National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers (NARM)

Sustainable architecture

Knowledge level:

General Awareness

Material type: Online Learning

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CPD Material (4)

Understanding the Differences Between Non-fragile Rooflights and Walk-on Rooflights for Deliberate Foot Traffic

This technical document explains the differences between non-fragile rooflights and walk-on rooflights. It covers how to specify rooflights which will ensure compliant safety levels for individuals accessing roof areas, whether for occasional cleaning or maintenance, or in the case of walk-on rooflights, for regular and deliberate foot traffic. It will help you to understand the following topics:
- The definitions of and differences between non-fragile rooflights and walk-on rooflights designed for deliberate foot traffic
- Where non-fragile rooflights should be installed
- Practical recommendations for specification for both types of rooflight to be safe and compliant
- General guidance for safety on roofs

RIBA Core Curriculum:

Knowledge level:

Microlearning

Material type: Literature

An Introduction to Natural Daylight Design in Domestic Properties

This technical document provides guidance on daylighting design with rooflights in domestic properties. It covers how to specify rooflights which will provide appropriate levels and quality of daylight and avoid common design pitfalls which may lead to inappropriate daylight levels, poor energy efficiency, glare, or overheating. It will help you to understand the following topics:
- The health and well being benefits of daylight in homes
- Benefits and effects of rooflights and roof windows and factors which can affect design and specification
- The daylight factor and how it can be established using proprietary software
- The effects of daylighting on energy efficiency
- Control of solar gain and glare and sun-screening
- How light can affect your design and ways to match daylight quality and levels to room usage

RIBA Core Curriculum:

Knowledge level:

Microlearning

Material type: Literature

Application of ACR[M]001 Test for Non-Fragility of Large Element Roofing Assemblies to GRP Profiled Rooflight Sheeting

The Health and Safety Executive clearly states that those persons responsible for the design of a roof structure should consider carefully the potential to eliminate or reduce the hazard of using materials which are of a fragile nature. Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) rooflights can safely be specified as non-fragile, providing that they have been manufactured to industry standards, fixed to manufacturers specifications and used in conjunction with structurally compatible roofing components. This document is designed to provide a straightforward guide for the designer to simplify the specification of GRP rooflights, to achieve non-fragility and retain it for 25 years. It will help you to understand the following topics:
- The test procedures and classifications relating to GRP in-plane rooflights as part of complete roofing assemblies
- The terminology pertaining to durability and non-fragility of GRP rooflights
- The implications of weathering in relation to non-fragility of GRP rooflights
- How to specify GRP rooflights to achieve non-fragility and retain it for 25 years

RIBA Core Curriculum:

Health, safety and wellbeing

Knowledge level:

General Awareness

Material type: Literature

An Introduction to Natural Daylight Design Through Rooflighting

This document looks at the benefits of natural daylight in the built environment and the specification and selection of rooflights. It will help you to understand the following topics:
- The benefits of natural daylight and the basics of designing daylight into buildings with rooflights
- The factors affecting rooflight compliance in the UK
- The differences between different rooflight constructions and where these are appropriate, covering glass, thermoplastic and GRP rooflights
- How roof lights can help to achieve the required light levels for specific building usage
- The role that rooflights can play in reducing energy usage and CO2 emissions
- How to apply the knowledge gained when designing or specifying roof lights

RIBA Core Curriculum:

Knowledge level:

General Awareness

Material type: Literature