of the beams  2012  and supports the second roofing assembly  2046  spaced from the beam  2012 . This provides much greater flexibility for installation of the roofing system  2010 , such that the second roofing assembly  2046  can be offset from the beams  2012  and still be supported by the beams  2012 . 
       FIGS. 75-78  illustrate another embodiment of roofing assemblies  2126 ,  2146  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing assemblies described above in connection with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-74 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-74 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-74  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing assemblies  2126 ,  2146  illustrated in  FIGS. 75-78  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 75-78  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-74  are numbered in the 2100 series of reference numbers. 
     The roofing assembly  2126  includes flashing  2116 , a seal  2118 , a first bracket  2120 , a first fastener  2122  and a washer  2128 . The flashing  2116 , seal  2118 , fastener  2122  and washer  2128  are similar to the flashing, seal, fastener and washer of previously-described embodiments. Reference should be made to the description of  FIGS. 1-70  for the flashing  2116 , seal  2118 , fastener  2122  and washer  2128 . 
     The illustrated first bracket  2120  includes a substantially planar first end  2130 , a first side arm  2132 , a middle arm  2133 , a second side arm  2134 , and a substantially planar second end  2136 . The first end  2130  defines an aperture  2138  extending therethrough, through which the seal  2118  and fastener  2122  extend. The first bracket  2120  has generally the same overall shape as the first bracket  2020 , but has a generally Z-shaped cross section. The middle arm  2133  includes an aperture  2138  extending therethrough proximate a head of the first fastener  2122 . The aperture  2138  can permit fluid to drain away from the seal  2118 , the first fastener  2122 , and the washer  2128 . 
     The illustrated second end  2136  defines an aperture  2142  sized to receive a second fastener  2144  therethrough. The second fastener  2144  is part of the second roofing assembly  2146  that further includes a plate  2148 , a first nut  2150 , a second nut  2152  and a second bracket  2154 . The second roofing assembly  2146  is coupled to the roofing assembly  2126  by the engagement of the fastener  2144  in the aperture  2142  in the second end  2136  of the first bracket  2120 . The first nut  2150  can be positioned along the second fastener  2144  to adjust the length of the second fastener  2144  extending above the aperture  2142  in the second end  2136 . The second roofing assembly  2146  is similar to the second roofing assembly  2046  in the previous embodiment. 
     The illustrated second bracket  2154  is substantially U-shaped and includes a first flange  2156  and a second flange  2158 . Other sizes, shapes and configurations can be utilized in place of the illustrated second bracket  2154 . The first and second nuts  2150 ,  2152  permit adjustment of the relative length of the second fastener  2144  above the first bracket  2120 . Specifically, a length L 1  between the plate  2148  and the first and second flanges  2156 ,  2158  is variable due to the engagement of the first and second nuts  2150 ,  2152  and the second fastener  2144 . The length L 1  is adjustable to retain any of a variety of roof-mounted structures between the plate  2148  and the flanges  2156 ,  2158 . 
     The first fastener  2122  defines a first axis A 11  and the second fastener  2144  defines a second axis A 12 . A distance d 1  between the first axis A 11  and the second axis A 12  is shown in  FIG. 76 . The second fastener  2144  is offset from the first fastener  2122  by the distance d 1 . The first fastener  2122  extends into one of the beams  2012  (illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ) and supports the second roofing assembly  2146  spaced from the beam  2012 . This provides much greater flexibility for installation of the roofing system  2010  (illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ), such that the second roofing assembly  2146  can be offset from the beams  2012  and still be supported by the beams  2012 . 
       FIGS. 79-82  illustrate another embodiment of a first bracket  2220  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the brackets described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-78 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-78 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-78  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the first bracket  2220  illustrated in  FIGS. 79-82  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 79-82  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-78  are numbered in the 2200 series of reference numbers. 
     The illustrated first bracket  2220  includes a substantially planar first end  2230 , first and second arms  2232 ,  2234  and a substantially planar second end  2236 . The first end  2230  defines an aperture  2238  extending therethrough, through which a seal and fastener can extend. The illustrated aperture  2238  includes a vertical portion  2238   a  and a tapered portion  2238   b.    
