Ventilating sports halls: window actuators for high windows, continuous rooflights and rooflight domes

Updated: 08.11.2026

In brief: Sports halls have large, high windows, continuous rooflights and rooflight domes that nobody can reach by hand. Electric actuators with high force open them by switch, schedule or room climate and close automatically in rain and wind. On long continuous rooflights several actuators run synchronously.

What is different in sports halls?

• Height: windows and continuous rooflights are often above 6 m; only electric operation makes sense.
• Large sashes: long and heavy sashes need high forces and often two actuators.
• A lot of air at once: ventilate briefly and vigorously after training or during events.
• Ball impact: mount actuators and cables in a protected position; clarify protective grilles with the window manufacturer.

Which actuators are suitable?

• Rack and pinion actuators again VS-ZA 800 (800 N, stroke 100–1000 mm, IP65) for large bottom-hung sashes and continuous rooflights.
• Spindle actuators again VS-LA (600–5000 N, IP65) for Rooflights and heavy flaps.
• Chain actuators for smaller fanlights in changing rooms and side rooms.

From a sash width of about 1.5 m we plan two actuators in tandem operation with Synchronous control. Calculate the thrust with the Window actuator calculator, including snow and wind reserve.

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• Group switches for rows of windows, for example in the equipment room or with the caretaker.
• Wind monitor and Rain sensor close all windows in bad weather.
• Connection to the building management system via the i-series actuators with Modbus.
• Smoke exhaust is a separate topic: it is planned project-specifically and operated with an approved SHEV control panel.

Similar solutions for industrial buildings are shown in the articles Ventilating hall façades and Retrofitting rooflights.

Read more: Ventilating indoor pools: window drives in high humidity

Frequently asked questions

What force does an actuator for a hall window need?

That depends on sash weight, mounting position and wind. Large bottom-hung sashes and rooflight domes with snow load quickly need several hundred newtons. With the calculator and 30 to 50 % reserve you are on the safe side.

Can existing hall windows be retrofitted?

In most cases yes, if there is space on the frame for actuator and bracket. Send us photos and dimensions via the Project enquiry.

How are many windows controlled at the same time?

Via group switches on a ventilation control unit or centrally via the building management system. Several actuators on one sash run via a synchronous control unit.