What Are Rooftop Screens and Why Are They Used?
Clean, Uniform Architectural Appearance
HVAC units and mechanical equipment may be essential to the operation of a building, but they can also detract from the building’s design and appearance. Rooftop screens provide a simple, effective way to conceal rooftop equipment while helping a building maintain a clean, uniform architectural appearance.
For commercial buildings, rooftop unit (RTU) screening may be specified by the building owner or architect or required to meet local design standards. The right rooftop screen system should integrate seamlessly with the building, accommodate mechanical requirements, durably last under tough weather conditions, and be simple to install.
At Cascade Rooftop Screens, we specialize in designing and manufacturing prefabricated rooftop equipment screens that simplify the process from design through installation.
What Is a Rooftop Equipment Screen?
A rooftop equipment screen is a freestanding perimeter or screen wall installed around mechanical equipment to limit its visibility from surrounding streets, properties, and public areas. While commercial building equipment performs an important function, it can detract from the appearance of a building, particularly when viewed from the street or neighboring properties.
RTU screening creates a visual barrier around the equipment so the rooftop has a cleaner, more intentional appearance. In some applications, screening can also contribute to reducing ambient equipment noise, creating a more pleasant environment.
Why Are Rooftop Screens Used?
The primary reason for installing rooftop screens is simple: appearance.
Building owners and architects may specify rooftop equipment screening as part of an overall architectural design. In many cases, screening is required by a city or local authorities as part of its development and safety standards. Rooftop screens make it possible for building owners to meet local requirements without negatively impacting their building’s equipment.
Rooftop equipment screens can be incorporated into many types of commercial and facility construction. Because the dimensions of the equipment, roof construction, building design, screen height, wind conditions, and local requirements can all differ, proper planning and a flexible screen design are essential.
5 Factors To Consider When Selecting an RTU Screening System
Not every rooftop screen is designed the same way. Before selecting an RTU screening solution, consider how the system will affect both the construction process and your building over the long term. Consider the following five factors when choosing a rooftop screen.
1. Roof Compatibility
A screen system needs to work with the existing roof structure and roofing frame. Cascade Rooftop Screens’ Simple-Frame screens are designed to attach to wood, steel, or concrete structures and accommodate flat or pitched roofs as well as common roofing systems.
2. Ease of Installation
A simpler system can mean less rooftop labor, fewer components to manage, and an efficient installation process.
Prefabrication can make a significant difference. Cascade Rooftop Screens Simple-Frames ship mostly assembled, and each frame requires only three bolts for complete assembly. The frames can also be adjusted onsite for roof pitch, giving installation crews the flexibility to accommodate real-world rooftop conditions.
3. Appearance
Because aesthetics are the primary purpose of most rooftop screens, the finished product needs to complement the building. Panel profile, finish, color, orientation, and screen height can all be customized to help integrate the screening into your building’s architectural design.
4. Durability
Rooftop systems are constantly exposed to harsh weather, temperature changes, and other environmental conditions. Materials and finishes should therefore be selected with long-term service in mind.
Cascade Rooftop Screen frames are typically hot-dip galvanized, while steel facing panels can be supplied with durable factory-applied Kynar finishes. Our Simple-Frame equipment screens also carry a 25-year warranty against structural failure.
5. Engineering & Project Support
Screening requirements can vary considerably based on screen dimensions, location, wind loads, roof structure, and other project-specific conditions.
Access to engineering, drawings, connection details, and knowledgeable project support can simplify the approval process and give architects, contractors, and building owners confidence that the system has been designed for their application. Cascade Rooftop Screens has over 10 years of experience engineering such systems across the USA.
Rooftop Screen Materials, Finishes, & Design Options
Rooftop screens can be constructed from different materials and manufactured into various panel styles to meet your project requirements.
Cascade Rooftop Screens offers multiple common rooftop screen panel styles including:
- Flat Panels
- 7.2 Ribbed Panels
- Standing Seam
- Louvers
- Stucco-Style Finishes
- Many other custom or non standard panel types
Our frames are typically hot-dip galvanized for increased durability and can also be powder coated. Facing panels are commonly manufactured from steel sheet metal and are available with factory-applied Kynar finishes designed for long-lasting color and performance.
Created to Make Rooftop Screening Simple
Cascade Rooftop Screens was founded around the idea that rooftop equipment screening should be simple and designed for practical use. Our experienced team designs and manufactures complete, prefabricated rooftop screen systems with a focus on quality, efficiency, and ease of installation.
Cascade Rooftop Screens are simple to install because:
- The Simple-Frame design uses round-and-straight-down legs that can use the roof manufacturer’s standard pipe flashing detail
- The screen frames only require three bolts to completely assemble and are engineered to adjust to any roof pitch after assembly
- The base-plates come prefabricated with holes ready to receive the appropriate fastener
From design assistance and project-specific engineering to installation support, our experienced team partners with architects, contractors, building owners, and property managers throughout the process.
Planning a rooftop screen project? We’ve partnered with customers across the United States to meet their goals. Contact us now to discuss your project!
Rooftop Screens FAQs
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What is the purpose of rooftop screens?
Rooftop screens primarily conceal mechanical equipment from public view and create a cleaner architectural appearance. They may be specified by a building owner or architect or required by local development and design standards.
How far should a rooftop screen be from an HVAC or RTU unit?
Approximately three feet is a common starting point, but the correct clearance often depends on the equipment and application. Always follow the mechanical equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for airflow, operation, and service access.
What types of roofs can rooftop screens be installed on?
Cascade Rooftop Screens’ Simple-Frame rooftop screens are designed to accommodate wood, steel, and concrete roof structures as well as flat and pitched roofs.
Are rooftop equipment screens customizable?
Yes. Rooftop screens can be customized based on dimensions, building appearance, project conditions, and airflow needs. Cascade Rooftop Screens offers multiple panel profiles and finishes as well as perforated, louvered, and custom options to accommodate different architectural requirements.
Are rooftop screens difficult to install?
They don’t have to be. Cascade Rooftop Screens’ prefabricated Simple-Frame system was developed by roofers, for roofers, with installation in mind. Our frames ship mostly assembled, require only three bolts for complete assembly, and can be adjusted onsite to accommodate roof pitch.