     The illustrated first bracket  2220  defines an aperture  2240  bound by the first end  2230 , the first and second arms  2232 ,  2234  and the second end  2236 . The illustrated aperture  2240  is substantially rectangular in cross-section. Other aperture shapes, sizes and locations can be formed by the first bracket  2220 . The first bracket  2220  can be cast, extruded, molded, or otherwise formed. In some embodiments, the first bracket  2220  is formed from steel, but in other embodiments, other metals or non-metallic materials can be utilized to form the first bracket  2220 . 
     The illustrated second end  2236  defines an aperture  2242  sized to receive a fastener, such as the second fastener  2244  therethrough. The aperture  2238  is spaced from the aperture  2242  by a distance d 2 . As described in greater detail above, this provides much greater flexibility for installation of the bracket  2220  on a roof, such that a second assembly (such as  2046 ,  2146 ) can be offset from the beams  2012  and still be supported by the beams  2012 . 
       FIGS. 83-85  illustrate another embodiment of roofing assemblies  2326 ,  2346  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing assemblies described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-82 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-82 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-82  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing assemblies  2326 ,  2346  illustrated in  FIGS. 83-85  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 83-85  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-82  are numbered in the 2300 series of reference numbers. 
     The roof mounting assembly  2326  includes flashing  2316 , a seal (not shown), a first bracket  2320 , a first fastener  2322  and a washer  2328 . The flashing  2316 , seal, fastener  2322  and washer  2328  are similar to the flashing, seal, fastener and washer of previously-described embodiments. Reference should be made to the description of  FIGS. 1-82  for the flashing  2316 , seal, fastener  2322  and washer  2328 . 
     The illustrated first bracket  2320  includes a substantially planar first end  2330 , a first side arm  2332 , a middle arm  2333 , a second side arm  2334  and a substantially planar second end  2336 . The first end  2330  defines an aperture through which the fastener  2322  extends. The first bracket  2320  has the same general overall shape as the bracket  2120 . The middle arm  2333  can include an aperture extending therethrough to permit fluid to drain away from the first fastener  2322  and the washer  2328 . 
     The illustrated second end  2336  defines an aperture  2342  sized to receive a second fastener  2344  therethrough. The second fastener  2344  is part of a second roof mounting assembly  2346  that further includes a plate  2348 , a first nut  2350 , a second nut  2352  and a second bracket  2354 . The second roof mounting assembly  2346  is coupled to the roof mounting assembly  2326  by the engagement of the second fastener  2344  in the aperture  2342  in the second end  2336  of the first bracket  2320 . The first nut  2350  can be positioned along the second fastener  2344  to adjust the length of the second fastener  2344  extending above the second aperture  2342 . The second roof mounting assembly  2346  is similar to the second roofing assembly  2046  in the previously-described embodiment. Reference should be made to the description of  FIGS. 1-82  for details of the second roof mounting assembly  2346 . 
     The illustrated second bracket  2354  is substantially U-shaped and includes a first flange  2356  and a second flange  2358 . Other sizes, shapes and configurations can be utilized in place of the illustrated second bracket  2354 . The first and second nuts  2350 ,  2352  permit adjustment of the relative length of the second fastener  2344  above the first bracket  2320 . Specifically, a length between the plate  2348  and the first and second flanges  2356 ,  2358  is variable due to the engagement of the first and second nuts  2350 ,  2352  and the second fastener  2344 , to retain any of a variety of roof-mounted structures between the plate  2348  and the flanges  2356 ,  2358 . 
     As in the above-described embodiments, the first fastener  2322  is spaced from the second fastener  2344 . The first fastener  2322  can extend into one of the beams  2012  (illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ) and support the second roof mounting assembly  2346  spaced from the beam  2012 . This provides much greater flexibility for installation of the roofing system  2010  (illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ), such that the second roof mounting assembly  2346  can be offset from the beams  2012  and still be supported by the beams  2012 . 
