Rooftop Equipment Screens Types and Options
When it comes to building design, you need to think about a lot of things.
From the actual shape and square footage of the building to its uses, doors, and windows, roof shapes, types, architectural features—and more!
But one often overlooked feature is the rooftop itself, specifically in regards to the boundary around the roof and what it looks like. One of the most popular options is rooftop equipment screens.
Let’s take a look at the different types of rooftop equipment screens, what they cost, and the options you have for design.
What Are Equipment Screens Used For?
The majority of the time, rooftop equipment screens are used to stop others from seeing larger pieces of equipment on top of the roof. These pieces of equipment are often impossible to fit, stylistically, into the building’s profile and usually present an eyesore at the top of the building. As such, they need to be blocked from view.
What is blocked with rooftop equipment screens?
Some of the most common equipment you’ll find on rooftops includes HVAC equipment, such as ventilation exhaust, cooling towers, A/C units, and piping. You might also find electronic equipment like satellite dishes and antennas.
Some buildings even have a rooftop parking garage. This is usually not meant to be a stylistic addition but rather provide a very functional aspect to the building. Nevertheless, rooftop equipment screens can help hide the unsightly view of vehicles on the rooftop while providing additional protection to those vehicles.
4 Types of Equipment Screens
Although rooftop equipment screens, generally speaking, do the same thing, there are 4 of the most common types of equipment screens:
1. Perforated sheet
Perforated sheet screens are a popular option for rooftop equipment screening because of their versatility and aesthetic appeal. Made from durable metal with precision-punched holes, they provide an effective barrier while allowing airflow.
This makes them an excellent choice for concealing HVAC units or other equipment that requires ventilation. They also offer the advantage of being lightweight and cost-effective compared to other options.
Perforated sheet screens can be customized with different hole sizes and patterns to match the building’s exterior design, adding both function and style.
2. Metal Panels
Metal panel screens are known for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. These screens are typically made from materials such as aluminum or steel and come in a variety of finishes to complement the building’s architecture. Metal panel screens provide a sleek, modern look and are ideal for high-traffic or industrial buildings where heavy-duty screening is required.
Additionally, they can be powder-coated or treated to prevent rust and corrosion, making them a long-lasting option for rooftop equipment concealment.
3. Acoustical Screens
Acoustical screens are specifically designed to reduce noise generated by rooftop equipment like HVAC systems or generators.
These screens are made with sound-absorbing materials, which help minimize the sound that can escape from the roof. Acoustical screens are often used in urban areas or near residential buildings where noise reduction is essential for maintaining a peaceful environment.
They not only hide unsightly equipment but also contribute to better sound management, improving the overall comfort for occupants and neighbors.
4. Louvered Screens
Louvered equipment screens, like the ones offered by Aire Renaissance by OSA, come in different styles and can be installed with different methods as well.
For rooftop privacy, we have deep vision screens available in three different heights. For cooling towers that need a different level of wind-protection, we have another version designed for minimum wind-load resistance.
This also comes in three separate height options. Each of these 6 equipment screens is designed with built-in gutters connected to the louvers themselves, which are designed to catch water and direct it into the gutters where it can be directed away from the building.
Aire Renaissance by OSA is the Go-To in Roof Screen Performance
Whether you want top notch aesthetics, elite airflow performance, or just long-lasting durability, Aire Renaissance by OSA’s roof screens have everything you need.
We will even custom-make an order based on your specific needs and work with top-notch professionals in the industry to do so.
Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that we at Aire Renaissance by OSA should be your first choice for rooftop equipment screens!
Interested in finding some of the best rooftop equipment screens?