NATURAL LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FOR ZIPPED METAL ROOFS

Covering sheds with continuous and seamless metallic tiles (named “zipped”) is a consolidated solution. For some time now, builders have also included some translucent polycarbonate tiles and domes in these roofs, in order to take advantage of natural light. It happens that this alternative may require cutting the cover, which reduces its watertightness, in addition to facilitating the emergence of areas where the water is dammed.


With the increase in demand for large logistic sheds and, in parallel, the growing concern with the energy bill, companies in the coverage segment began to search for alternatives to avoid the sectioning of the metallic roof and maintain the area with natural light. The one that came closest to the solution – in fact, it has already been patented – was Planefibra, from Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Manufacturer of tiles, domus and ventilation systems, Planefibra has developed a composite tile as translucent as polycarbonate, but which can be used in conjunction with metal tile without the need to cut the roof.

“We created a system called Ziplan®, which is composed of translucent composite tiles with metallic edges, a feature that makes it possible to join other types of tiles through the zipping process and without the need for cutting,” explains Valério Heuchling, commercial manager at Planefibra. To join the composite tile to the metallic edge, Planefibra uses a structural adhesive, the same material used in gluing bus bodies and boat hulls.

In addition to not harming the waterproofing of the roof, the novelty developed by Planefibra costs, on average, 30% less than the polycarbonate domus options on the market. “Not to mention that its use does not require the various accessories necessary for the installation of polycarbonate, which contributes to the reduction of the total cost of the project,” compares Heuchling.

According to Planefibra’s commercial manager, the professional able to install Ziplan® tile is the same one who is used to working with zipped metal tiles. There are also no changes regarding the equipment (zipper) used in the installation.

Author: SLEA Comunicação