Wednesday 3 June 2009
Ground Breaking Information
On the 3rd of June 2009, the SIA released its long awaited, "Industry Code of Practice, (ICP) Design considerations for the performance of skylights, tubular skylights and roof windows". This document is considered vital for the correct design and application of all forms of Skylights and the SIA is pleased that it is available as a FREE Download, simply by visiting "about us" in this website. The SIA considers this ICP to be a vital tool in the hands of regulators, designers, builders and consumers alike, and urges anyone even thinking of a skylights of whatever shape or form, to avail themselves of this free download.
Friday 24th April 2009
Signing for the future of Skylights
Tuesday the 7th of April 2009 was a truly historic day for the SIA in terms of its continued evolution as the Peak Industry Body for natural lighting applications in Australia.
Tracey Gramlick, the Executive Director of the Australian Window Association (AWA), and Robert Cussigh, the President of the Skylight Industry Association (SIA), jointly signed the Contract for the Operation of the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) for Skylights.
The WERS for Skylights program means that the industry can now be given credit for innovation in energy efficient skylights. The industry will now have accurate and reliable energy performance ratings to provide to industry and consumers.
The development of these rating programs for skylights will ensure a future for the industry as Australia continues to increase stringency on energy requirements for construction.
The AWA is the sole owner and manager of the Intellectual Property (IP) rights to the WERS for Skylights program. Signing of this Contract authorises the SIA to be the sole operator of the WERS for Skylights thermal modelling program.
This historic day is also a reflection of many years of work behind the scenes by both the AWA and the SIA, and strengthens the link between the two organisations.
DAYLIGHT IS FREE WHY NOT USE IT
Selection of skylights should consider all legislative or local authority requirements. The following factors should be considered to ensure the end result to achieve light levels amenable to a safe and happy environment. Careful attention to design and selection will save energy, help to avoid problems and ensure a pleasing result for your living or working environment, its occupants and yourself.
Design can be based on empirical information derived from past successful installations, making due allowance for the deviation of the parameters of the new installation under consideration, such as:
- WERS for Skylights
(Refer Section 3 of this Industry Code of Practice)
- The size of the area to be lit.
- Ventilation Requirements
- Fire Protection
- Structural Considerations
- The geometry of the shaft and shaft lining materials
- Aspect and shielding of the skylight
- Glazing and diffuser material
- Colour and reflectivity of walls, flooring, furnishings and ceiling
- Visual comfort
- Light distribution
The parameters (other than the actual area to be lit), in the absence of measured data can be estimated and allowance made. The allowance can be generous as overestimation of required size is preferable, The cost increase will in most situations be very minimal but will ensure success.
The more rigorous alternative is dependant on the availability of measurement of the parameters for their appropriate exact adjustments.
The reader who desires or needs a more scientifically based treatment is referred to “Skylight Handbook design guidelines” of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. This publication will provide a more rigorous treatment of the subject.
READ OUR CURRENT NEWSLETTER - CLICK BELOW
