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Window Guide 2024: Are Skylights Energy Efficient?

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window-blinds

With energy efficiency becoming a priority for homeowners in Toronto, the question of whether skylights are energy-efficient is crucial. Skylights can be an excellent natural light source, reducing the need for artificial lighting and potentially lowering energy bills. Adding extra elements like window blinds can increase energy efficiency. 

Modern Skylights: Energy-Efficient Design Features

Skylights are a great way to let natural light into your home or office, but they can also bring unwanted heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Window blinds can help somewhat but there are better options. Fortunately, modern skylights come with energy-efficient design features that can help control the transfer of heat and offer better insulation.

Low-E Coatings on the Glass

Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings on the glass are a popular feature in modern skylights. These coatings reflect heat back into the room while still allowing light to pass through. This helps prevent excessive heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, making your home or office more comfortable and energy-efficient.

Some skylights also come with multiple layers of glass, which can further improve insulation and energy efficiency. These double- or triple-paned skylights are designed to trap air between the layers, creating a barrier that helps prevent heat transfer.

Built-In Shades or Blinds

Another energy-efficient design feature of modern skylights is built-in shades or blinds. These can be adjusted to control light and heat levels, allowing you to customize your skylight to your needs.

For example, if you want to let in more light but keep out the heat, you can adjust the shades to let in more light while blocking out the sun’s rays. Or, if you want to reduce heat loss in the winter, you can close the shades to create an extra layer of insulation.

Some skylights also come with motorized shades or blinds that can be controlled with a remote, smartphone app, or voice commands. This makes it easy to adjust your skylight settings without having to climb a ladder or reach for a long pole.

Venting Skylights

Venting skylights are another popular feature in modern skylights. These skylights can be opened and closed manually or with an electric motor, allowing you to control the flow of air and improve ventilation in your home or office.

Venting skylights are especially useful in rooms that tend to get hot and stuffy, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and attics. By opening the skylight, you can let in fresh air and reduce the need for air conditioning or fans.

Modern skylights offer a range of energy-efficient design features that can help control the transfer of heat, prevent excessive heat gain or loss, and offer better insulation. Whether you’re looking for Low-E coatings, built-in shades or blinds, or venting options, there’s a skylight that can meet your needs. So why not bring more natural light into your home or office while also saving money on energy bills?

Proper Installation Matters

While skylights themselves contribute to energy efficiency, proper installation is equally important. Ensuring a tight seal during installation prevents drafts and heat loss. Consulting with a professional installer in Toronto can help you choose the right type of skylight and ensure it is placed optimally for energy efficiency.

Are Skylights Hail-Proof?

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through-my-window

Living in Toronto, where weather can be unpredictable, homeowners often wonder if skylights are hail-proof. You might wonder “Will hail end up through my window?” The short answer is that while skylights are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including hail, their resistance may vary. 

Understanding Skylight Materials

Skylights are a popular feature in modern architecture and they are used to bring in natural light and add a unique aesthetic appeal to a space. Skylights can be made with different materials, such as tempered glass and polycarbonate, and their ability to resist hail damage depends on the material used. Rest assured you will never have to worry, “what will happen if hail goes through my window?”

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is commonly used in buildings, vehicles, and various other applications. One of its popular uses is for skylights due to its strength and durability. The process of manufacturing tempered glass involves a special treatment that makes it more resistant to impacts, including hailstones. 

During the manufacturing process, the glass is heated to a very high temperature of around 600 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooled using a process known as quenching. This rapid cooling creates a strong outer layer that is under compression and a relatively weak inner layer that is under tension. This design makes tempered glass more resistant to impact and less likely to break into sharp pieces that can cause harm.

In addition to its strength and durability, tempered glass is also known for its ability to withstand temperature changes better than regular glass. This makes it an ideal choice for skylights, which are exposed to both extreme heat and cold. Overall, tempered glass is a reliable and safe option for skylights and other applications that require strong, durable, and impact-resistant glass.

Hail Resistant

Polycarbonate is another common material used for skylights and it is also hail-resistant. It is a type of plastic that is known for its impact resistance and strength, making it an ideal choice for high-risk areas. Polycarbonate skylights provide added protection against hail damage and can help to ensure that your skylight lasts for many years to come.

