Skylights bring warmth and natural light into the home. And there different options available when it comes to the materials used in skylights. Homeowners who desire a more durable skylight may want to consider installing polycarbonate skylights as opposed to one manufactured from pure glass. Just as with a glass skylight, one designed with polycarbonate in place of the glass will provide energy efficiency in the home while adding beauty and value as well.
What is polycarbonate? Polycarbonate is a tough plastic that exhibits outstanding strength, can withstand temperatures up to 125 degrees Celsius, and has opaque qualities. Despite its strength, it is lightweight - about one-sixth as heavy as glass and one-third as heavy as acrylic. Bulletproof windows are just one of the applications created from this transparent polymer. It is also used to manufacture CD's and sunglasses for adults and children. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, as it is nearly 200 times more resistant to breakage than even the thickest glass. These properties make polycarbonate an excellent choice for skylights in homes that are located on or near a golf course, in a heavily wooded area, or in a climate that could experience severe hail storms. You'll feel safer under a skylight made from this practically impenetrable plastic, and still enjoy the warmth and beauty of the sunlight streaming into your home.
Just as glass allows natural light to stream into the rooms of your home, a skylight manufactured from polycarbonate will allow the same natural light into your home, but will be less likely to break if something hits it from the outside. These skylights usually come standard with an ultraviolet film that protects you from nearly 98% of the UV rays passing through the skylight.
Some homeowners enjoy adding their own touch to every area of their living space. Manufacturers who offer the skylights made from polycarbonate may also offer two other protective, yet decorative, films to cover your skylight. The opal lens option allows about 90% of the natural light to pass, while allowing a uniform distribution of the light into the space.
Perhaps you have a room in your home where you would enjoy a skylight, but without so much natural light entering the space. The bronze filter option allows less light, about 40%, into the living space, making the area a bit darker, but still allowing for some sunlight to enter. There are protective films that range in translucency between the opal and the bronze, so there is a shade that would work for just about every homeowner.
Medical experts say that natural light helps to alleviate mood swings and helps to prevent depression, especially during the winter months. Having skylights installed in the home makes sense not only in the way of energy efficiency, but also in creating an atmosphere that is relaxed, inviting, and uplifting to the spirits.
A professional contractor should always complete the installation of polycarbonate skylights, just as with other types of skylights. This will ensure an excellent fit and proper sealing around the opening, which means you will enjoy the most energy savings possible.
Note: Just as you would check the references of a contractor building your new home, it's a good idea to do the same with the contractor who will be installing your skylights.
