FAQ and knowledge - natural ventilation

ISOCELL™ membrane

What is the average lifespan of the ISOCELL™ membrane?

The lifespan of the ISOCELL™ membrane is evaluated at 10 years.

What is the warranty on the ISOCELL™ membrane?

The warranty on the ISOCELL™ membrane is:

100% - the 1st year
75% - the 2nd year
50% - the 3rd year
25% - the 4th year
15% - the 5th year

What are the differences between Polytherm and ISOCELL™?

Here are some differences between Polytherm and ISOCELL™:

Polytherm only has one air chamber as do all the membranes offered by the competitors while ISOCELL™ has two air chambers. This makes the ISOCELL™ more insulated and structural.
Polytherm, like all the competing membranes, provides an insulating factor of R 1,60 (0.28 RSI).
Whereas ISOCELL™ provides an insulation factor of R 3,0 (0,53 RSI).

What is the thickness of the ISOCELL™ membrane?

The actual thickness of the ISOCELL™ membrane is 8 MIL (Thousand of an inch). An increase of 33% compared to the older membranes, therefore more robust and durable.

Which controller should be used for 1 wall only? For 2 walls? For 3 walls or more?

For 1 wall, the controller is the ISO-2S. Used for a wall with a maximum of 3 blowers.
For 2 walls, the control is the ISO-2S. Used for two walls with a maximum of 4 blowers each.
For 3 walls or more, there are two options as below:
Either the DOL-434 or the EDGE Elite.

Are the blowers variable?

No, the blowers only have one speed. To obtain different levels of distinct ventilation, we install the necessary number of blowers, which is one per level for the entire length of the membrane.

Is the ISOCELL™ membrane resistant to mice and mold?

The controllers have a dewatering & drying cycle option which makes the membranes go up and down twice each day. Therefore, water, mice, and debris are removed to keep the membranes clean and dry. For added security, it is the responsibility of the owner to keep the surroundings of the buildings clean.

Is the ISOCELL™ membrane bird resistant?

The system ensures that the membrane maintains a constant cell pressure so the birds cannot stay on the membrane nor do any damage.

Is the ISOCELL™ membrane noisy?

No. Outside of the building and 7 feet (2 m) away from the blowers, the number of decibels is 55 dB. Inside the building, where it counts, the sound is imperceptible, which makes the system more beneficial compared to a mechanical one.

Can the ISOCELL™ membrane replace the round or square single air chamber membranes from the competition?

The ISOCELL™ membranes are unique and have a 9 1/2” (24 cm) thickness while the competing system membranes are usually either 6” (15 cm) or 7 1/2” (19 cm). It is therefore difficult to replace a defective membrane offered by the competition for an ISOCELL™ membrane. To improve your system with the unique ISOCELL™ membrane, it is suggested that you also change different components of the framework, such as posts and the top and bottom support brackets.

How does the wall open?

In warm weather, the controller deflates the lower air cells, by making the blowers stop sequentially. With their weight, the inflated higher cells collapse on the deflated cells, thus the opening is created.

Will the wall deflate if there is a hole?

No. The blowers work continuously and have the ability to maintain a pressure greater than the immediate need. When the membranes are full of air, the blowers run at idle to maintain the required pressure but can increase speed when required, should there be small holes in the membranes.

What if there is a hole?

With each of our systems, we provide a self-adhesive tape (patch).

Polytherm

What is the average lifespan of the Polytherm membrane?

The average lifespan of the Polytherm membranes varies between 7 to 10 years depending on their exposure to the sun. Some of our membranes are in good condition and have more than 13 years of operation. Upon replacement, it is only necessary to replace the defective membrane without any other adjustment.

What is the insulation factor for the Polytherm membrane?

The insulation factor for the Polytherm membrane is R 1.60 (.28 RSI).

What is the warranty on the Polytherm membrane?

The warranty on the Polytherm membrane is:

100% - the 1st year
75% - the 2nd year
50% - the 3rd year
25% - the 4th year
15% - the 5th year

Is the Polytherm membrane resistant to mice and mold?

Is the Polytherm membrane bird resistant?

The system ensures that the membrane maintains a constant cell pressure so the birds cannot stay on the membrane nor do any damage.

Is it noisy?

No. Outside of the building and 7 feet (2m) away from the blowers, the number of decibels is 55 dB. In the inside of the building, where it counts, the sound is imperceptible, which makes the system more beneficial compared to a mechanical one.

Can the Polytherm membrane replace the round single air chamber membranes from the competitors?

Yes, the Polytherm can replace this type of membrane as they all have the same thickness. A series of easy questions will be asked by our team before the production.

For example:

What is the distance of the air gasket to the beginning of the membrane?
What is the width and height of the existing box?
How does the wall open?

Will the wall deflate if there is a hole?

