Skylight Bases | Continuous Rooflights
RBT
Discover Our Offer
In modern industrial construction, energy efficiency and fire safety are directly linked to the quality of daylighting systems. RBT is a premier supplier of cold-formed sections that serve as the structural framework for skylights, continuous rooflights, and smoke vents. Our precision cold-forming technology ensures exact dimensional repeatability. This is critical for maintaining the airtightness and thermal integrity of the roofing system, ensuring a seamless fit and preventing thermal bridging.
Cold-Formed Sections
RBT
RBT specializes in producing advanced steel structures that are revolutionizing the construction process. Our expertise in cold-forming technology enables us to achieve dimensional accuracy and material efficiency that is unattainable with traditional processing methods.
Technological Superiority of CNC Cold Bending
RBT
- Increased Yield Strength: Unlike hot rolling, the cold-forming process enhances the steel’s mechanical properties (work hardening). This allows for reduced gauge thickness while maintaining the required load-bearing capacity and stiffness. The result is a significant reduction in the structure’s dead load.
- Precision Tolerances: CNC machining guarantees that every skylight base features identical, straight edges and precisely positioned mounting holes. This is critical for eliminating installation errors and ensuring a seamless interface with glazing elements and roof cladding.
- Prefabrication & Logistics: We supply complete, bolt-together bases rather than individual loose profiles. This level of prefabrication accelerates on-site assembly, minimizing both labor and logistical costs.
Roofing Systems – Construction & Classification
RBT
Regardless of the specific configuration, every daylighting and smoke extraction system relies on a stable foundation: a base manufactured from cold-formed sections. Below, we present a detailed classification and technical specification.
Rooflights – Classification by Geometry
RBT
Point Skylight (Dome Skylight)
- Application: Typically square or circular structures used for spot (localized) daylighting.
- Structure:
- Base: Manufactured from cold-formed sections (typically S320GD, S350GD grades). Designed to efficiently transfer loads from snow and wind pressure to the primary roof structure.
- Glazing: Usually an acrylic (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC) dome.
- Critical Parameter: The overall heat transfer coefficient Uc for the complete unit (base + dome).
Continuous Rooflight (Linear)
- Application: A continuous system installed along the ridge or roof pitch, ensuring uniform illumination over large industrial areas.
- Structure:
- Base: Modular profile sections with high flexural rigidity (recommended steel grades S350GD, S390GD). Requires precise segment joining to prevent structural deflection.
- Glazing: Linear polycarbonate sheets (multi-wall or trapezoidal) or glass panels.
- Critical Parameter: Maintaining linearity along the entire run and minimizing thermal bridging at module joints.
Smoke & Natural Ventilation Vents
RBT
Smoke Vents (SHEV – Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation)
- Critical Function: Rapid extraction of smoke and heat. The base must function as an integral, structural component of the life-safety system.
- Structure: The base is reinforced to withstand the dynamic loads exerted by actuators during emergency opening (often under snow or wind load).
- Requirement: Ensuring the torsional rigidity of the base is paramount. This guarantees correct actuator alignment and the achievement of the certified aerodynamic free area Aa.
Daily Ventilation Vents
- Function: Natural gravity ventilation for building comfort.
- Construction: Built on the same robust framework as our smoke vents, but optimized for daily operation without the stringent rapid-opening requirements of fire safety systems.
Example Shapes: Bracing, Curb, Strut
RBT
Bracing
Curb
Strut
Installation Abjectives & Operational Efficiency
RBT
Daylighting systems are installed to achieve key functional, economic, and safety objectives.
Energy Optimization & Artificial Lighting Reduction
RBT
- Light Transmission Efficiency: A well-designed system with minimal shading maximizes daylight utilization. Thanks to their optimized geometry, RBT bases minimize shadow projection, increasing the effective luminous area.
- Thermal Balance (U-Value): With increasingly stringent thermal regulations, we utilize profiled, thermally broken bases to prevent thermal bridging. This minimizes the overall heat transfer coefficient (U), which is critical for achieving the facility’s energy certification (e.g., BREEAM, LEED).
Structural Safety & Fire Protection
RBT
- Climatic Loads: Bases must effectively transfer Snow (S) and Wind (W) loads to the primary load-bearing structure. Using high-yield steel (up to S390GD) is mandatory when designing continuous rooflights in zones with elevated load requirements.
- Smoke Vent Reliability: Integration with SHEV systems requires the base to maintain dimensional stability, ensuring correct operation even under severe thermal deformation of the roof during a fire event.
Ergonomics & On-Site Safety (HSE)
RBT
- Visual Comfort: Uniform illumination from continuous rooflights (as opposed to point sources) minimizes eye strain and enhances the overall working environment.
- Installation Safety: Prefabricated, lightweight RBT kits eliminate the need for welding at height (hot work). This is a critical factor in mitigating on-site risks and reducing fire safety compliance costs.
Material Specifications & Corrosion Protection
RBT
The longevity of daylighting systems is directly dependent on the quality of the steel sheet and its protective coating.
Selection of Structural Steel Grades
RBT
We exclusively utilize certified structural steels:
- S350GD: Industry standard. Utilized for the majority of skylights and shorter rooflight runs.
- S390GD: Recommended where minimizing deflection over long spans is critical, or for applications subject to high dynamic loads (e.g., Smoke Vents in high-wind zones).
Sheet Thickness & Static Analysis
RBT
- Range 1.5 mm – 3.0 mm: Thickness is rigorously selected based on detailed static calculations (accounting for Snow S, Wind W, and Dead Load). High-grade steel allows for thinner sections (e.g., 1.5 mm) compared to lower-grade alternatives, resulting in significant cost and weight savings.
Anti-Corrosion Coating Systems
RBT
- Zinc Coating (Z): Provides passive and galvanic protection. The ideal standard for urban and industrial environments.
- Zinc-Magnesium (ZM): The High-Performance Choice. An alloy system (Zn-Mg-Al) offering significantly superior resistance. Key advantage: self-healing properties on cut edges – the coating migrates to protect the steel substrate. This is non-negotiable for the reliability of smoke vent systems.
- Powder Coating (RAL): Acts as an additional protective barrier and mechanical shield over the zinc layer, while also fulfilling aesthetic requirements.
Consult us on Your project
RBT skylight bases represent the pinnacle of precision engineering. Our cold-formed profiles minimize on-site risk and maximize Return on Investment (ROI) by accelerating construction timelines and guaranteeing long-term, trouble-free roof performance.
Related Links
RBT
Profil C Profil Z
Container Frames
PV Structures
Sheet Metal Flashing
Skylight Bases
Blog
RBT
How to construct stairs from cold-formed sections? Engineering high-precision steel stair structures.
The construction of steel stairs requires meticulous planning and the precise selection of materials. Metal stairs manufactured from cold-formed sections…
Steel Grades A to Z: Their Role in Container Frame Production
In the case of container frames, steel determines the durability, strength, and safety. Choosing the right steel grade is not…