Skylights Archives - Aluplex Glass and Skylights

Frame It Right: How to Choose the Perfect Skylight Frame for Your Home

March 24, 2025 By Webmaster

Adding a skylight to your home isn’t just about bringing in more natural light—it’s about framing your view of the sky. The right skylight frame replacement can enhance your home’s style, improve energy efficiency, and ensure years of trouble-free enjoyment. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the best choice for your space.

Why Your Skylight Frame Material Matters

The skylight frame replacement is more than just what holds the glass in place. It affects:

How well your skylight insulates
How long your skylight will last
How it looks from both inside and outside your home
How much maintenance you’ll need to do

Let’s explore your options so you can make an informed decision.

Aluminum Frames: The Popular Choice

Aluminum remains one of the most common skylight frame materials, and for good reason.

The Pros of Aluminum

Lightweight yet strong: Aluminum can support large glass panels without adding excessive weight to your roof
Weather resistant: It won’t rot, rust, or deteriorate from sun exposure
Low maintenance: A simple wipe-down is usually all it needs
Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than other premium options

The Cons to Consider

Less insulation: Aluminum conducts heat and cold, which can affect energy efficiency
Condensation concerns: This conductivity can lead to moisture buildup around the frame
Limited design options: Typically available in fewer finishes and styles

Many manufacturers now offer aluminum frames with thermal breaks—a special barrier that reduces heat transfer—to address the insulation concerns.

Vinyl Frames: Budget-Friendly Comfort

Vinyl frames have gained popularity, especially in the residential market.

The Advantages of Vinyl

Excellent insulation: Vinyl naturally resists heat transfer
Moisture resistant: No worries about rot, rust, or deterioration
Affordable: Often the most budget-friendly option
Low maintenance: Never needs painting or refinishing

The Drawbacks

Less structural strength: May not support very large skylights
Limited color options: Typically available in white or beige
Appearance: Some homeowners find vinyl less attractive than other materials
UV sensitivity: Can become brittle over time in sunny locations

Vinyl works best for standard-sized skylights in moderate climates.

Wood Frames: Timeless Warmth

Nothing matches the natural beauty of wood frames, which add warmth and character to your interior.

Why Choose Wood

Beautiful aesthetic: Creates a premium, crafted look
Design flexibility: Can be stained or painted to match your decor
Good insulation: Naturally insulates better than aluminum
Interior harmony: Integrates seamlessly with wood ceiling beams or trim

The Challenges

Maintenance requirements: Needs regular inspection and occasional refinishing
Moisture concerns: Potential for rot if not properly maintained
Cost factor: Generally the most expensive option
Weight: Heavier than other options, which may affect installation

Many manufacturers now offer wood frames with exterior aluminum cladding—giving you the best of both worlds with wood’s beauty inside and aluminum’s weather resistance outside.

Fiberglass and Composite Frames: The New Contenders

These newer options are gaining traction for combining the strengths of other materials.

The Benefits

Superior insulation: Often provides the best thermal performance
Dimensional stability: Doesn’t expand or contract significantly with temperature changes
Durability: Resistant to rot, corrosion, and UV damage
Low maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep

The Considerations

Cost: Typically more expensive than vinyl or aluminum
Availability: Fewer manufacturers offer these options
Limited track record: Newer materials have less proven long-term performance

If energy efficiency is your top priority, these frames deserve serious consideration.

Special Considerations for Your Home

Beyond the frame material, keep these factors in mind:

Climate Matters

Cold climates: Prioritize frames with excellent insulation and condensation resistance
Hot, sunny areas: Look for UV-resistant materials that won’t degrade from sun exposure
Coastal regions: Consider corrosion-resistant options that can handle salt air

Your Home’s Architecture

Modern homes: Clean-lined aluminum or fiberglass frames often complement contemporary design
Traditional homes: Wood frames tend to harmonize with classic architecture
Rustic or cabin styles: Natural wood frames enhance the organic feel

Installation Location

Bathroom skylights: Choose moisture-resistant frames with condensation channels
Kitchen skylights: Consider heat and humidity resistance
Living areas: Prioritize appearance and insulation quality

Making the Final Decision

When selecting your skylight frame, balance these priorities:

Budget: Be realistic about what you can spend
Climate needs: Choose a frame that works with your local weather
Maintenance willingness: Be honest about how much upkeep you’ll actually do
Aesthetic preferences: You’ll be looking at this frame every day

Take samples home if possible, and view them in both daylight and evening light to see how they look in your space.

