Lucernarios for Sandwich Panels: Natural Lighting Solutions

Lucernarios are elements used to allow the passage of natural light in roofs or roofs built with sandwich panels, facilitating interior lighting and contributing to energy saving. They are mainly manufactured in materials such as cellular polycarbonate and translucent polyester plates.

Definition and Use of Skylights for Sandwich Panels

Skylights are elements mainly manufactured in materials such as cellular polycarbonate and translucent polyester sheets. They are used to allow the passage of natural light in roofs or roofs built with sandwich panels, facilitating interior lighting and contributing to energy saving.

Compatibility with different types of sandwich panels is one of their main features, including panels for roofs, facades, tile imitations, and special panels such as those with interior insulation in PUR/PIR or Rock Wool.

Installation can be carried out in industrial, commercial, agricultural (farms), as well as in residential buildings and warehouses.

Materials and Types of Skylights

Skylights made of Cellular Polycarbonate

They are made of 30 mm thick cellular polycarbonate. Their alveolar structure with multiple thin walls provides thermal insulation and mechanical resistance. They can be manufactured up to 12 meters long and 1 meter wide.

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Technical characteristics

They provide excellent thermal insulation and high impact resistance. They also allow greater passage of natural light throughout their useful life (unlike polyester, which tends to yellow). They do not suffer degradation over time. They offer perfect integration with sandwich panels thanks to lateral "wings" that overlap with the adjacent panels, avoiding leaks and thermal losses.

Installation

They are screwed directly to the structure, taking advantage of the anchors of the sandwich sheets, with simple self-drilling screws or with cappellotti (washer with neoprene gasket).

Installation configurations

They can be installed in a checkerboard pattern to distribute lighting in specific points, along the roof line or strips that connect to it. There are also smooth or rounded skylights, adaptable to specific requirements.

Featured Applications

They are used in industrial buildings, shopping centers, residential buildings, and porches with imitation tile sandwich sheet. They offer exceptional performance and durability for long-lasting projects.

Skylights made of Translucent Polyester Sheets

They are composed of a layer of fiberglass reinforced with polyester, coated with UV protection to prevent deterioration from solar radiation. Common formats are available in cuts from 0.5 m to 6 m in length, with a standard width of 1 meter. There are options for lap joint type, three crests, five crests, among others, adapting to the geometries of the sandwich panel.

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Technical characteristics

They offer high transmission of natural light, which allows energy savings. They do not undergo significant expansion with temperature changes. They have chemical and mechanical resistance, especially suitable for corrosive environments such as livestock farms or greenhouses.

Advantages

The price is much more economical compared to polycarbonate. They are easy to install thanks to an alar system that allows overlapping with adjacent panels or sheets and direct fixation with screws to the structure. They are compatible with all models of sandwich panel and corrugated sheet, allowing infinite combinations for any type of work.

Limitations

They yellow over time, which reduces the amount of light transmitted.

Recommended Applications

They are recommended for industrial and residential roofs with a certain inclination, warehouses, canopies, residential areas, agricultural or livestock farms with high corrosivity.

Accessories and Complements for Skylights in Sandwich Panel

Trims and finishes for skylights

They are manufactured in pre-painted galvanized steel of 0.6 mm, adapted to different profiles of sandwich panels, both for roofs and facades. There are versions for tile imitation roofs, lateral, frontal and gutters, interior and exterior corners, baseboards and low finishes for facade/rain protection.

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Screws and fixings

Self-drilling screws, with special washers to seal and guarantee tightness. Specific screws for wood and concrete are also available.

Assembly and assembly systems

All types of accessories are offered, as well as support in installation and assembly, including specialized services for assembly of sandwich panels and skylights.

Fall protection systems for skylights

A rectangular electro-welded mesh network, galvanized and plasticized for safety during the installation and maintenance of roofs with skylights. It is certified in accordance with UNE (UNI EN 15057, UNI EN 1873, UNI EN ISO 9227) regulations. It allows placement above and below light points for integral protection.

Structural profiles and accessories

Galvanized steel purlins in Z and C shape to cover roofs and facades. Laminated plaster profiles for suspended and continuous ceilings.

