Glass
Glass is a popular choice for skylights. It is strong, maintenance-free,
and can be produced to achieve a variety of aesthetic effects and
performance characteristics.
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Plastics
Acrylic and polycarbonate sheet offer economical and flexible alternatives
to glass; however, plastic is somewhat more susceptible to abrasion,
aging, optical distortion and condensation because it cannot be hermetically
sealed.
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Tempered Glass:
Tempered monolithic glass is a common glazing material used for outer
lites of insulating glass make-ups; or, as the inner lite (monolithically)
in residential applications where permitted by code. Tempered glass
is about four times stronger than annealed glass and thus is more
resistant to thermal stress, windloading, and impact. Check with
local building codes for limitations regarding the use of tempered
glass. TOP
Laminated Glass:
Used monolithically or as an inboard lite of an insulating glass unit,
laminated glass consists of two lites of float glass bonded to a P.V.B.
interlayer. Laminated glass is a 99.9% effective filter of U.V. radiation;
and, when fractured, the particles adhere to the interlayer, affording
protection against falling glass.
Laminated glass is typically furnished in the annealed
condition, but may be furnished in various thicknesses,
or heat-strengthened to meet windloads and thermal
stress requirements. TOP
Heat-Strengthened Glass:
About two times stronger than annealed glass, heat-strengthened glass
is commonly used as the exterior lite of an insulating glass unit.
Similar to tempered glass, heat-strengthened glass offers improved
resistance to windloading, impact and thermal stress. It also offers
less distortion and breakage induced by thermal stress when compared
to tempered glass. TOP
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Acrylic Sheet:
Acrylic plastic sheet is a popular glazing material due to its light
weight, impact resistance, weather resistance, formability and relatively
low cost. Acrylic is produced in a variety of standard transparent
and translucent colors
Acrylics are a class CC-2 material; local building
codes should be consulted to determine the limitations
of its use. Thermo-forming into dome and pyramidal
shapes are recommended for increased strength. TOP
Polycarbonate Sheet:
Polycarbonate plastic sheet is frequently used where superior impact
resistance is required. For skylight applications, polycarbonate sheet
is recommended to have a U.V. protective coating against yellowing.
Its impact strength is up to 250 times stronger than annealed glass
and 30 times stronger than acrylic.
Polycarbonates are a class CC-1 material; local building codes should
be consulted to determine the limitations of its use. Thermo-forming
into dome and pyramidal shapes are recommended for increased strength. TOP
Structured Sheet:
Structured sheet is a rigid, double-walled, impact-resistant, extruded
polycarbonate or acrylic sheet. Its properties include good insulating
values and an ultraviolet resistance. The translucent light diffusion
properties discourage unauthorized viewing. Structured sheet is furnished
flat and normally does not require thermoforming. TOP
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