What if there is a hole?

With each of our systems, we provide a self-adhesive tape (patch).

Single Curtain

What is the average lifespan of the Grif-Stop and Fabrene curtain?

On average, the lifespan of these curtains is between 10 and 12 years.

What is the warranty on the curtains?

The warranty on the curtains is:

100% - the 1st year
75% - the 2nd year
50% - the 3rd year
25% - the 4th year
15% - the 5th year

Are the curtains transparent?

These curtains are not transparent but do offer good lighting. The Fabrene is slightly more opaque than the Grif-Stop.

How does the lifting system work with a fixed canvas?

It all depends on which actuator, winch, or drive shaft is chosen.

If we use a winch, the system goes up and down manually from top to bottom.

If we use an actuator or drive shaft, control is usually used and it is activated depending on the desired temperature which makes the system rise and fall.

The canvas is attached at the bottom with your choice of material such as a strip of plastic, aluminum, or a piece of wood.

How does the lifting system work with a removable canvas?

The removable curtain system works as does the fixed curtain with the difference that the bottom portion may be released when required. There is a 1’’ (inch) galvanized steel pipe installed in the anchor. When the canvas is completely down, we just have to undo the anchorage to release the tube and with the help of Velcro tape, we surround the canvas. With the help of the winch or the actuator, we raise everything to the top. This protects the fabric from the weather and will keep it in good condition for much longer.

What is the canvas made of?

The Fabrene is made out of 10oz high-density braided Polyethylene.

The Gif-Stop is made out of 15oz braided Polyethylene with laminated PVC.

What is the price of a curtain system?

Since there are multiple curtains, hardware, and lifting system choices, you should contact your nearest distributor.

What is the insulation factor?

The insulation factor for all curtain systems is R0.85 (.15 RSI).

Which controller can be used with the single curtain?

For one wall

TC4-NVS

For two walls

EXPERT-20

For three walls or more, there are two options

The DOL 434 or EDGE Elite

Roll-up curtain

How does this system work?

The lifting system is used with a drive shaft. The motor drives the curtain from bottom to top. The motor follows the curtain.

What is the warranty for the motors?

The warranty for the motors is 1 year.

What is the warranty on the curtains?

The warranty on the curtains is:

100% after the 1st year.
75% after the 2nd year.
50% after the 3rd year.
25% after the 4th year.
15% after the 5th year.

Which controller can be used with the roll-up curtain?

For one wall

TC4-NVS

For two walls

EXPERT-20.

For three walls or more, there are two options

The DOL 434 or EDGE Elite

Inflatable Curtain

What is the insulation factor?

The insulation factor for the inflatable curtain is R 1.53 (0.27 RSI).

What is the warranty on the curtains?

The warranty on the curtains is:

100% - the first year.
75% - the second year.
50% - the third year.
25% - the fourth year.
15% - the fifth year.

Which controller can be used with the inflatable curtain?

For one wall

TC4-NVS

For two walls

EXPERT-20

For three walls or more, there are two options

The DOL 434 or EDGE Elite

How does this system work?

The inflatable curtain system works as follows:

According to the desired temperature, the controller sends a command for the fan to stop. When the fan stops, the curtain deflates. When the canvas is completely deflated, the actuator is activated by either the top or bottom part of the system.

Lumiwall panel

What is the insulation factor?

The insulation factor for the Lumiwall is R3,6 (0.63 RSI).

What is the warranty?

The warranty is 10 years on the UV treatment.

Is it durable?

Yes, it is made of lightweight and durable polycarbonate.

Are they more expensive than other types of panels on the market?

The Lumiwall panel is approximately 30% less expensive than the Lexan.

The Lumiwall panel is approximately 25% less expensive than the Fiberglass panel (with window)

*Comparisons made on the price of the panel only*

What are the advantages compared to other panels on the market?

The advantages over other panels are:

Economic
Lighter
Being lighter, we prolong the lifespan of the lifting system.

What is the maximum height of the panels?

The maximum height available for the Lumiwall panel is 6’ (1.8m).

Which controller can be used with the Lumiwall panel?

For one wall

TC4-NVS

For two walls

EXPERT-20

For three walls or more, there are two options

The DOL 434 or EDGE Elite

What is the thickness of the material?

The thickness of the Lumiwall panel is 1" (25 mm).

Lexan panel

What is the insulation factor?

The insulation factor for the Lexan panel is R0,85 (0.15 RSI).

What are the advantages of this product?

Allows perfect visibility and brightness.

What kind of material is Lexan Panel made of?

It is made of unbreakable UV-treated polycarbonate plastic (Lexan) with a single thickness of 3/32" (2.38mm).

Is it more expensive than other types of panels on the market?

