TIPS FOR SELECTING MATERIALS
In order to construct a dome the following individual parts are (usually) combined.
- Base. This is the part that is screwed to the slab / roof. There are bases of various types, but the most commonly used are PVC16/0 and PVC16/20.
In 16/0 the building opening is equal to the translucency, so if we have a hole in the plate 100x100cm then the translucency part of the dome is also 100x100cm. With the PVC 16/20 bases, the translucent is 20cm smaller than the building opening, so we lose in brightness. But the domes that have a PVC 16/20 base are more economical because they are combined with a smaller skylight.
The bases can be screwed either directly to the floor / slab, or to a built parapet. They can also be placed on a metal or other roof.
If the bases are placed on a parapet, in PVC16/0 this wall should be exactly 11cm thick, while in 16/20 it should be at least 10 to 14cm thick (depending on whether there is an internal plasterboard lining)
Whether or not there is a parapet, after installation the footings are covered with insulation (e.g. tarpaulin) at least at the screw points and joints.
Alternatively, it is applied with a spreadable elastomeric roof sealant.
There are special bases for sheets/panels of industrial buildings.
– The translucency which is usually double-walled. Usually the outer wall is made of transparent solid polycarbonate to withstand hail and not be broken by a would-be burglar. In addition, unbreakable fittings are used for screwing the polycarbonate. The inner wall just provides insulation and is usually made of Plexiglas. One of the 2 walls (usually the inside) is milky in color to have an even diffusion of light, not to be blinded by the sun and not to see the dirt that settles on the outer wall from bird droppings or other causes.
A new solution is the Polycarbonate Heatstop which reduces the amount of heat entering the room.
As the number of walls of the skylight increases, the thermal insulation it offers improves.
For high thermal insulation requirements choose SkyluxWindow.
The skylight can have the form of either a dome or a pyramid. Domes are produced in many more dimensions and are cheaper.
– An opening frame (usually) made of PVC is placed on the base. If the dome is rectangular, it should be specified on which side the hinges will be placed.
– Ways to open. A dome can be opened 90 degrees to act as a manhole by pushing it by hand or with an electric motor. Alternatively, it can be opened to approximately 45° with a crank, or an electric motor (which can also have a remote control) for daily use to ventilate the space. Finally, it can be opened at 160° to act as a smoke and heat extractor in accordance with European directives. We can also have ventilation through special bases that have grills on their walls.
accessory
– An accordion screen can be fitted to keep out insects or birds when the dome is open. The installation is done with Velcro (hritz-hratz) so that it can be removed at any time.
– A shade can be placed inside or outside the dome.
For more economical solutions, the skylight or the opening aluminum frame can be placed directly on the parapet without the use of a base. But this solution is likely to create waterproofing and insulation problems.
