Available types of rooflight coverings

Available types of rooflight coverings – what to choose?

Choosing the right rooflight covering is a decision that affects not only the aesthetics of the hall but, above all, its energy balance, fire safety, and durability. On the wirmet.eu website and in technical catalogs, you will find solutions based on top-class materials. Let's take a look at the most popular types of fillings.

1. Multi-wall polycarbonate – the standard in modern construction

This is currently the most frequently chosen material for continuous rooflights and point skylights. It is characterized by a multi-layer structure that creates so-called air chambers.

• Advantages: Excellent thermal insulation ($U$), lightweight (does not burden the roof structure), and high impact resistance (e.g., hail).
• Thicknesses: Wirmet's standard includes sheets with thicknesses ranging from 10 mm to 25 mm, and in "warmer" versions, even up to 32 mm.
• Variants: * Clear: Maximum light transmission (up to 80%).
  • Opal (milky): Excellent light diffusion, eliminating glare and excessive room heating.

2. Acrylic domes (PMMA)

Mainly used in point skylights and roof hatches. Acrylic is a material with exceptional clarity that does not yellow under the influence of UV radiation.

• Advantages: High aesthetics and ease of cleaning thanks to the smooth, spherical surface (rainwater washes away contaminants on its own).
• Construction: Double or triple-layer domes are most commonly used, which allows for better thermal insulation parameters and prevents water vapor condensation.

3. Solid polycarbonate

A material for special tasks that looks like glass but is 200 times stronger.

• Application: Places particularly exposed to mechanical damage or where the highest class of burglary resistance is required.
• Safety: It is a flame-retardant material with high fire reaction classes.

4. NRO Solutions (Non-fire spreading)

Fire safety is a priority for industrial halls. Wirmet offers coverings with NRO classification that meet the rigorous standards of Polish building law.

Expert tip: When selecting a covering, pay attention to the heat transfer coefficient $U$. The lower it is, the less energy escapes through the roof in winter. In heated buildings, polycarbonate with a thickness of at least 20 mm is the optimal choice.

Summary – how to make a decision?

The choice depends on the specifics of the facility:

• For extensive warehouse halls, multi-wall polycarbonate continuous rooflights will be ideal.
• In representative office buildings or smaller rooms, acrylic domes will work well.
• In places with increased security requirements, it is worth considering solid polycarbonate fillings.

Not sure which sheet thickness will be optimal for your investment?

We invite you to contact the Wirmet technical department – we will prepare a free lighting analysis for you and select materials consistent with current standards.

Check out the Wirmet offer

This video presents the Wirmet company offer, including roof hatches as well as fixed and opening rooflights, which can be equipped with various types of coverings.