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 | | CONTROLLING CONDENSATION | | | The Rooflight Company | | 09/05/2007 | | | While practising in London in the late 1980s, architect and founder of the Rooflight Company Peter King observed a large number of Victorian cast iron skylights slowly disintegrating, with no suitable substitute available. Contemporary roof windows were inappropriate for many historically significant properties, but single-glazed cast iron replacements were unable to meet modern building standards. He therefore set about creating the Conservation Rooflight®, a product designed to resemble an authentic Victorian skylight, but with a much higher standard of insulation and user-convenience. One obstacle in the product's development was providing protection against the common problem faced by all metal-framed rooflights and windows - condensation. By inventing the Thermoliner®, a unique, patented thermal break device, this was a difficulty he was able to overcome.
A thermally decoupled lining made from PVCu, the Thermoliner® was developed to address the potential for condensation by isolating the cold bridge at the rooflight frame. For users, the Thermoliner® presents a warm-to-the-touch internal edging to the frame and, more importantly, there is no incidence of dripping condensation internally.
As Peter King notes, "The Thermoliner® is innovative in that it does not set out to prevent condensation - it allows condensation to occur in a controlled manner, out of sight of the house's occupants." Contained within the rooflight frame and generally matt black in colour, it is unobtrusive and is rebated for 12.5mm plasterboard or timber linings to aid internal finishing. When finished correctly, none of the rooflight perimeter metalwork is directly visible. Integral drainage slots ensure that any condensation that may occur is channelled out of the building. In rooms where more moisture vapour is likely to be generated, e.g. bathrooms and kitchens, a Thermoliner® for the rooflight glazing bar(s) can be fitted on request.
"Because the Thermoliner® did not already exist, it was necessary to invent it," says Peter. "Its development has been key to the success not only of the Conservation Rooflight®, but to the success of the company as a whole."
Thermoliner® is exclusive to the Rooflight Company, and is available in black, white, dark and light grey to match standard BS colours. | |
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