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All You Need to Know About Skylight Glass and Designs 

Skylight Glass and designs

Posted Date: Apr 30, 2024

Installing skylights is one of the best ways to brighten up any living space with natural light. However, choosing the right skylight design can be confusing from so many options to consider.  

We will cover the key considerations for skylight design, helping you select the perfect skylights to transform dark, gloomy rooms into bright, airy spaces that the whole family will enjoy.  

Read on to learn about the different types of skylights, important features to look for, handy tips for choosing skylights, and the many benefits quality skylights can provide your home. 

Types of Skylights 

When exploring skylight options, one of the first decisions is the overall style and functionality you need. There are 5 main types of skylights to consider: 

1. Fixed Skylights 

The simplest and most common choice is a fixed, non-openable skylight. Permanently sealed and immovable, fixed skylight models feature double-paned glass to improve insulation. They work well mounted above living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where ample ambient light is needed. 

2. Segmented Dome Skylights  

Segmented dome skylight glasses have multiple windowpanes separated by slim frames. This style allows you to open select panes to regulate daylight and airflow. The dome shape causes water to divert downward, reducing leaks. Installs easily on flat or sloped roofs. 

3. Hut-Shape Skylights 

Distinctively angular hut-shaped skylights have vertically aligned glass sides that increase the overall surface area compared to flat models. This permits even more light entry. The sloped style efficiently directs rain and snow runoff.  

4. Pitch Skylights 

Pitch skylights built specially allowing adjustable ventilation, moisture drainage, and broadly dispersed light. Their slope makes them extra energy efficient and durable over time. 

5. Pyramid Skylights 

Pyramid skylights feature a square base that tapers up into a narrow, peaked top. Made of just a few panelized glass sections, they provide exceptionally clear, pure light transmission. The pyramid shape makes them structurally strong. 

Key Features to Evaluate 

When researching skylights, look closely at these key features: 

Glass and Glazing Properties 

The way a window is made affects how well it keeps your home insulated, how long it will last, how much light it lets in, and how much outside noise it blocks. Factors like the thickness of the glass, the colour of the glass, and the number of layers all play a role in determining these things. 

Ventilation Capabilities 

All skylights should have proper ventilation to regulate interior humidity and temperatures. This prevents moisture build-up and condensation issues within the skylight shaft. Many models offer manual and electric-powered vents. 

Exterior Finishing Design 

High-end finishing around the full exterior seals off moisture where the skylight borders the roof. Careful integration with shingles is vital for preventing leaks as the roof ages.  

Energy Efficiency Ratings  

Compare whole product stats like U-factors, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, certified air leakage rates and energy star ratings. 

Tips for Picking Skylights 

Hire an Expert Installer 

Consider hiring a professional, certified skylight installer rather than tackling it as a DIY project. This guarantees appropriate flashing, waterproofing, shingle merging, etc. 

Focus on Quality over Size 

One thoughtfully designed, professionally installed, modest-sized skylight outperforms a massive one that needs to be a better fit. Leaks or glass clouding can ruin functionality. 

Strategic Positioning  

Place kitchen skylights nearer to countertops rather than central islands where light is less needed. Avoid installing directly above shower/tub areas due to humidity concerns. 

Control Solar Heat Gain 

In rooms vulnerable to overheating on hot sunny days, choose dimmable, electronically tintable skylights to moderate solar heat gain. 

Benefits of Skylights 

Here's a quick recap of the many perks’ quality skylights provide: 

1. Abundant Natural Light 

Skylights flood rooms with free, plentiful natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. Hence, this creates brighter, cheerier spaces. 

2. Energy Savings 

With fewer lights needed, skylights substantially lower electricity usage, cutting energy bills. This saves money while benefiting the environment. 

3. Enhanced Views  

Skylights supply calming views of drifting clouds, sunrises, sunsets, stars, and open sky, connecting interiors to nature. 

4. Improved Ventilation 

Openable skylight models enhance fresh airflow and breezes indoors. This increases breathability and reduces stuffiness.  

5. Instant Brightness   

Skylights make rooms feel illuminated immediately, minimizing gloomy darkness. Opening ceilings to sunshine has an uplifting effect. 

6. Visual Interest 

Skylights add aesthetic architectural appeal, modernizing outdated decor. They make rooms feel expansive and sleek. 

Conclusion   

Strategically installing suitable skylights allows you to harness free, abundant natural light from above, transforming any dreary interior space into a brighter, more uplifting place. Different skylight types accentuate distinct rooms in unique ways. Be sure to prioritize quality glass, materials, insulation and integration details for optimal durability and performance. For custom guidance on selecting the optimal skylight design for your home, contact the professionals at AIS Glasxperts. 

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