Don’t Forget About the Glass

While this guide focuses on frames, remember that the glass itself is equally important. Consider low-E coatings, gas filling, and tempered or laminated options to complement your frame choice.

The perfect skylight frame creates that sweet spot where beauty, function, and longevity meet. Take your time deciding—your future self will thank you each time you look up and see that perfectly framed piece of sky.

5 Hacks to Keep Your Toronto Home Bright Year-Round

October 23, 2024 By Webmaster

Skylights are a fantastic way to bring natural light into your Toronto home. Not only do they brighten up your space, but they can also help you save on energy costs. Follow these simple Toronto skylight cleaning and maintenance tips to keep your home bright this winter. Here are five hacks to help you maximize the benefits of beautiful natural light in your Toronto home.

1. Choose the Right Skylight for Your Home

We all know that beautiful big windows provide an energy-efficient way to increase the natural light in our homes. But the newest trend is installing gorgeous skylights. For the best results, follow the suggestions and Toronto skylight cleaning and maintenance tips below. When selecting skylights for your Toronto home, consider the following factors:

Size: The size of your skylight will determine how much natural light it will let in. Larger skylights will obviously bring in more light, but you’ll also want to consider the size of your room and the overall aesthetic of your home.
Style: Skylights come in a variety of styles, including fixed, tubular, and operable. Fixed skylights are the most common type, while operable skylights can be opened and closed for ventilation. Tubular skylights are a great option for smaller spaces.
Orientation: The orientation of your skylight will affect the amount of sunlight it receives. South-facing skylights will receive the most sunlight, while north-facing skylights will receive the least.
Glazing: The type of glazing used on your skylight will also affect the amount of light it lets in. Low-E glass is a popular choice for skylights because it can help to reduce heat gain and loss.

2. Consider the Placement of Your Skylight

The placement of your skylight can have a significant impact on its effectiveness. Here are a few tips for choosing the right location:

Avoid Obstructions: Make sure trees, buildings, or other structures do not obstruct your skylight.
Think About Your Lifestyle: When choosing the location of your skylight, consider your lifestyle. For example, if you like to relax in your bedroom in the afternoon, you might want to place a skylight there.
Balance Light and Privacy: If you’re concerned about privacy, you can choose a frosted or obscured skylight.

3. Maximize Natural Light with Skylight Wells

Skylight wells, a shaft that extends from the roof to the interior of your home, can help maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home. This allows sunlight to travel deeper into your space, even on cloudy days.

4. Use Light-Colored Blinds and Curtains

Light-colored blinds and curtains can help reflect sunlight and brighten your room. Avoid dark-colored blinds and curtains, as they can absorb sunlight and make your space feel darker.

5. Clean Your Skylights Regularly

Dirty skylights can reduce the amount of natural light that enters your home. Be sure to clean your skylights regularly to keep them looking their best.

1. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the skylight frame and glass.

2. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or materials that could scratch the skylight.

3. Clean the skylight’s interior and exterior to ensure maximum light transmission.

4. Check the weep holes for any debris and clear them if necessary to prevent water accumulation.

5. Inspect the skylight seals for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if needed to prevent leaks.

Bring natural light into your Toronto home with Aluplex. From skylight selection to installation and maintenance, we’ve got you covered. With our expert guidance, maximize the benefits of skylights. Call us today for all your skylight needs.

Brighten Up: Skylight Solutions for Toronto Businesses

July 24, 2024 By adminAPX

Skylights are an excellent addition to commercial spaces, offering numerous benefits to businesses in Toronto. From improving the work environment to reducing energy costs, skylights provide a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solution for maximizing natural light in buildings. They are one of the hottest design trends in Toronto for 2024.

Benefits of Natural Light

Harnessing natural light in commercial spaces has been shown to have a positive impact on overall mood and productivity. Studies have also indicated that exposure to natural light can enhance employees’ well-being and help reduce stress. Using natural light, businesses can decrease their reliance on artificial lighting, resulting in significant energy savings and lower utility bills. It’s easy to see why skylight installation one of the top design trends in Toronto in 2024. What else do you need to know?

Modern Skylight Designs

Contemporary skylight designs offer sleek and energy-efficient solutions for Toronto businesses. These designs are available in various styles, including fixed, vented, and tubular, allowing for versatility and adaptability to different building types and specific needs. By incorporating modern skylights, businesses can enhance the aesthetic appeal of their spaces while also regulating indoor temperatures, leading to reduced reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems.