     Additionally,  FIGS. 83 and 84  illustrate the first roof mounting assembly  2326  in a first orientation and  FIG. 85  illustrates the first roof mounting assembly  2326  in a second orientation, rotated about the first fastener  2322  from the first orientation. In some embodiments, the first roof mounting assembly  2326  can rotate about 360 degrees to permit infinite adjustment of spacing between the first and second fasteners  2322 ,  2344  along an axis, within a range of distances. Such adjustment permits the second roof mounting assembly  2346  to be offset from the beam  2012  by varying distances without sacrificing structural integrity of the roof mounting structure. 
       FIGS. 86-88  illustrate another embodiment of roofing assemblies  2426 ,  2446  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing assemblies described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-85 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-85 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-85  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing assemblies  2426 ,  2446  illustrated in  FIGS. 86-88  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 86-88  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-85  are numbered in the 2400 series of reference numbers. 
     The roof mounting assembly  2426  includes flashing  2416  a seal  2418 , a first bracket  2420 , a first fastener  2422  and a washer  2428 . The flashing  2416 , seal  2418 , fastener  2422  and washer  2428  are similar to the flashing, seal, fastener and washer of the previously-described embodiments. Reference should be made to the description of  FIGS. 1-85  for the flashing  2416 , seal  2418 , fastener  2422  and washer  2428 . 
     The illustrated first bracket  2420  includes a substantially planar first end  2430 , a first side arm  2432 , a second side arm  2434 , and a substantially planar second end  2436 . The first end  2430  defines an aperture  2438  extending therethrough, through which the seal  2418  and fastener  2422  extend. The first bracket  2420  has the same general overall shape as the first bracket  2020 . 
     The illustrated first bracket  2420  defines an aperture  2440  bound by the first end  2430 , the first and second arms  2432 ,  2434  and the second end  2436 . The illustrated aperture  2440  is substantially rectangular in cross-section. Other aperture shapes, sizes and locations can be formed by the first bracket  2420 . The first bracket  2420  can be cast, extruded, molded, or otherwise formed. In some embodiments, the first bracket  2420  is formed steel, but in other embodiments, other metals or non-metallic materials can be utilized to form the first bracket  2420 . 
     The illustrated second end  2436  defines an aperture  2442  sized to receive a second fastener  2444  therethrough. The second fastener  2444  is part of the second roof mounting assembly  2446  that further includes a nut  2452 , a second bracket  2454  and a third bracket  2445 . The second and third brackets  2454 ,  2456  each include a respective slot  2457 ,  2459  through which the second fastener  2444  extends. The nut  2452  retains the second and third bracket  2454 ,  2456  on the first bracket  2420 . The illustrated embodiment includes a washer  2460  positioned between the nut  2452  and the third bracket  2456 . The illustrated second and third brackets  2454 ,  2456  are substantially J-shaped. Other sizes, shapes and configurations can be utilized in place of the illustrated second and third brackets  2454 ,  2456 . 
     The illustrated second roof mounting assembly  2446  further includes a third fastener  2462  coupled to the second bracket  2454  and a fourth fastener  2464  coupled to the third bracket  2456 . The third and fourth fasteners  2462 ,  2464  are positioned to selectively releasably retain one or more roof mounted structures on the second and third bracket  2454 ,  2456 . 
     The slots  2457 ,  2459  permit movement of the second and third brackets  2454 ,  2456  toward and away from the first fastener  2422  to provide greater flexibility for installation. Specifically, the fastener  2422  extends into one of the beams  2012  (illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ) and supports the second roof mounting assembly  2446  spaced from the beam  2012 . This provides much greater flexibility for installation of the roofing system  2010  (illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ), such that the second roof mounting assembly  2446  can be offset from the beams  2012  and still be supported by the beams  2012 . Further, the distance between the third and fourth fasteners  2462 ,  2464  is variable within a range, to permit the second roof mounting assembly  2446  to be coupled to any of a variety of roof mountable structures. 
       FIGS. 90-94  illustrate another embodiment of roofing assemblies  2526 ,  2546  according to the present invention. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same properties as the embodiments of the roofing assemblies described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-89 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon structure and features that are different than the embodiments described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-89 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with  FIGS. 1-89  for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the roofing assemblies  2526 ,  2546  illustrated in  FIGS. 90-94  and described below. Features and elements in the embodiment of  FIGS. 90-94  corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments described above in connection with of  FIGS. 1-89  are numbered in the 2500 series of reference numbers. 
