Skylights, over the past decade, have seen considerable changes in terms of design, durability, and utility. One of the most prominent factors leading toward this change includes the materials being used in skylights and the manufacturing design.
Solid-state design, for instance, uses a number of different materials, blending them together to turn them into one solid structure instead of several distinct ones. These materials include high-strength glazing, seamless self-flashing frames, and innovative mounting systems.
To understand why these skylights are so revolutionary, let's dive into the specific materials and technologies that make them stand out. Read on to discover how these advancements are setting new standards in durability, performance, and design flexibility for skylights.
Solid-State Skylight Materials
High-Strength Glazing
The glazing material is a critical component of skylights, responsible for allowing natural light to enter while providing thermal insulation and protection from external elements. VTECH skylights use advanced glazing options, including:
- Safety Glass: Designed to resist impact and prevent shattering.
- Hurricane Glass: Engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions like hurricanes.
- Ballistic Glass: Provides additional security by resisting ballistic impacts.
These glazing options weren’t as readily available a decade ago, revolutionizing the design and function of our skylights. VTECH skylights are designed to ensure that all specific requirements of different environments as well as compliance standards are met, be it for residential homes, commercial buildings, or industrial units in hurricane-prone areas.
Reaction Injection Molded Frames
The frame of a skylight is crucial for its structural integrity. VTECH skylights utilize reaction injection molding (RIM) to create frames that are both strong and flexible. This process involves injecting a mixture of polyurethane into a mold, where it reacts and solidifies into a single, seamless piece. The benefits of RIM technology include:
- Unbelievable Strength: The frames are durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions and impacts.
- Seamless Design: Eliminates weak points where leaks could occur.
- Chemical Bonding: The frame is chemically bonded to the glazing, enhancing the overall durability and performance of the skylight.
Curb Mounted Cap Skylights (CMC)
Curb Mounted Cap Skylights are designed to fit on existing curbs, making them an excellent choice for both new constructions and retrofit projects. VTECH offers CMC skylights in various sizes to accommodate different needs:
- 2x2 CMC: Maximum outside curb dimensions of 26.25" x 26.25", fitting on 24" center spacing.
- 2x4 CMC: Maximum outside curb dimensions of 26.25" x 46.25", fitting on 24" center spacing.
- 3x3 CMC: Maximum outside curb dimensions of 34.25" x 34.25", fitting on 16" center spacing.
- 4x4 CMC: Maximum outside curb dimensions of 51.25" x 51.25", fitting on 16" or 24" center spacing.
These sizes provide flexibility for various architectural designs and ensure a perfect fit for any project.
Seamless Self-Flashing Skylights (SSF)
Seamless Self-Flashing Skylights offer an integrated flashing system that simplifies installation and enhances weather resistance. The SSF skylights are available in multiple sizes:
- 2x2 SSF: Rough opening of 22.5" x 22.5", finished opening of 21.5" x 21.5", fitting on 24" center spacing.
- 2x4 SSF: Rough opening of 30.5" x 30.5", finished opening of 29.5" x 29.5", fitting on 16" center spacing.
- 3x3 SSF: Rough opening of 22.5" x 46.5", finished opening of 21.5" x 45.5", fitting on 24" center spacing.
These skylights are designed for easy installation, reducing labor costs and ensuring a secure, leak-proof fit.
Modular Skylight Adapters
VTECH skylights offer modular adapters that can fit any opening. These adapters are manufactured individually from seam-welded aluminum or stainless steel. This means that they get the same toughness as the skylights themselves, making them well-suited for complex architectural projects.
Trends in Skylight Design
Modern skylight designs prioritize durability and safety. VTECH skylights have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards. For instance, they have passed tests for:
- Fall Protection: Tested with weights up to 600 lbs., ensuring they can support significant impact without failing.
- Extreme Weather: Including Class 4 Large Hail Test and Miami-Dade County Large Missile Impact Test.
- Fire Resistance: Meeting UL 790 Class B standards, ensuring they do not contribute to fire spread.
Energy efficiency is also a key development in skylight design. VTECH skylights are engineered to provide excellent thermal insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. The high-performance glazing options help to maintain indoor temperatures, making buildings more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
The materials changing skylight design, particularly in solid-state skylights like those from VTECH, have led to a number of changes in the industry. These changes are also expected to continue in the coming years, making them essential for the commercial and industrial sector in the near future.
High-strength glazing, RIM frames, Curb Mounted Cap Skylights, and Seamless Self-Flashing Skylights are setting new standards for durability, performance, and ease of installation. These advancements are enhancing the functionality and lifespan of skylights, all while contributing to more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
To learn more about these revolutionary materials and the changing environment of skylights, get in touch with our professionals today. Let us help you get started on your first project!