An industry is subject to the need for equipment maintenance or structural conditions that compromise production safety and efficiency. To solve these problems, theretrofitis often the most viable solution.
Instead of just replacing old systems with new ones, why not make interventions to adapt infrastructures to the best and most current market practices?
When this process helps to solve problems related to high electricity consumption in the company and to have a healthier and more productive environment, one of the main solutions used in retrofitting is the installation of a structure called a domus.
Want to know more about how this works in practice? Let's explaineverything you need to know about retrofittingand the role of the domus in this process.
What is retrofit
Retrofit is the process ofmodernization or updating of old buildings. Unlike a simple restoration, in retrofit it is often necessary to replace original features of parts or entire installations with more modern solutions.
Nodeindustrial context, retrofit can be applied to both equipment and structures.
Equipment retrofit
When we talk aboutequipment retrofit, we are referring to the updating of industrial machines and devices. This usually occurs by replacing obsolete components with new parts.
Retrofit of structures
It is the renovation of buildings and industrial facilities to make them more modern and functional. It is a process that can include improvements to electrical and hydraulic systems, for example.
The objective is to extend the useful life of building facilities as a whole and reduce operating costs.
How to identify the need for roof retrofit
Many indicators signal the need to replace old components or modify structures in a building.
In industrial warehouses, for example, the retrofit of industrial roofs ends up being a fundamental process, especially considering that many of these old facilities were built withW tile.
W tile is a type of fiber cement tile, characterized by its trapezoidal profile and high mechanical resistance.
Despite being widely used in industrial and commercial roofs due to its durability, easy installation and efficiency in water drainage, it is not without problems.
Most old tiles were installed with domes made of acrylic or fiberglass sheets, materials that, over time, suffer degradation due to sun exposure.
They are thevisible signs of degradation, such as cracks, displacements and loss of structural integrity in the W tiles, which indicate the need for a retrofit project.
What is the domus
Domusis anatural lighting component installed on the roof of industrial buildings. Made from prismatic or honeycomb polycarbonate, it is designed to allow natural light to enter the interior and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
In addition to its main lighting function, the domus is designed to be resistant and durable. Polycarbonate, the material used in the manufacture of the domus, is known for itsexcellent impact and weather resistance.
The prismatic or honeycomb design of the domus allows for uniform diffusion of light to avoid glare and provide visual comfort for workers.
What are the common problems with old W tiles?
Older W tiles often present a number of problems resulting from aging and prolonged exposure to the elements. These problems are:
- dryness and breakage— UV radiation from the sun is one of the main causes of degradation of old W tiles;
- yellowing— continuous exposure to the sun also causes yellowing of acrylic or fiberglass sheets;
- infiltrations— due to wear, W tiles can develop microcracks and cracks.
Early identification of these signs of degradation is the first step towards implementing corrective measures, such as retrofitting roofs.
Why invest in retrofitting industrial roofs with domus
Still in doubt about retrofitting your industrial roof? Discover below the reasons that make investing in domus a smart and advantageous choice to modernize your infrastructure.
Flexibility in installation
Here atMB Group, we understand the importance of adapting our services to the needs of each client. Therefore, it is possible to install theDomus LineaLighton any type of tile.
You can choose to keep the W tile and simply integrate the domus or carry out a complete replacement of the tiles before installing the structure.
Improving natural lighting
Industrial structures, such as warehouses, warehouses and factories, often have their internal structures designed to maximize workspace and safety, but are not always optimized forcapture and distribute something free: natural light.
Retrofitting with a polycarbonate dome is a smart answer to solving this problem. When installed on the roof of a warehouse, the domus captures sunlight and distributes it evenly throughout the internal environment.
A resistance of domes to UV radiationensures that its components maintain efficiency and durability over a long period of time.
Reduction of operational costs
Cutting costs is a priority for any company, and in the industrial context, this often means rethinking the way we use energy.
Many industrial structures still keep their lights on during the day, wasting amoney that could be directed to more strategic areas.
Retrofitting roofs with Domus LineaLight is a solution to optimize these expenses. In addition to enjoying savings on your electricity bill, your companyYou don't have to worry about any expenses for maintaining the domus.
The structure installed on the shed roof only needs periodic cleaning to function perfectly for years.
Polycarbonate domes also offer additional benefits, such assealing against infiltration and reducing environmental noise.With the domus, you enjoy total tightness thanks to the high quality of the product and installation.
Greater well-being for employees
The use of natural light promoted by the domusbrings more visual comfort and improves the well-being of employees, creating a healthier and more productive environment.
This solution also helps to comply with the illuminance levels (LUX) recommended by the main regulatory standards, such asNR17, which deals with theergonomics at workand addresses adequate levels of solar incidence.
Therefore, by ensuring aadequate and natural lightingl, domus retrofit not only reduces the need for artificial lighting, saving energy, but also contributes to a more pleasant and efficient working environment.
Sustainability
Retrofitting with domus can be the first step in a broader plan for companies in the industrial segment that seek to maintain practices aligned with the set of principlesESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).
After all, the use of natural lighting canreduce dependence on local distributors that supply energy produced mainly by fossil fuels.
Retrofit work: the MB Group and CCM Brasil project
MB Group is a leader inventilation and natural lighting, withretrofit works for different industriesin your portfolio. One of the projects took place in the CCM Brasil warehouses, in Campo Largo (PR), with immediate and tangible results for the company.
A complete modernization process was carried out with the installation ofDomus Linealight in prismatic polycarbonate. Below, understand more about this example of retrofit that revitalized CCM Brasil's warehouses.
Challenges
We faced problems with the old fiberglass lighting systems, which werebrittle, dry, suffered from yellowingand presentedinfiltrations and leaks.
Solution
With a complete retrofit, we replaced the fiberglass skylights withDomus Linealight prismatic polycarbonate diffuser.
To see the before and after of the CCM Brasil retrofit, check out the video below:
Results
The project resolved critical structural problems in the warehouses and promoted a positive transformation in the company's industrial operations:
- brightness above 700 Lux— the warehouses now have ample natural lighting;
- energy saving— we reduce operating costs with electrical energy, thanks to less need for artificial lighting;
- increased productivity— with brighter and more comfortable working environments, employees experienced a noticeable increase in efficiency and performance.
Now that you know what retrofit is and all the benefits of seeking to revitalize industrial roofs with domus, contact Grupo MB and transform your facilities.
We have been on the market for over 20 years with the best natural lighting and ventilation solutions for the industry!Speak to our team and request a quote now.
