LOW-E Toughened Glass For Skylight

There is something very special about living close to the sky with a clear view of mornings, and starry nights while still being sheltered and protected from the elements.

Skylights are light transmitting fenestration (elements filling building envelope openings) forming all, or a portion of, the roof of a building's space for daylighting purposes.

All skylights are more vulnerable to direct sunlight when the sky is clear, and there is no overshading from trees, so additional shading or other solar control measures must be considered.

Many recent advances in glass systems have greatly benefited all skylight types. Some advances increase thermal performance, some are focused on preserving and utilizing daylight potential, and some are designed to enhance strength, durability, fire resistance and other performance measures.

Glass units typically include at least one low emissivity (Low-E) coating applied to one or more glass surfaces to reduce the U-factor and especially SHGC by suppressing radiant heat flow. Many varieties of Low-E coatings also reduce daylight potential to different degrees.

Contemporary skylights using glass infill (windows) typically use sealed insulating glass units (IGU) made with two panes of glass. These types of products are NFRC-ratable for visible transmittance. Assemblies with three panes can sometimes be cost-justified in the coldest climate zones.