Rooflights
Euroclad Ltd is one of Ireland’s and the UK’s foremost producers of metal cladding systems and continuous development is specifically geared towards offering specifiers the ultimate choice in design flexibility. The range of products available allows multi performance specification covering the whole building envelope in a range of materials.
For more information on Rooflight products we can supply - click here 
Good overhead day-lighting is vital.
Properly designed it will provide:
- A cost effective and efficient means of achieving the required ISBEM rating for the building
- A substantial improvement to productivity and occupancy morale
- An economic and proven means of smoke venting the premises in the event of fire.
What constitutes good design?
For years Architects, Surveyors and Roofing and Cladding Contractors have routinely opted for the 10% rule originally formulated to allow for pin-joint portal frame design. This “rule of thumb” no longer applies. Consideration of the lighting level, overall thermal efficiency, building use, methods of artificial lighting and switching all need to be balanced at the design stage.
It is a well documented fact that good direct and diffused daylight enhances the human condition, it is also a fact that GRP or polycarbonate roof-lights cannot provide good thermal insulation, so can one be balanced by the other?
Research by Brett Martin and Filon has shown that the optimum level of roof-lighting, for ISBEM purposes is between 12 and 15%, half as much again as usually allowed! Combined with energy saving lighting units automatically switched by photo-electric cell roof-lighting dramatically reduces the energy use and improves the efficiency of the building. This makes it easier to achieve the ISBEM target, the running costs are minimised, the work-force is happier and the building is vented in the event of fire!
Having decided to incorporate roof-lighting how do we locate, specify and detail them?
If the internal production or storage layout is known, or can be forecast, locate lights over the work centres and aisles. Aim for 12 to 15% 0f the internal floor area. Long narrow lights, up and down slope, are better than lights across the slope,(providing more and better dispersed lighting) so use as much slope length as practical. Avoid, where possible having single span roof sheeting above or below the light – they are liable to foot traffic damage. Do not forget that ridges can be cranked sheets rather than flashings. If using barrel vault type lights in standing seam systems try taking the light over the ridge, avoiding expensive welded aprons which are sure to be a maintenance problem in the future. Stop the light short of the eaves to provide solid longitudinal access and easier eaves or gutter detailing.
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Blackwood Retail Park, Gwent. |
K2 Leisure Centre, Crawley. |
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