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pr SR 50-2:2010 (E)
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Solar collectors – Design life
The installation of a solar heating system should not compromise the design life of the building and in
particular the design life of the roof envelope.
Solar heating systems should be assessed for durability in accordance with I.S. EN 12975-1, I.S. EN 12976
and I.S. ENV 12977, as appropriate.
In addition, it is recommended that the durability of the solar collector be assessed as a building element.
Durability of the collector should be stated by the manufacturer. It is recommended that a collector which can
easily be replaced (e.g. offset above the roof) should have a design life comparable with that of other building
services and require a minimum of maintenance. The roof covering beneath the collector maintains the
integrity and durability of the roof in this case. Otherwise, the design life should be equivalent to that of the
building envelope as specified in clause 5.11.1 of I.S. ICP 2 assuming normal maintenance, i.e. a design life in
the order of 60 years (BS 7543 can be referred to for durability). This would typically relate to roof integrated
solar collectors, not easily replaced without significant works.
All permanent structural fixings, brackets and flashings should have a design life equivalent to that of the
building envelope and should require no maintenance over that period.
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