Technical Characteristics and Important Data

AspectCellular PolycarbonateTranslucent Polyester Plate
Typical thickness30 mmVariable according to profile (lap joint, crest 3,5)
Maximum manufacturing lengthUp to 12 metersCuts from 0.5 to 6 meters
Useful width1000 mm1000 mm
Thermal insulationExcellent (cellular structure with chambers)Good, not as high as polycarbonate
Impact resistanceHighModerate, sensitive to strong impacts
UV radiation resistanceHigh, does not degradeRequires UV protection to avoid yellowing
Specific weightLightLight
Chemical resistanceVery goodHigh (ideal for corrosive environments)
Thermal expansionLowVery low
Light transmissionHigh, constant over timeHigh at the beginning, loses with yellowing
InstallationSystem with overlap in lateral wings, screwedSystem with overlap in wings, screwed
PriceMore expensive than polyester, but more profitable in the long termMore economical initially
Useful lifeVery longShorter than polycarbonate

Specific properties of polyester (technical example):

  • Color: Opal white
  • Crystal content: 24.88%
  • Indentation hardness (ºBarcol): 35
  • Tensile strength: 59 N/mm²
  • Specific weight: 1.36 g/cm³

Applications and Recommendations for Use

Sandwich panels on industrial and agricultural roofs are commonly integrated with skylights for natural lighting. Cellular polycarbonate skylights are preferred for projects that require greater durability and thermal insulation, such as large industrial, residential and commercial buildings. Polyester skylights are frequently used in livestock farms, corrosive environments, greenhouses, and projects with limited budgets. Both solutions allow installation in various patterns, from checkerboard to continuous strips on the roof ridge line.

To maximize energy savings, it is recommended to optimize the location and frequency of the skylights, balancing natural light with thermal performance. Correct installation with adequate fixings is essential to avoid leaks that can damage the inside of the sandwich panel (especially the polyurethane insulating core). The joints must be checked periodically, especially in installations with multiple skylights in checkerboard configurations.

Assembly and Technical Services

Manufacturing and distribution companies offer comprehensive services that include measurement and technical advice to select the appropriate type and design of skylights and sandwich panels, supply of materials, screws, accessories, and custom finishes according to the project, professional assembly, including specialized equipment for handling and lifting, asbestos removal service for rehabilitation or replacement of old roofs, personnel and equipment prepared for work safely, following current regulations, fall protection systems that can be installed to ensure safety in work at height. In the installation of polycarbonate skylights, it is recommended that the diameter of the hole for screws be slightly larger than the screw to absorb thermal expansion and avoid fractures.

Guarantees and Quality

Superior quality skylights and plates have extended warranties (some up to 25 years). Cellular polycarbonate plates offer greater durability and less maintenance than polyester. It is recommended to purchase from official distributors that offer quality certificates to avoid damage derived from second-hand or low-quality products, especially in skylights where sealing is crucial.

The coatings and manufacturing include corrosion protection, UV protection and treatments to extend the useful life. The galvanized steel of the accessories and finishes has thicknesses of 0.6 mm, and is pre-painted to ensure aesthetic compatibility.

Regulations and Certifications

Fall protection systems for work on roofs with skylights comply with the regulations: UNI EN 15057, UNI EN 1873, UNI EN ISO 9227. The manufacturers comply with relevant national and international regulations in the sector, ensuring thermal insulation according to CTE regulations and other applicable regulations, mechanical resistance and safety in assembly and use, quality control and good practices in production and storage.

Summary of Sandwich Panel Types Compatible with Skylights

  • Sandwich Panel PUR/PIR (polyurethane or polyisocyanurate)
  • Rock Wool Sandwich Panels
  • Special Insulating Panels with acoustic and thermal properties
  • Tile imitation
  • Agropanel (sandwich panel for farms)
  • Aluminum or polyester false ceiling integrated with sandwich panel
  • Wood panel and combined metal/wood panel
  • Refrigerated panel for cold rooms in different thicknesses (from 4 cm to 20 cm)

Summary of Lucrative Benefits of Skylights for Sandwich Panels

  • Increases natural light, reducing energy consumption in artificial lighting.
  • Provides thermal comfort with great insulation, avoiding heat/cold losses.
  • Facilitates work and residential spaces with a better visual and psychological environment.
  • Resistant to impacts and adverse weather conditions.
  • Wide range of adaptations and configurations available for each architectural design.
  • Customized solutions to cover specific project needs.
  • Improves the aesthetics and functionality of roofs and facades.

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