When choosing a skylight, it is important to consider the material used and its ability to resist hail damage. Tempered glass and polycarbonate are both excellent choices and can provide the durability and protection that you need to keep your skylight looking great for years to come.

Impact on Longevity

If you have skylights installed in your building, it’s important to keep in mind that while they are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, they are not completely immune to damage caused by severe hailstorms. Over time, repeated exposure to hail can cause damage to the skylight, which can impact its longevity. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with a professional to assess the specific needs of your location in Toronto to ensure that your skylight is properly protected against hail damage.

In addition, regular maintenance and inspections can help identify any potential issues before they become major concerns. By scheduling routine maintenance and inspections, you can ensure that your skylight is in good condition and functioning optimally. 

This can help prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. So, it’s better to take preventive measures and keep your skylight in top condition.

The Illusion of Space with Light

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house-and-home

Skylights are a fantastic way to bring natural light into your home. They can make any house and home feel open, airy, and inviting, no matter the size of the room. Skylights come in various shapes, sizes, and styles to fit any budget and design aesthetic.

Maximizing Natural Light with Skylights

Strategically placed skylights create the illusion of a more expansive space, even in a small room. They work best when placed near dark hallways or in inner rooms without windows. In a kitchen, skylights over an island provide task lighting, while in a bathroom, they add brightness near the shower. Additionally, skylights create visual interest on a vaulted ceiling in your house and home.

Different Types of Skylights

Skylights come in many shapes and sizes, from sleek rectangular skylights for a contemporary look to round or oval skylights for a more traditional vibe. Larger skylights make a dramatic impact and can serve as an architectural statement. Solar tube skylights offer natural light without exterior glass panels and work well in attics, closets, and interior rooms.

Positioning Matters

When deciding where to place your skylights, it’s essential to consider positioning. Skylights placed near interior walls distribute light deep into a room. Solar shades work well with skylights to manage glare and heat gain. 

During the hot summer months, the sun’s rays can be quite intense, causing indoor temperatures to skyrocket and making it uncomfortable for people to spend time indoors. This is where solar shades come in – they are specifically designed to block out the harmful UV rays while still allowing a soft, gentle light to filter through. This not only helps to keep the indoor environment cool and comfortable but also protects the occupants from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

Solar shades are equipped with photosensors that automatically adjust the position of the shades throughout the day, depending on the intensity of the sunlight. This ensures that the right amount of light is allowed into the room at all times, without causing any discomfort or glare. In addition to this, by reducing the amount of direct sunlight that enters the room, solar shades can also help to prevent furniture, carpets, and other items from fading due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

An Eco-Friendly Option

One of the biggest advantages of solar shades is that they are an eco-friendly solution for modern homes. By reducing the need for artificial lighting, they can help to conserve energy, reduce electricity bills, and lower the carbon footprint of households. All in all, solar shades are a smart and practical investment for anyone looking to create a comfortable and sustainable living environment.

Maximizing the Benefits of Skylights

To maximize the benefits of skylights, use light colors on surrounding walls and ceilings to bounce and spread daylight. Paint the upper halves of walls white or pale yellow. Add mirrors to reflect more light. Keep windows and skylights clean inside and out to allow the most light flow.

Skylights are an excellent way to bring natural light into your home and can instantly make it feel new, modern, and spacious. With the right placement and design, they can transform any room into a bright and inviting space.

Out with the Old! Give Your Home a Fresh New Look with Skylights

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Is your home starting to feel stale and dark? Are you looking for an easy, affordable way to revive your space like your bedroom interior design? It may be time to say “out with the old!” and give your home a fresh new look with skylights. Installing new skylights can completely transform any room. 

Which Rooms Could Benefit Most from Skylights?

When planning a skylight project, think about which rooms could benefit most from an infusion of natural light. Living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens are ideal for skylights that illuminate gathering spaces. Bedroom interior design and bathrooms also feel brighter and bigger with skylights.

Skylights instantly infuse natural light and create an open, airy atmosphere. Rooms feel larger and more modern. Dark corners brighten up. Skylights lend architectural interest to any room, plus they require little maintenance. Just open them up to let the sunshine in!

