October 28, 2020

15 Top Automated Sliding Rooflight Solution FAQ's

Written by Rebecca Clayton

Commonly asked questions about our M.A.R.S automated sliding rooflight system

IQ Glass are excited to announce the launch of our new Modern Automated Rooflight System – otherwise known as M.A.R.S.

Engineered and manufactured by our factory here in the UK, this bespoke automated sliding rooflight rooflight system has been designed to push the boundaries of the most adventurous residential and commercial projects. With no limitations on maximum glass or motor size and multiple possible configurations, including biparting and pocket sliding roof configurations, architects are free to create bold and truly unique designs to fit any project.

  

Is the automated sliding rooflight weather tight?

The automated sliding rooflight system has been carefully engineered with multiple layers of protection to ensure the system is completely watertight. This begins with the glass being structurally bonded to the sliding frame along all four sides, rather than relying on rubber gaskets that need replacing every few years – a factor that is omitted in many other sliding rooflights on the market. This also ensures much higher security by preventing the glass from being lifted out of the frame from the outside.

Three sets of brush seals are then integrated to further prevent any leakages during wet weather, whilst a weather bar is integrated along the edges of the automated sliding rooflight to create an additional seal that ensures any water runs off and drains down the roof when the rooflight is slid open. For even more advanced sealing, an additional pneumatic seal may also be specified.

 

Insulation and condensation protection?

Both the perimeter frame and sliding sash frame have a full thermal break for optimum thermal performance, ensuring that heat remains trapped inside the building during the winter while keeping the internal spaces cool during hotter weather.

The thermal break has the added benefit of preventing condensation from forming on the glass where two conflicting temperatures meet on each side of the rooflight glazing. This keeps the glass clear for light transmission and prevents water from dripping down onto the occupants below.

 

Can it be integrated with smart home technology?

M.A.R.S can be integrated into the BMS for wireless control and even emergency response to fire situations, depending on the building’s inbuilt fire protection system. Backup control methods can take the form of a traditional or contemporary switch design in a range of colours and architectural metals, or as a remote control or keypad. Other smart solutions include proximity readers, thumbprint recognition and retina scanners.

 

What about heat gain?

Whenever large elevations are used on a building, heat gain will inevitably be an important consideration to prevent the space and the occupants overheating, particularly during the warmer summer months. To counteract this, M.A.R.S uses solar control glass as standard to reduce solar gain, while still maintaining optimum clarity for light transmission into the building below.

 

What happens in the event of a power failure?

The impact of a power cut or power failure has been carefully considered in the design of the M.A.R.S automated sliding rooflight system. A UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) battery backup provides emergency power if the main supply is disrupted so that it will continue to operate as normal in the event of a power loss.

 

Can the rooflight have weather sensor integration?

Rain, wind and snow sensors can be integrated with the system to ensure the automatic closure of the automated sliding rooflight when sudden bad weather hits, protecting the living spaces below. Heat sensors can also be added, allowing the rooflight to open or close according to the preferred internal temperature. These can be specified during the initial quotation stage.

 

How minimalistic is the design?

What happens if the glass breaks?The MARS rooflight system has a very clean, minimal look thanks to the structural bonding of the glass onto the frame, eliminating the need to back paint the glass perimeters to cover the seals.

On top of this, plasterboard can be brought right over the internal frame, creating a completely frameless look from the inside.

All glass used in IQ rooflights are toughened and laminated as standard, to ensure the safety of the building’s occupants if the glass were to shatter.

In the event of glass breakage, the laminated interlayer holds the shattered glass in place, preventing it from falling down into the room below and injuring people to damaging property.

 

Is maintenance access easy?

The toughened glass used as the standard in all our automated rooflight systems can support up to 500kg of weight when walked on for ad hoc maintenance purposes. The motor comes with an included cover that can then be easily removed when access is needed for maintenance or repair.

 

What are the mechanisms made from?

The rails and operating mechanisms are all made from long-lasting stainless steel, preventing any rust and resulting in a very low maintenance system.

This also means that the rooflight system is suitable for use in coastal properties, where the harsher marine environment corrodes other metals without additional protective coatings. For additional security and weather resistance, the steel sliding mechanisms are fully encased in a captive style track, ensuring the key sliding elements aren’t exposed to the elements.

 

What is the automated opening speed or the sliding rooflight?

The captive track system also means that the automated sliding rooflight rooflight can be installed at various different angles with the same sliding motion – something that isn’t possible from other rooflight systems that use a simple cog and tooth system that relies on gravity to move the rooflight.

The time it takes for the automatic sliding roof system to fully slide open is partly dependent on the specified size of each uniquely manufactured system, however, as a general rule, the glass sash will slide back at a rate of approximately 20 seconds per metre.

 

What happens if the motor fails?

In the event of a motor failure, the motors can be disengaged and the automated sliding rooflight manually pulled open or shut in case of an emergency.

The building owner can then plug a laptop or similar device into the USB port for an IQ engineer to run an initial remote diagnostics report via the cloud, to identify the cause of the fault. If the motor needs to be replaced, we will send out an engineer to fit the replacement. The replacement is a very simple procedure, with access needed to the motor and control panel.

 

Is there a maintenance contract?

IQ provides a standard 5-year warranty to cover any faults that might occur with the system. However, it is recommended that the automated sliding rooflight is serviced once a year to maintain optimum performance. Additional maintenance contracts can be purchased to cover the cost of the service and any part replacement and installation - get in touch with us below for more details.

 

Can this automated sliding rooflight be used as an access rooflight?

Yes! The M.A.R.S automated sliding rooflight system can be specified as an access rooflight. As the system is manufactured completely bespoke for each project, IQ are always willing to push the boundaries to meet any project's requirements. We can combine the system with our A.R.E.S automated venting rooflight, and we have even designed a M.A.R.S as a walk-on rooflight when closed. 

 

Where can I see the M.A.R.S?

The newly renovated IQ Glass showroom, located just outside of London, features two of these automated sliding rooflight systems including a unique automated rooflight box that can be moved up and down the wall, allowing clients to see the systems up close. 

There are a number of roof glazing solutions at the IQ showroom, and we would highly recommend seeing the systems in a real life situation to ensure the right solutions are being specified for your project. Contact the team today to book your visit.

 

Find out more

M.A.R.S automated sliding rooflight has almost no design limitations and can be engineered and adapted to suit any number of specific requirements. For more information on how this unique automated sliding rooflight system can be tailored to your next project, get in touch with the team today.