Installation Process

The installation of skylights is a relatively straightforward process that can be carried out with minimal disruption to business operations. It is essential to engage professional installers who can ensure that skylights are properly sealed and insulated to prevent any potential leaks or energy loss.

Business owners can rest assured that the installation process is efficient and effective, adding value to their commercial properties while creating a more pleasant work environment for employees.

Maintenance for Long-Term Performance

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the long-term performance of skylights in commercial spaces. This includes routine cleaning and inspections of seals to ensure that skylights remain in optimal condition and continue to provide the expected benefits for years to come.

By investing in regular maintenance, businesses can safeguard their skylight systems and maximize their longevity, ultimately contributing to greater cost savings and an improved overall work environment.

Investing in Skylights for Toronto Businesses

Incorporating skylights into commercial spaces in Toronto is a strategic investment that yields numerous advantages. Beyond enhancing the work environment, skylights can also increase the value of the building. At the end of the day, installing quality skylights into your commercial space is a valuable investment.

By choosing to install skylights, businesses can create a more comfortable and visually appealing setting for employees and visitors while contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing operational costs. Contact Aluplex Glass and Skylights today. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you find the right window solutions for your business. Contact us today.

Are Skylights Making a Comeback?

July 25, 2023 By Webmaster

In recent years, office buildings in Toronto have witnessed a revival of interest in skylights as architects and designers recognize their numerous benefits. Once widespread in traditional architecture, skylights are returning in contemporary office designs as old window repair updates buildings. In this article, we will explore the resurgence of skylights in Toronto’s office buildings and discuss the five key benefits they provide.

1. Abundance of Natural Light

One of the primary advantages of skylights is their ability to flood interior spaces with natural light. Outdated window repair cannot compare to the sleek design of a new skylight. Toronto’s office buildings embrace skylights to create brighter, more inviting work environments. Natural light has been proven to enhance productivity, boost mood, and improve overall well-being. By incorporating skylights, office spaces can reduce reliance on artificial lighting, resulting in cost savings and a more sustainable approach to energy consumption.

2. Improved Aesthetics

Skylights add a touch of architectural elegance and modernity to office buildings. With their sleek design and ability to seamlessly blend with the surrounding structure, skylights contribute to a visually appealing interior. Toronto’s office buildings utilize skylights to create open and airy spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetics and ambiance. Introducing natural light through skylights can transform dull and monotonous areas into vibrant, dynamic work environments.

3. Enhanced Employee Satisfaction

The presence of skylights in office buildings can significantly impact employee satisfaction and well-being. Natural light has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and increased job satisfaction. By incorporating skylights, employers provide employees with a more pleasant and comfortable workspace. Employees are more likely to feel connected to the outdoors and experience a sense of tranquillity and inspiration, ultimately leading to higher productivity and lower absenteeism rates.

4. Energy Efficiency

Skylights promote energy efficiency within office buildings. By harnessing natural light, skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. This, in turn, can lead to a significant reduction in energy consumption and lower utility costs. Additionally, skylights can be designed with energy-efficient glazing and shading systems to minimize heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, further improving the overall energy performance of the building.

5. Health and Well-being

Skylights create a healthier indoor environment for office buildings. Exposure to natural light has been shown to regulate circadian rhythms, improve sleep patterns, and boost vitamin D levels. Furthermore, natural light through skylights helps alleviate eye strain and reduces headaches and migraines commonly associated with artificial lighting. By prioritizing the integration of skylights, office buildings in Toronto are actively investing in the well-being and health of their occupants.

Skylights are undoubtedly making a comeback in office buildings across Toronto, and for good reason. Skylights have become an integral element in modern office design. As more businesses recognize the numerous benefits of skylights, we can expect to see a continued resurgence of these architectural features in Toronto’s commercial spaces, creating brighter, more sustainable, and employee-centric work environments.

7 Stunning Contemporary Skylight Designs

July 25, 2023 By Webmaster

Skylights are a fantastic architectural element that brings natural light into our living spaces while adding a touch of elegance and modernity. Replace your window. Contemporary skylight designs go beyond their functional purpose, transforming ordinary rooms into stunning, light-filled spaces. In this blog, we will explore captivating contemporary skylight designs that will inspire and elevate any interior.

The Vaulted Skylight

This design features a large, arched skylight that spans the entire ceiling, creating an expansive and dramatic effect. The curved shape allows natural light to filter in from various angles, illuminating the room with a soft, ethereal glow. Replace a window for something much better. The vaulted skylight design is particularly suited for grand entrances, foyers, or open-plan living areas.