Consider the Size and Placement of New Skylights

Consider the size and placement of new skylights. Large skylights make a dramatic statement, while clusters of multiple smaller skylights distribute light evenly throughout a room. Over a stairwell, skylights amplify the feeling of airiness. In a kitchen, skylights focus sunlight on counters or islands.

Solar Tube Skylights

Solar tube skylights are a great budget option. The dome-shaped acrylic bubbles collect outside light and redirect it inside through reflective tubing, no exterior glass required. Solar tubes easily install in attics, closets and interior rooms.

Hiring a Professional Contractor

If you’re considering installing traditional glass skylights, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional contractor who has experience in this field. Installing skylights requires cutting openings in the roof, installing flashing, and waterproofing the surrounding area correctly. 

It’s crucial to ensure safety during the installation process, and a reputable contractor will take all necessary precautions to get the job done right. Additionally, they’ll be able to advise you on the best type of skylight for your needs and budget, the ideal location for installation, and any potential drawbacks or challenges to consider. 

By hiring a professional, you can rest assured that your skylight will be installed correctly and safely, providing you with the benefits of natural light and ventilation for years to come.

Complement Your Skylights with Light, Bright Decor

New skylights instantly modernize a home’s look. Complement them with light, bright decor and pale paint colors to maximize the airy ambiance. To reflect even more light, install mirrors near new skylights. Clean skylights regularly so the maximum sunlight shines through.

Out with the Old, Dark and Dreary – Bring Your Home Decor to Life

Out with the old, dark and dreary! Bring your home decor out of the shadows and into the 21st century with new skylights. This simple upgrade floods your rooms with sunshine and style. Let the light in – your fresh, contemporary home is waiting!

Inventive Window Decor Ideas for a Standout Space!

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home-decor-ideas

Windows are one of the most overlooked areas for home decor. But your windows can become a true focal point and help create a standout space if you get creative with your window decor or install a new skylight. Instead of opting for basic blinds or drapes, consider an inventive window home decor ideas that pack some personality. Whether your style is modern, bohemian, traditional or eclectic, there are plenty of ingenious ways to dress up your windows.

Get Inspired by Your View

Start by considering the view from your windows. What would a skylight do for your home? Do you look out over a lush garden, striking cityscape or peaceful woods? Let the scenery outside inspire your home decor ideas. Frame a killer view with wide picture frame molding in a bold color. Or complement the colors found outside with complementary curtain hues or patterns. If you have stunning architectural details visible from the window, something transparent like sheer curtains will keep them in focus.

Skylight Natural Light Offers Ambiance

Don’t forget the power of lighting when it comes to creating atmosphere. Opt for whimsical dangling fairy lights framed by breezy curtains in a kids’ room. Try paper lanterns or origami window treatments filled with LED tealights in a dining space for festive ambiance during evening meals. Incorporate on-trend neon signs into a retro-inspired den or game room. For bedrooms, a string of Edison bulbs can create a soothing glow or a beautiful skylight.

Incorporate Natural Elements 

Bring the outdoors in with natural decor elements. Hang air plants from macrame inside frameless window panels. Display your succulents or herbs on the window sill in pretty painted pots. Birch logs can make rustic window valances. For beach-inspired windows, use driftwood panels and shells for curtain tie-backs. Leaves or flowers preserved in resin could dress up plain vinyl blinds. 

Display Your Collections

Turn your window area into a mini gallery wall by displaying your favorite collectibles. Hang vintage mirrors or repurposed door knobs along a cafe curtain rod. Pin up insect specimens, feathers, or pressed flowers inside shadowboxes. Frame your favorite fabric scraps, postcards from past travels, or small woven wall hangings. This personalized approach transforms any boring window into a reflection of your personality.

Try Unexpected Materials 

From lace to velvet, window decor usually incorporates cloth or wood. But consider going off script with more unusual materials and textures. How about a beaded curtain made from coral and seashells for a beach house? Plastic pendants or fringe made from soda can tabs could channel a fun, retro vibe. For the crafty, try weaving ribbon, strips of leather, or even vines into abstract shapes. Repurposed items like the wire baskets from wine bottles can make unique displays.

