Mezzanine floors are a popular way to create more space within growing businesses. With available warehouse space lacking in the UK, a mezzanine floor is a creative and cost-effective way for many companies to find the space they need.
This space creating solution is used across many different industries, including warehousing, distribution, storage, production and manufacturing, just to name a few.
However, a mezzanine floor by design is closer to the roof which means that the heat entering through roof lights has more of an impact on employees or goods at this level.
This heat gain can be a problem for many reasons…
Product spoilage
If your mezzanine floor is being used to store products, which they often are, then rising temperatures can cause product spoilage and wastage. Those working in the food and drink, or pharmaceutical sector will be particularly mindful of this.
In 2015, a report by the UK Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) highlighted that the US and Europe are responsible for approximately 60% of all food wasted with an average 21% of this due to spoilage.
Employee health and comfort
Employers have a duty of care towards employees and must attempt to control thermal comfort in the workplace. Whilst there is no legal minimum and maximum temperature for working conditions, temperatures in the indoor workplace are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which place a legal obligation on employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature in the workplace.
Those working in uncomfortably hot environments are more likely to suffer from heat stress and therefore behave unsafely because their ability to make decisions and/or perform manual tasks deteriorates.
Easipanel reflective roof light covers – reduce heat but maintain light
Rather than relying on expensive air conditioning systems, or cheap roof light paint, Westgate’s Easipanel is a simple, cost-effective solution that will reduce heat but maintain natural light.
Easipanel is manufactured using multiwall polycarbonate sheets that are custom designed and installed to suit any building’s bespoke roof light configuration. The installation methods and components used ensure that no damage is done to the existing roof or roof lights – perfect if you’re renting your premises.
Depending on the environment, Easipanel can provide a heat reduction of approximately 53%, as well as approximately 55% shading coefficient. This can be done whilst still maintaining up to 50% of natural light, which is more than is achieved with the alternative of painting the roof lights.
If you’re looking for a simple solution to reducing heat gain on your mezzanine floor, contact us at Westgate to learn more about our reflective roof light cover – Easipanel.
