The problem: Thermal bridge
Everywhere that roof cladding has to be breached to install anchors for the fall protection system of a PV roof installation, there is a danger of creating a thermal bridge. The effect of thermal bridges is to conduct the cold downwards via the posts to areas where condensation water can then collect. In the medium and long term, this water not only results in structural damage, but also in mould formation.
The consequences include extensive renovation work. For this, the complete PV and fall protection systems must generally be dismantled. This can result in huge costs. The experts at INNOTECH therefore advise all their customers to consider dependable thermal separation as early as the planning phase of the fall protection system.
The requirements are very straightforward; very few additional working hours are required, and so this is more or less negligible in terms of cost. Nevertheless, there is a huge positive effect, because prevention of thermal bridges at the posts for the fall protection system means that no condensation can form there. Expensive renovation caused by thermal bridges is then no longer an issue.
What is thermal separation?
The explanation of the term “thermal separation” is simple: It is simply a matter of taking insulating measures between two components, in order to minimise the heat exchange at that point. As well as the problems described above for a hypothetical thermal bridge, which arise if there is no thermal separation, the insulation also improves the energy efficiency of the building, because less heat can escape outwards. This applies particularly in climate zones having large temperature fluctuations.
Thermal separation for anchor points of fall protection systems
Because of the energy revolution being pursued right across Europe, and the need for individual households to become as energy-independent as possible, PV systems on roofs are becoming of much greater significance. For these individual solar power plants, fall protection systems are also becoming extremely important for regular maintenance and for being able to perform servicing and cleaning tasks as safely as possible.
This is the only way for the individual solar panels to continuously deliver the optimum output. This means: The roofs of these buildings must be equipped with the necessary PV substructures and with the posts for the respective fall protection. Here too it is necessary to avoid thermal bridges.
INNOTECH’s extensive range of STA posts act as anchor points for the company’s own lifeline and rail systems. These posts are foamed on the inside and therefore conduct as little cold as possible into the building. In addition, Purenit panels* are used for thermal separation between the posts and the roof cladding. On the one hand, these are very hard and resistant, and so they can optimally withstand the forces which act in the event of a fall. The load capacity of the entire fall protection system thus remains at the highest level.
The best possible safety for all servicing and cleaning workers is thus ensured at all times. Additionally, these panels have very good insulating properties and form efficient lagging, so the transfer of cold can in turn be optimally avoided. They therefore also optimally prevent the phenomenon of thermal bridges.
Anchor Points
Secure connection of system/anchorage eye to substructure
Because of the very wide variety in fall-risk areas, individual forms of fall protection are necessary.
Lifeline Systems
The powerful lifeline system that offers a whole host of variants
Our powerful AIO lifeline system provides a reliable and versatile solution.
Rail System
The strong and flexible rail system TAURUS
Curves, pitches, sloping positions, and of course straight runs: the TAURUS rail system is as versatile as the potential areas of application.
Purenit is a polyurethane product based on (PUR/PIR) rigid foam, with a bulk density of approx. 550 kg/m3. It is insensitive to moisture, has a very good thermal insulation value. It is very pressure-resistant and robust and highly resistant to chemicals.
Not only is the highly compacted functional material very solid and stable, it is also very light. In addition to its thermal separation, Purenit offers a number of benefits. As mentioned above, Purenit panels are installed by INNOTECH between the roof cladding and the post.
Furthermore, Purenit is also ideally suited as a thermal separation for all current building forms and types. The size of the respective Purenit panel exactly matches the size of the post's base plate and also has the same number of drill holes.
Important: Thermal separation for fall protection systems must not be made of rubber or other soft materials, because these cannot withstand the forces arising from a fall from height.
There really are no standards or rules ...
There are no legal requirements or rules at all for thermal separation. This important topic must therefore always be assessed and decided individually by an appropriate thermal engineer. For many roof fixtures in particular, thermal separations should always be included in the project planning.
In any case, INNOTECH advises all clients about the importance of thermal separation in terms of building physics, and in its planning the company ensures the smallest possible number of roof penetrations. This is achieved through the properties of lifeline systems and rail systems, which require a post only every 15 metres, for example. Standard solutions require twice as many, i.e. one post every 7 metres. For this reason alone, significantly fewer roof penetrations are necessary, and this also reduces the danger of thermal bridges.
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