Effective fire protection measures accompany lightweight metal construction
The development of modern architectural solutions has led to the spread of flat roofs in almost all building types. For a long time, flat roofs were mainly reserved for commercial and industrial buildings, but this traditional roof shape is now increasingly being used in private residential buildings. The attractiveness of flat roof shapes is further enhanced by the possibility of providing rooms with daylight from above. Corresponding skylight domes or continuous rooflights create light-flooded rooms that impress with a significant increase in brightness.
In addition to these beneficial properties for the indoor climate, skylight domes and continuous rooflights also help to fulfil demanding fire protection requirements. A simple example illustrates the fire protection function that these roof openings can fulfil: In the event of a room fire that has got out of control, it is common knowledge that the windows and doors of the burning room should be closed as far as possible. The background to this is that the aim is to prevent the fire from gaining additional oxygen. However, it is also crucial to keep escape routes free of smoke. An open skylight can be helpful here. In many cases, smoke and heat extraction systems (SHEVS) are also required by the authorities.
Effective smoke extraction saves people and buildings
The fire brigade generally advises keeping fire rooms closed. Even a few flammable objects generate large quantities of smoke. This is generated at an early stage of a fire. Just three to five breaths of smoke are enough to cause death. Statistics prove this: According to them, 80 per cent of all fire victims die from smoke poisoning and only 20 per cent from burns. In view of these sobering statistics, it is more than understandable that the German state building regulations stipulate effective smoke extraction measures. Even if the regulations differ slightly from state to state: Automatic SHEVS are not necessarily required. The height of the building often determines whether an automatic smoke extraction system needs to be installed.
The tasks and benefits of a SHEVS are
- Self-rescue and rescue of people
- People can see and breathe
- Interior attack by the fire brigade
- Firefighters can see, orientate themselves and rescue people
- Property protection
- Reduced heat load and smoke spread protects buildings and facilities
- Protection against operational failures
- Reduction of longer downtimes
Frame profiles as a substructure for skylight domes
The main task of SHEVS is therefore to dissipate smoke, heat and toxic gases from the building in the event of a fire and to create a low-smoke layer in the lower part of the building. Against this background, continuous rooflights and skylight domes are important building elements in modern hall construction, for example. Our frame profiles as load-bearing substructures for these daylight systems fulfil all the necessary functional requirements of lightweight metal construction. With well thought-out complete solutions, we also ensure convenient installation conditions. Optimised preliminary work for assembly saves time and money on the construction site.
