Skylights are understood as light openings that are installed directly on the roof of the building, on the surface of the covering. Some types of skylights are generally similar to roof windows, but there are also completely special designs that cannot be confused with anything else..
Whatever the skylight is, it will consist of two parts: a frame, a support that is installed on beams or floor slabs, as well as a light-transmitting glazed part, consisting of separate panels, a dome or multifaceted vaults.
The frame of skylights is now most often an aluminum profile, steel or PVC, wooden structures are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Recently, not ordinary window glass has been used as glazing, but more reliable and strong acrylic glass or polycarbonate. They significantly reduced the risk of structural failure, for example, under the influence of a layer of snow or strong wind.
According to the features of the device, light lanterns are usually divided into deaf, that is, not opening, and with an opening system. It can be mechanical, that is, manual, or it can be an automated system with an electric drive.
Opening skylights not only provide access to natural light in the room under the roof, but also serve as an additional source of fresh air, acting as part of the ventilation system.
An additional function of the skylights is smoke removal in the event of a fire. In this case, a special system is installed that opens the light opening in the event of a fire using a pneumatic or electric mechanism. In this case, the skylight becomes an important segment of the fire safety system..
According to GOST Z 54850–2011, rooflights cannot occupy more than 15% of the entire roof surface. The main requirements for such light structures:
- protection against vandalism and unwanted intrusion.
- good waterproofing, the room must be protected from precipitation, mold and dampness.
- it should be possible to carry out cleaning, washing windows.
Skylights are mounted on pitched, flat and soft roofs, and it is customary to perform the assembly seam according to the “eternal joint” type.
The main types of rooflights are point and tape. It is customary to install tape on roofs with a slope of about 5 degrees, on soft roofs. Frame boxes in such cases are arranged in parallel. It is easy to integrate the smoke extraction hatch into strip skylights, the sizes of which can be very different, depending on the configuration of the building itself.
Point skylights can be domed, pyramidal, arched, multifaceted. Most often they are used to create a conservatory or greenhouse on the upper floor, but they can simply serve as the main source of light..
Benefits of installing rooflights:
- powerful source of natural light. A skylight on the roof provides much more sunlight than conventional insulating glass units.
- you can save on electric lighting.
- opening skylights provide effective natural ventilation.
- comfortable microclimate in the rooms under the roof.
- a domed, multifaceted or pyramidal skylight will be a good, original roof decoration.
Due to these advantages, skylights are used in residential, industrial and commercial buildings..
The disadvantages of light lanterns include:
- additional costs for the purchase and installation of the structure. The price will depend on the size of the opening, the presence of an automatic opening system, an electric drive, the materials used.
- planning the installation of skylights should be at the roof design stage.
- It is difficult to install the structure on your own, the help of specialists is needed.
- improper installation, violation of technology can lead to the fact that the room will blow, dampness will appear, the glazing will “sweat”.
To summarize: skylights are not only a source of light and fresh air, they are an active part of the arrangement of the exterior of the building and the design of the room under the roof.
What are the key features, uses, and pros and cons of anti-aircraft lanterns? Are they primarily used for military purposes or are there civilian applications as well? How effective are they in countering aerial threats and what are their limitations?
Can someone please provide more information on anti-aircraft lanterns? I’m curious about their features, uses, as well as the pros and cons associated with them. Thank you!
Can anyone provide information on anti-aircraft lanterns? I would like to know about their features, uses, as well as their pros and cons. Any insights or knowledge on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Can anyone provide information on anti-aircraft lanterns? I’m curious to know about their features, uses, as well as the pros and cons associated with them. Thanks in advance for any insights you can share!