The Lexan is the most expensive model, due to its unique design

It is 12% more expensive than the Fiberglass panel (with window)

It is approximately 40% more expensive than the Lumiwall panel

*Comparisons made on the price of the panel only*

What is the maximum height for these panels?

The maximum height available for the polycarbonate (Lexan) panel is 36’’ & 48’’ (91 cm & 122 cm).

Which controllers can be used with the Lexan panel?

For one wall

TC4-NVS

For two walls

EXPERT-20

For three walls or more, there are two options

The EDGE Elite

Thermik panel

What is the insulation factor?

The insulation factor for the Thermik Panel is R7,3 (1.29 RSI).

Is it more expensive than other types of panels on the market?

The Thermik panel falls in the middle of the price level.

It is 10% less expensive than the Lexan panel.

It is approximately 30% less expensive than the Lumiwall panel

*Comparisons made on the price of the panel only*

What are the advantages of this product?

The fiberglass panel is more insulated than the Lexan and Lumiwall.

What material is the Thermik panel made of?

The panel is made of fiberglass on the outside and HDPE plastic on the inside.

What is the average lifespan for these panels?

The average lifespan for these panels is 15 years.

What is the production lead time?

Regardless of the length, the time to produce the panels is 3 weeks.

What is the maximum height for these panels?

The maximum height available for the Thermik panel is 36’’ & 48’’ (91 cm & 122 cm).

What controller can be used with the Thermik panel?

For one wall

TC4-NVS

For two walls

EXPERT-20

For three walls or more, there are two options

The EDGE Elite

Lumiridge system

What type of building, where we can apply Lumiridge?

It is necessary that the building is without an attic so that light can enter freely. If the building is designed with an attic, it is necessary to provide a passage section to the Lumiridge system to allow evacuation of air and light transmission.

What is the insulation factor?

The insulation factor for the Lumiridge without a chimney is R3,6 (0,63 RSI)

What is the warranty?

The warranty is 10 years on the UV treatment. For the chimneys, please refer to the chimneys section.

What is the cost of the Lumiridge?

Approximately, 245 $CDN per linear foot (800 $CND / linear meter). This price includes the chimneys and the automatic motorization system.

What material is the Lumiridge made of?

The Lumiridge is made of a polycarbonate sheet with 5 walls and 4 air cells structure. The material thickness is 1” (25mm).

What function gives an added value to the Lumiridge?

The biggest advantage of Lumiridge is unquestionably the clarity it brings to the building while maintaining a good insulation factor. The insulating factor increases the convection effect allowing chimneys maximum efficiency. This provides significant savings in electricity because less light is needed in the building. In addition, the system includes a mechanism that works very well even in very cold weather.

Chimneys

What is the roof opening for the chimneys?

For a chimney of :

19" x 19" = 22 1/2" x 22 1/2" (57cm x 57cm)
24" x 24" = 27 1/2" x 27 1/2" (70cm x 70cm)
19" x 30" = 22 1/2" x 33 1/2" (57cm x 85cm)
30" x 30" = 33 1/2" x 33 1/2" (85cm x 85cm)
What is the airflow evacuated per chimney?

For one chimney, approximately :

19" x 19" = 2200 cfm (3700 m3/hr)
24" x 24" = 3200 cfm (5450 m3/hr)
19" x 30" = 3200 cfm (5450 m3/hr)
30" x 30" = 4000 cfm (6800 m3/hr)
(cfm = cubic feet per minute m3/hr = cubic meters per hour)

What type of plastic is used to make the chimney?

Solid non-corrosive HDPE plastic, UV treated. (HDPE: high-density polyethylene)

What is the average lifespan of the chimneys?

Due to the high quality of this product, we estimate the lifespan to be 20 years except for an improper installation or extreme weather conditions (storm, hurricane, tornados…).

How to calculate the required number and size of chimneys?

Different methods are used for the calculation of chimneys.

You should refer yourself to a Secco International specialist.

Various factors should be considered in the analysis such as:

Building dimensions
Type of livestock
Maximum spacing between each unit
Etc…
What function do the chimneys have in a building?
They take part in the natural ventilation system process of the building
The chimneys are used to remove warm air and moisture from the building.
Since the warm air is lighter and volatile, it is extracted and evacuated (convection effect) by the chimneys
How to determine the number of linear roof vents required?
To determine the required amount of roof vents, you just need the building dimension and divide it by 600. The ratio of 1:600.
A 48’’ (1.22m) roof vent can cover 1500 pi2 (140 m2)
A 96’’ (2.44m) roof vent can cover 3000 pi2 (280 m2)
Are we better off with automatic or manual control for the chimneys?

An efficient control, responsive to sudden changes in temperature requires chimney automation, mainly in the cold winter climate.

What is the warranty on the chimneys?

The warranty on the chimneys is 5 years.