The skylight is a great avenue to bring some much-needed natural light into your home. It can make any room feel larger and brighter while adding style and value to your property. Such a feature can boost your mood and well-being daily, which can, in turn, improve your overall productivity.

But did you know that there isn’t just one type of skylight? In fact, several types of lenses are available for skylights depending on the amount of light and insulation you require. In addition, you can pair this up with coatings and specific designs that will suit your need and taste cozily — read on for more!

#1. Acrylic

These are the most common plastic polymer lenses used in skylights due to their affordability, lightweight construction, and excellent insulating properties. The acrylic lens is commonly made up of a robust synthetic polymer that is relatively resistant to impact. They are also translucent and can diffuse light throughout the room softly and evenly.

#2. Polycarbonate Lenses

These lenses are similar to acrylic but have a much higher resistance to impact, making them an ideal choice for regions with extreme weather conditions or areas prone to vandalism. Such skylight lenses usually consist of two or three layers of polycarbonate sheets, increasing their strength and durability.

#3. Tempered Glass

These skylight lenses are also among the customer’s budget-wise choices regarding the said function. It is more durable and shock-proof than traditional glass but has its share of downsides. It can be heavy and break into tiny pieces when push comes to shove.

#4. Laminated Glass

This lens type consists of materials such as polyvinyl butyral and ethylene-vinyl acetate, which are sandwiched between two pieces of hard glass. This construction helps to increase the strength and resilience of the lens, but it also reduces the level of light that enters the room.

Additionally, due to the material possessing anti-breakage and leakage properties, this is a recommended option by local regulations and even professional installers. This is only to ensure that you get the most out of the benefits you can receive with having skylights.

#5. Impact Glass

The impact glass consists of two pieces of tempered glass that are held together by a plastic interlayer. This design helps reduce the impact and intensity of any hail or debris on the skylight, making it more durable than other lens materials. This type of lens is primarily used in areas prone to violent weather patterns, such as hail storms and hurricanes.

#6. Laminated-over-tempered

Want to really go to the extreme and possess unparalleled resiliency while preserving clarity and function? Well, then, this is your ideal skylight lens. It consists of hybrid layers of tempered glass, and polyvinyl butyrate or ethylene-vinyl acetate fused together in one unit.

The combination gives it its superior strength — a particularly great resistance for areas with extreme weather conditions. And, due to its high degree of light transmission and insulation properties, this lens can make your skylight stand out as a feature in any room.

Coatings that Skylight Lenses may go with

#1. Tinting

You can also add an extra layer of tint to your skylight lenses. This will give it a different hue and help reduce the amount of light that enters the room. Tinted lenses are great for those who want to create an ambient atmosphere in their space without compromising on natural lighting.

#2. Low-emissivity coating

These coatings are designed to deflect heat from entering the skylight, which helps regulate the temperature in the room and reduce your energy costs. Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings reflect up to 70% of solar energy away from the glass so that it doesn’t absorb too much heat.

Skylight Installation Process

Once the necessary materials have been gathered and the area prepped, it is time to begin the skylight installation process.

Step #1: Install the flashing. 

The flashing is a metal component that creates a watertight barrier between the roof and skylight, thus preventing any water from seeping inside. First, use nails to secure the flashing to the roof in order to keep it in place.

Step #2: Cut a hole in the roof. 

Once the flashing has been secured, cut an opening into the roof large enough for your skylight to fit through. Be sure to measure accurately so that your skylight will not be too small or too large for its designated space.

Step #3: Skylight frame insertion

Insert the skylight frame into the hole cut in step 2 and fasten it with screws or bolts around its perimeter. Make sure there are no gaps or loose connections that might allow water to seep through.

Step 4: Caulking

Seal the edges of the skylight with a sealant or caulk to create an additional moisture barrier. This will also help to prevent any air leakage from occurring.

Step 5: Finishing touch!

Attach the diffuser and trim, which are important for controlling the amount of light that enters the house. Once these pieces have been secured properly, your skylight installation process is complete! Make sure to inspect your work periodically over time to ensure everything remains securely in place and functioning properly.

By following these steps correctly, you can guarantee a successful skylight installation process and enjoy many years of beautiful natural lighting in your home! Be confident with your skylight installation and maintenance with Mighty Dog Roofing South Easton, MA. 

The Final Verdict

The sky’s the limit when it comes to skylight lens material choices. Depending on your needs and preferences, there’s always a lens that can get the job done. Just make sure you consult a professional to ensure you pick out the perfect one for your particular situation and to ensure proper installation and maintenance. So, what are you waiting for? Get started and add some style to your skylight today!