Always Focus on the Long Term
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In 2005, the Franklin Township Library in Somerset, NJ, decided to break the design specification and move forward with polycarbonate panels instead of Kalwall’s translucent fiberglass reinforced polymer faces for its Skyroof®. The decision to use polycarbonate was based on project budget savings, which would save the library $90k in the short term. After installation, the occupants of the library noticed that the environment became unbearable, and the HVAC system could not cool enough in the warmer months nor warm enough in the colder months.
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Only 18 months after installation, the library found it was losing $50-$60k every year in energy costs due to solar heat gain. After almost 19 years of exorbitant operational costs, moisture leaks and panel yellowing, Kalwall was once again asked to provide a solution. The library finally received what was originally intended—perfectly diffuse, museum-quality daylighting™ that not only provides exceptional thermal performance but is virtually maintenance-free and will thrive in all climates for decades to come.
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Over the 19 years of inefficient, failing polycarbonate and high HVAC costs, the library could have dramatically saved on costs if they had originally installed Kalwall’s translucent FRP faces in its skyroof. The energy savings, occupant comfort, visual acuity and longevity of Kalwall’s products are superior to any other daylighting alternative. In trying to save the library $90k, the replacement cost was far more in both bills and comfort—a classic story of how sometimes you get what you pay for.
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