Not every innovation is designed to be seen. In 2010, EXTECH patented two small but critical components that enhance daylighting systems in roof and wall assemblies, including skylights and translucent panels. These innovations were developed to quietly solve common challenges in daylighting system designs such as thermal movement, structural stress, and noise—without adding complexity.
The reduced friction clip introduces spacer elements that maintain a consistent gap between the panel and its support, allowing movement without wear. This helps eliminate the creaking, binding, and fatigue often found in standing seam installations where thermal expansion can go unmanaged.
The slidable panel clip takes that concept further by letting panels adjust in response to seasonal changes, easing pressure at connection points and limiting the movement-related sound that can occur in rigid systems.
These assemblies were developed not just to solve a technical issue, but to improve long-term performance across a range of architectural applications. Though concealed within the larger system, these components reflect EXTECH’s design philosophy: simple, resilient solutions that perform reliably under real-world conditions.
Together, they help ensure quieter, lower-maintenance buildings that can better withstand environmental changes, especially in regions prone to extreme or changing weather conditions. By allowing controlled panel movement, the clips help preserve system integrity and reduce potential wear over time. As we celebrate 50 years of problem-solving and product evolution, these patented innovations represent the kind of quiet, practical engineering that continues to define EXTECH’s legacy.
