In today’s post we will take a close look at what skylights are, why they can be a hazard, and how we can protect them. We will tell you about our Pignus Skylight Fix safety system, a type of interior protection.
What Are Skylights?
A skylight is found in the ceiling or upper part of a structure. It is something like a window, an opening whose function is to let natural light into the building or room. Some skylights can also be opened, so they also let in fresh air and provide ventilation.
There are different types of skylights, in different shapes and sizes. They are made from materials that optimize the passage of light, translucent materials such as glass or polycarbonate.
Having skylights has many benefits, such as helping us reduce energy consumption by reducing artificial lighting and making use of sunlight. They also have a downside, since if they are not properly protected, they can pose a fall hazard.
Types of Skylights
As we just mentioned, there are several types of skylights. They serve different functions, so it is good to know and understand them, so that when it comes time to choose one, we know which suits us best. We can find:
Fixed Skylight
This is the simplest type, since it cannot be opened and only provides natural light. It works for areas where we will not need ventilation, and it is also more economical.
Hinged or Ventilated Skylight
This type of hinged or ventilated skylight, in addition to providing natural sunlight, can also be opened, allowing us to ventilate the space so that air circulates better.
It is very useful in areas where a lot of heat or humidity can build up, such as a kitchen or an industrial building.
Tubular Skylight
This is a great solution for interiors that do not have direct access to the roof, or for smaller rooms. A tubular skylight is a kind of reflective tube that channels natural light from the roof into the interior of the area. It takes up little space, provides natural light, and does not require much construction work.
Pyramid Skylight
It has a different shape, a three-dimensional form that is generally like a pyramid projecting from the roof. It is used in large spaces, such as lobbies or common areas. It adds a distinctive decorative style and lets light in from different angles.
Flat Skylight
It is completely flat or has a slight slope. It is used in many modern, minimalist buildings, since it is a very clean, discreet design that is barely visible.
Dome Skylight
It has a curved or hemispherical shape. Its advantage is that it distributes light better throughout the day, even when the sun is low. It is widely used in shopping centers, factories, and warehouses, since it covers large areas and withstands outdoor conditions well.
Automatic Skylight
It works through an automated system that allows the skylight to be opened and closed with a remote control or timer. They are used in smart homes or buildings where this type of automation is typically sought for greater convenience. It offers ease of use and often includes sensors that close it automatically in the event of rain.
Solar Panel Skylight
It includes solar panels that use sunlight not only to provide lighting but also to generate electricity. Ideal for those seeking energy efficiency and lower long-term costs.
As we have seen, it is good to know the differences between the types of skylights, since each one has its advantages. The type we choose will depend on the building’s design, the amount of natural light we want, and additional functions such as ventilation or energy savings.
Skylight Protection
Now that we have explained what a skylight is, what its function is, and what types exist, the next step is to know how to protect them to keep safe the people who have to walk through areas where they are installed.
There are several ways to protect these skylights, depending on whether the protection will be placed on the exterior or the interior.
On the exterior, this can be done with:
- Metal mesh
- Frames with metal mesh
- Safety nets
- Fixed perimeter guardrail
- Counterweighted perimeter guardrail
But in this post we are going to focus on interior skylight protection using our Pignus Skylight Fix safety tray.
Pignus Skylight Fix
Pignus Skylight Fix is a galvanized metal tray designed for interior skylight protection. This safety system has been tested and verified against the following standards:
- UNE-EN 1873:2015 + A1:2016. Prefabricated accessories for roofing. Individual rooflights of plastics. Product specification and test methods.
- DIN-EN 1873:2015. Prefabricated accessories for roofing. Individual rooflights of plastics. Product specification and test methods
- UNI-EN 1873:2014. Prefabricated accessories for roofing. Individual rooflights of plastics. Product specification and test methods.
This type of protection can be installed on all types of skylights, including all the types we have seen in this article. Regardless of the roof type, it can be installed on sandwich panel roofs, trapezoidal metal sheet roofs, concrete roofs, or deck roofs. In addition, they adapt to any size and shape, whether round, square, or rectangular.
It is made of galvanized steel (zinc-plated), which gives it resistance to corrosion, wear, and the elements. They are an excellent option for improving the durability of outdoor installations, especially in areas where skylights are exposed to hazards such as hail, falling objects, or vandalism.
Installation is done with fastening clamps with screws, nuts, and washers. In some cases it can even be mounted without needing to lift the skylight, although this should always be done after consultation.
It is important to have these safety systems, as they are necessary to prevent an object from falling on a person, or people from falling through the skylight. This is crucial in industrial and commercial environments.
If you are interested in purchasing or installing galvanized metal trays for skylights, especially our Pignus Skylight Fix, do not hesitate to contact us.