Shadegrate & Shadetread Systems

Introduction 

Where traditionally the specification of 'webforge' or 'webgrate' systems are proposed, we offer a locally manufactured architectural solution to balustrades, solar shade or light weight heavy duty aluminum access walkways.

Thermosash developed these webbed aluminum screen systems as a shading device to integrate into our façade suites. It is common knowledge that by shading the building façade from the exterior, heating loads imposed on the building fabric, and therefore the transference of heat, is greatly reduced - potentially lowering the cooling requirements of the building's mechanical plant and increasing occupant comfort. These systems have since been used extensively for screening and access floors over a wide range of building projects - old and new. The screen system is specifically engineered and constructed from the most appropriate sized sections to meet your performance needs and site specific requirements, including being able to be powder coated or anodised to suit your project's durability needs. The two unique systems have some significant engineering differences outlined briefly below:

Shadegrate™

Thermosash Shadegrate™ is a versatile aluminum shading element engineered as a non-trafficable screen that can vary in grid pattern to suit your project's needs (within the constraints of the tooling). It can be installed vertically or horizontally to provide very effective shading to the exterior of the building, whilst enabling a good degree of direct visual sight-line. It can also be incorporated into code compliant architectural balcony balustrades.   

Shadetread™

Thermosash Shadetread™ is an engineered open grate aluminum flooring system, originally designed as a maintenance and light weight trafficable access floor. Other practical uses include platforms to the exterior façade allowing a safe access system for cleaning - doubling as an effective shading device.

This product has been predominantly specified into our Thermosash twin-wall curtainwall systems, allowing safe light weight access through the cavity zone, whilst allowing maximum convective air flow in these passive ventilated building designs. 

 Uses of these systems may include:

• Sun screens (horizontal or vertical) 
• Feature fins
• Trafficable sunscreens (for window cleaning / maintenance etc)
• Access floors
• Mechanical plant screen
• Safe roof access systems 
• Balustrades

Specifying
 
When specifying the screens  the following  factors need to be considered.  Our in-house engineers then undertake analysis to provide the most structurally economic solution:

• Screen use - vertical or horizontal shade device / human traffic / ventilation
• Shade requirement 
• Wind loading
• Seismic loading back to the structure
• Fixing locations

Product Features and Key Benefits:

• New Zealand engineered and manufactured. 
• Made from lightweight aluminum engineered and manufactured to your requirements. 
• Variability to grate grid sizes (within engineering tolerances). 
• Integrated bracket systems - can connect to Thermosash systems without penetrating beyond 'wet-zone' of  curtainwalling or unitised system.

• Shadegrate™ thickness - 40mm or 50mm x 3mm thick (subject to fixing centres).
• Shadetread™ thickness - 40mm or 50mm x 3mm thick (subject to fixing centres). 
• Spacings - These step up in 30mm increments (e.g. 30mm x 30mm or 30mm x 90mm)
• Panel size is limited only by Anodise bath / Powdercoating or transporting limitations - call us to discuss your project
• Can be powder coated or anodised to any available colour. 

Specification 

We recommend using Masterspec 4521TS Commercial Windows when specifying this suite.

Surface Finishing 

As these products are manufactured from aluminium, there are many surface finishing options available, such as:

• Polyester powdercoat  - Both standard and special colours available. 
• Anodised - All anodised colours available - commercial grade 20 micron finish recommended. 
• PVF2 Flourocarbon finishes - Available on request. 

Performance / Testing

• NZS4203 (Code of Practice for General Structural Design and Design Loadings for Buildings) 
• AS/NZS1170 (Structural Design Actions) 

Warranty

The standard warranty is 5 years from the date of practical completion for these products. This covers workmanship and weather tightness, providing the subcontract includes fabrication, installation and glazing of all components. 

Downloads Available 
Please go to our resource section or click here for the relevant Shadegrate™  or Shadetread™ downloads.