     The roof mounting assembly  2526  includes flashing  2516  a pair of seals  2518 , a first bracket  2520 , a first pair of fasteners  2522  and a pair of washers  2528 . In some embodiments, the pair of washers  2528  include Neoprene bonded washers. The flashing  2516 , seals  2518 , fasteners  2522  and washers  2528  are similar to the flashing, seal, fastener and washer of the previously-described embodiments. Reference should be made to the description of  FIGS. 1-89  for the flashing  2516 , seals  2518 , fasteners  2522  and washers  2528 . 
     The illustrated first bracket  2520  includes a first substantially planar portion  2568  and a second substantially planar portion  2570 . The first portion  2568  extends substantially perpendicular to the second portion  2570 . The illustrated first bracket  2520  is substantially L-shaped. The first portion  2568  defines a pair of apertures (not shown) extending therethrough, through which the seals  2518  and fasteners  2522  extend. The first bracket  2520  can be cast, extruded, molded, or otherwise formed. In some embodiments, the first bracket  2520  is formed from steel, but in other embodiments, other metals or non-metallic materials can be utilized to form the first bracket  2520 . 
     The second portion  2570  defines a pair of slots  2572  extending therethrough. The illustrated slots  2572  extend in a substantially vertical direction, but other shapes, sizes and orientations of slots can be formed in the first bracket  2520 . The slots  2572  are sized to receive a respective one of a pair of second fastener  2544  therethrough. The pair of second fasteners  2544  is part of the second roof mounting assembly  2546  that further includes a first plate  2574 , a second plate  2576  a pair of nuts  2578  and optionally, a plurality of washers  2580 . The first plate  2574  includes a pair of apertures  2582  and the second plate  2576  includes a pair of apertures  2584 , such that the apertures  2582 ,  2584  are sized to receive one of the second fasteners  2544 . 
     The second roof mounting assembly  2546  is coupled to the first roof mounting assembly  2526  by the engagement of the fasteners  2544  in the slots  2572  in the second portion  2570  of the first bracket  2520  and the apertures  2582 ,  2584  in the first and second plates  2574 ,  2576 , respectively. The pair of nuts  2578  is coupled to a respective one of the pair of fasteners  2544  to retain the fasteners  2544  in the slots  2572  and apertures  2582 ,  2584 . The first plate  2574  is positioned on a first side of the second portion  2570  and the second plate  2576  is positioned on a second side of the second portion  2570 , such that the second portion  2570  is sandwiched between the first and second plates  2574 ,  2576 . In some embodiments, one or more of the second portion  2570 , first plate  2574  and second plate  2576  include at least one textured surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sides of the second portion  2570  include serrated portions and the first plate  2574  includes a serrated portion, sized to engage the serrated portion(s) of the second portion  2570 . The textured surface(s) can increase friction and thereby strength the engagement between the second portion  2570  and the first and second plates  2574 ,  2576 . 
     The illustrated second plate  2576  includes a first flange  2586  and a second flange  2588 . The first flange  2586  extends substantially parallel to the flashing  2516  and the second flange extends substantially perpendicular to the flashing  2516 . The illustrated first and second flanges  2586 ,  2588  are sized and shaped to receive and support an L-shaped bar  2590 . In some embodiments, the L-shaped bar  2590  is part of a structure to be mounted to a roof. In other embodiments, the L-shaped bar  2590  is sized to support a structure to be mounted to a roof. Other bars, brackets, rods, or other fixtures can be coupled to the second roof mounting assembly  2546  and the L-shaped bar  2590  is provided by way of example only. 
     The slots  2572  permit adjustment of the relative location of the first and second plates  2574 ,  2576  and thus the L-shaped bar  2590  with respect to the flashing  2516 . The length and location of the slots  2572  are selected at least partially based upon the desired range of heights between the first flange  2586  and the flashing  2516 . In a first position, the first flange  2586  is spaced above the flashing  2516  a first height h 1 , and in a second position, the first flange  2586  is spaced above the flashing  2516  a second height h 2 , greater than the first height h 1 , see  FIG. 93 . 
     The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.