Skylights are a lovely addition to your home; they let in sunlight and have the added novelty of seeing the sky right over your head. Skylights allow natural light to brighten a room or give you an opportunity to you to stargaze from the comfort of your recliner. It will provide you with a glimpse of the outdoors without letting your neighbours see what you are doing.
Adding a skylight to your home will provide a lovely ambiance and increase the house’s value.
However, many are wary when it comes to adding skylights to their home. You may have thought about adding a skylight but have concerns about cutting a hole in your roof. You probably have heard horror stories about leaks and other issues. Actually, modern skylights are much more reliable than in the past. By choosing the right custom glass in Calabogie for your skylight, you can have the natural light of day or starlight at night and be weatherproofed.
Essential features of skylights:
Your skylight will need to withstand some conditions, and it is best to review them at the outset:
- UV – The sunlight you enjoy comes with ultraviolet rays, and the skylight should be able to handle that condition for extended periods.
- Precipitation – This comes in many forms, like snow, sleet, hail, and ice.
- Impact – High winds and storms cause things to fly around in the air. The most prevalent are tree limbs.
Operation:
There are also choices about how skylights can operate. A fixed or inoperable skylight remains stationary with no options for opening. Venting or operable skylights can be opened to allow airflow. This opening can be manual, including using a remote or automatic, based on moisture sensors.
Glazing and material:
You will need to consider the material and glazing from which the skylight will be made.
Plastic
Plastic has been on the market for a very long time. It is lightweight, fits most budgets, and can be formed into various shapes. However, it is less clear than glass and prone to scratching and discoloration. It will allow more UV rays to penetrate your home and only come in standard sizes, so you are limited.
Glass
Glass is the more popular option, but there are many decisions that come with that selection. There is a lot of opportunity to customize with glass because it can come in various sizes and shapes, but it will cost to customize. It won’t scratch as easily as plastic and offers better UV protection. You will have a clear view of the outdoors. It is, however, much heavier.
If you are considering glass, there are different types that you can choose from.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass is overheated and then rapidly cooled to give the piece extra strength. If it does break, it will shatter into small, round pieces that are significantly less sharp than the standard shards.
Laminated glass
Laminated glass encapsulates a piece of clear vinyl between two sheets of glass. This is very strong, and if it does break, the sheets hold together because of the bonded vinyl. Laminated glass blocks almost all UV rays and is soundproofed as well.
Hybrid glass
There is also a hybrid of tempered over laminate. This gives you the best of both worlds for the most robust and resilient skylight possible.
Glazing:
Once you have chosen the type of glass, you should select the type of glazing you want.
Tinting:
Tinting will help absorb more solar heat, which will help in the summer but not the winter months.
Low-E
Low Emissivity (Low-E) improves energy efficiency by cooling in the summer and keeping warm in the winter.
Skylights are a great addition to your home, especially in rooms with few windows or poor exposure. They are also an uncommon feature in most homes, and if you are looking for an ornamental addition to your home that adds monetary value, a skylight fits the bill nicely. Not only do you have extra light and a lovely view of the clouds, but it is also an investment in your home.
Need help with your skylight? Contact us!
If you are considering adding a skylight to your home, you can rely on our experienced professionals at Centennial Glass for your custom glass in Calabogie. We specialize in energy-efficient and durable skylights that will provide a wealth of benefits to your home. Contact us today!