Promat develops fire-resistant glazing solution for sun tunnels

Sun tunnels (also referred to as sun pipes, sun tubes or light tubes) are increasingly being recognised for their sustainability benefits. This is primarily due to the way in which they enable plenty of natural light to be introduced into a building and reduce the need for artificial light generated by electricity.

The structures transmitting and distributing this low carbon natural light must be safe as well, particularly so in respect of their fire resistance.

One of the ways in which Promat is helping architects and contractors to achieve their fire safety goals without compromising the effectiveness of sun pipes is by providing an additional element, which combines high-clarity fire resistant glass and PROMATECT-H.

The Promat glass team based in Czechia is leading on this project. There’s excellent potential to benefit installations of sun pipes in the UK, where the risk of fire spreading through the assembly may exist.

Cladding section

The key to this solution is the creation of a bespoke PROMATECT-H cladding section to apply to the sun pipe’s steel frame, into which Promat PYROSEC can be installed. This can then be incorporated into the construction of the sun tunnel to prevent the spread of fire, with the benefit of excellent glass clarity to maximise light flow.

Stephen Malkin, sales manager for glass at Promat UK, said: “Sun pipes provide a way to introduce free and natural light into buildings, which would otherwise have to be lit almost exclusively by artificial light. That could represent a significant energy saving, but we must also ensure this sustainable lighting objective is not presenting a fire risk.”

Malkin added: “The solution developed by our team in the Czech Republic ticks all the boxes. It’s compatible with all of the major sun pipe systems and offers the potential to add either EI30 or EI60 fire resistance to the sun pipe. That means 30 or 60 minutes’ worth of integrity and insulation protection.”

No compromise on safety

The Promat team has a wealth of experience and knowledge of how to deploy fire-resistant glass in all kinds of interior glazing. Knowledge of the correct glass specification, framing materials and its design, plus the appropriate sealing and additional components, means that Promat is ideally placed to help architects create buildings which benefit from high levels of natural daylight without compromising fire safety.

In addition to sun tunnels, Promat PYROSEC can be used to provide fire-resistant horizontal glazing in more traditional flat glass skylights in ceilings. Both walk-on and non-walkable glass floors can be created as well, including through the use of Promat SYSTEMGLAS Stratum, all with the aim of bringing natural light into buildings and creating pleasant environments for their users.

*Further information is available via e-mail at promatglass@etexgroup.com or telephone: +44 (0)800 588 4444