The Linear Skylight

The linear skylight design is ideal for narrow spaces or corridors and adds a modern touch to any area. This long and sleek skylight extends along the room’s length, providing a natural light that accentuates the architectural lines and enhances the overall aesthetic. It’s an excellent choice for contemporary homes with minimalist or industrial design styles.

The Pyramid Skylight

The pyramid skylight design is a true eye-catcher with its unique geometric shape. This design features a series of triangular skylights arranged in a pyramid formation, creating a visually stunning focal point. Pyramid skylights work exceptionally well in modern kitchens, bathrooms, or even outdoor spaces like patios, where they can provide an artistic and captivating element.

The Multi-Level Skylight

For those who desire a skylight with a dynamic and multi-dimensional effect, the multi-level skylight design is an excellent choice. By incorporating multiple skylights at varying heights and sizes, this design adds depth and complexity to any room. The interplay of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing ambiance, making it a perfect option for living rooms, galleries, or home offices.

The Atrium Skylight

An atrium skylight is a grand architectural statement that instantly adds a sense of grandeur and sophistication to any space. This design involves a large, central skylight extending over multiple levels, allowing light to cascade down and permeate every building corner. Atrium skylights are particularly popular in commercial buildings, hotels, or upscale residential properties.

The Folding Skylight

Offering versatility and functionality, the folding skylight design provides an innovative solution for indoor-outdoor living. This design comprises multiple skylight panels that can be folded or retracted, allowing for controlled ventilation and an open-air experience. Folding skylights are perfect for connecting interior spaces with outdoor patios or gardens, creating a seamless transition between the two.

The Eco-Friendly Skylight

With sustainability at the forefront of design considerations, eco-friendly skylights are becoming increasingly popular. These skylights feature energy-efficient glazing, insulation, and solar-powered options to maximize natural light while minimizing heat loss or gain. They help reduce reliance on artificial lighting, lower energy consumption, and create a healthier indoor environment.

Contemporary skylight designs can transform spaces, making them brighter, more inviting, and visually striking. Whether you prefer a grand atrium skylight, a sleek linear design, or an eco-friendly option, a skylight style suits every taste and space. By incorporating these stunning skylight designs into your home or commercial property, you can harness the beauty of natural light and create a truly remarkable architectural experience.

Domed Skylights for Commercial Buildings in Toronto

July 1, 2023 By Webmaster

Want your commercial building to stand out from the crowd? One way to accomplish such a feat is by getting a huge skylight installed. However, not just any skylight will do. Lots of buildings have skylights installed. So, what kind of skylight will really make the difference? Domed skylights. Here’s why.

Domed Skylights From the Outside

One of the most compelling things about domed skylights is the way they look from the outside. The big, glass dome sticks out above the top of any building and can be seen from a great distance. There’s nothing to garner intrigue in your building – whether it be an office, department store, or company headquarters – like a giant, glass dome.

Imagining a glass dome may give you an image of something smooth and globe-like. However, dome skylights aren’t smooth like this. It would be nearly impossible to make a dome that large out of one piece of glass. No – instead, domed skylights are made up of many smaller, triangular panels. We consider this a plus. It looks much more appealing to the eye than if it were one piece of glass. Plus, it’s easier to repair any damage to one piece. Imagine having to make a whole new skylight if one part of your giant, single-piece dome got cracked! We think the existing method is preferable.

The Interior View

Not only is the exterior view amazing, so is the view from inside the building. Looking up at a domed skylight is breathtaking. Trees that tower above the building seem even taller, the sky looks even bluer, and the clouds look even bigger. Not to mention, the way the light comes in illuminates the entire main portion of the building in a way electric lights couldn’t dream of doing. That makes your interior look better while also saving you a whole lot of money on electricity.

High Quality Domed Skylights in Toronto

If you’re looking for high quality domed skylights in Toronto, Aluplex has what you’re looking for. We’ve been serving the Toronto area for decades and have probably installed the commercial skylights on some of your favorite local buildings. If you’re ready for us to give your building the same treatment, we can do just that.

Domed skylights aren’t the only skylights we offer. If you’re interested in installing a commercial skylight in your building, but want to see more styles, just check out the photos on our website and see if anything strikes you as more appealing.

Commercial Domed Skylight Installation Services

Aluplex doesn’t just sell glass, windows, and skylights; we also install them. If you buy one or more of our commercial skylights, we’ll also be installing them for you. Not only that, we also have repair services and will be happy to continue serving you far into the future, should you need it.

If you have any questions about our products, services, or anything else glass related, please don’t hesitate to call. We look forward to working with you!