Nanogel roofs

Knoxville, TN-based Centerpoint Translucent Systems, a manufacturer and distributor of residential roofing products, is to use a translucent aerogel, a unique form of highly porous silica, in a new range of energy efficient daylighting roofing systems.

The so-called Nanogel material, manufactured by Boston, MA-based Cabot Corporation at its facility in Frankfurt, Germany will be incorporated into polycarbonate panels made specifically for translucent roofing applications.

The Nanogel's nanoporous particles have an air content of 97%, making the Nanogel the lightest solid material in the world. The material provides thermal and sound insulation, yet lets light though.

The polycarbonate panels will provide more than five times the energy efficiency of glass panels typically used in residential sloped glazing, according to the company.

Airborne sound waves are minimised travelling through the porous medium of the aerogel structure.