Wallpaper Creates an Impact

Apply removable wallpaper or contact paper directly onto plain glass panes in bold graphic prints. Geometric patterns, architectural designs and tropical motifs pack visual punch and completely transform the look and feel of a room. This can be a quick weekend project that yields dramatic results. Bonus: it allows for seasonal refresh when you switch out the paper a few times per year.

Embrace Dimension  

Layering different elements creates dimension for serious visual interest. Combine gauzy curtains with shutters or a bamboo roman shade. Hang a brightly colored wooden bead curtain over sheer white panels. Try pairing sleek metal blinds with textured linen valances. The more layers and textures, the better when it comes to crafting a standout window!

Display Meaningful Decor

Your windows are the perfect platform for highlighting cherished mementos and personal style. For music lovers, mount vintage records or mini music posters in the window using clear thumbtacks. A delicate display of your grandmother’s lace doilies or handkerchiefs could be passed on. Show off quirky figurines or your collection of corks from special occasions. Feature favorite photos in a window picture ledge. 

The options are endless when you think beyond basic blinds and curtains. Whether you want to make a vibrant style statement or create a soothing sanctuary, the window decor you choose can make all the difference in your space. With an inventive approach and a little imagination, even the drabbest windows can be transformed into the shining star of your room. Contact Aluplex today.

Unique Window Treatment Ideas for a Home with Character

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kitchen-window-decor

Windows are not just functional elements in a home; they also play a crucial role in defining a home’s character and ambiance. When it comes to window treatments, you have a wide range of options to choose from, and you can get creative to make your home and kitchen window decor truly unique. In this blog, we will explore some unconventional window treatment ideas to infuse character into your living spaces.

1. Vintage Shutters

Give your home a touch of nostalgia by using vintage shutters as window treatments. These weathered wooden or metal panels can add a rustic, shabby chic look to your kitchen window decor. You can use them indoors or outdoors, and they are especially suitable for beach cottages, farmhouses, or homes with a vintage aesthetic.

2. Stained Glass

Stained glass is a timeless and artistic choice for window treatments. It can transform sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a mesmerizing and dramatic effect in any room. Whether you opt for traditional, religious motifs or abstract designs, stained glass is sure to add a unique character to your home.

3. Bamboo Blinds

For a natural and earthy feel, bamboo blinds are an excellent choice. These blinds not only provide privacy but also filter soft, diffused light into your space. They work well in tropical-themed rooms or homes with a bohemian touch, adding an exotic and cozy atmosphere.

4. Fabric Canopies

Creating a cozy nook by the window is a great way to add character to your home. Consider installing a fabric canopy above your windows, using billowing curtains in rich colors or patterns. This will not only give your room a unique look but also offer a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere, perfect for reading, relaxing, or daydreaming.

5. Recycled Materials

Embrace eco-friendliness by using recycled materials as window treatments. Old newspapers, magazines, or even repurposed denim can be used to create unique blinds or curtains. Not only will this add character to your home, but it will also reduce your carbon footprint.

6. Indoor Plants

Combine your love for gardening with your window treatments by hanging potted plants in front of your windows. Plants not only provide natural beauty and character but also improve indoor air quality. Opt for cascading plants like ivy or ferns to create a lush, green curtain effect.

7. Bead Curtains

Bead curtains were a staple of 1960s and 1970s interior design, and they are making a comeback. These decorative curtains come in a variety of colors, shapes, and materials, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your home. Bead curtains can create a sense of whimsy, playfulness, and nostalgia in your living space.

8. Hand-Painted Window Art

Transform your windows into works of art by hiring a local artist to hand-paint unique designs or scenes on them. This adds a personalized touch to your home and can become a conversation piece. Choose themes that resonate with your personality or the overall vibe of your home.

Incorporating unique window treatments into your home is an excellent way to infuse character and personality into your living spaces. Whether you opt for vintage shutters, stained glass, or indoor plants, the possibilities are endless. Choose window treatments that resonate with your style and create a home that’s uniquely yours. Your windows will not only provide privacy and control over natural light but also become a canvas for your creativity, turning your house into a home with character.

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