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Window Guide 2024: Are Skylights Energy Efficient?

December 29, 2023 By adminAPX

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?

December 29, 2023 By adminAPX

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

November 27, 2023 By Webmaster

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

November 24, 2023 By Webmaster

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!

10 Luxury Design Hacks for Your Master Bedroom

September 28, 2023 By Webmaster

The master bedroom is your sanctuary, a space where you can unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. When designing a luxurious master bedroom, there are countless elements to consider, from furniture and color schemes to a bedroom skylight and decor.

Bring in Natural Light for Luxury and Good Health

One design element that can take your master bedroom to the next level of luxury is skylights. Skylights not only add natural light but also bring a touch of the outdoors inside, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. In this blog, we’ll explore some luxury design hacks for your master bedroom like color ideas and a bedroom skylight.

10 Design Hacks for Your Home

1. Maximize Natural Light: Skylights are a fantastic natural light source. To make the most of this feature, position your bed and other key pieces of furniture near the skylights. This will flood your room with daylight and create a stunning focal point.

2. Custom Window Treatments: While skylights are wonderful for letting in natural light, there may be times when you want to control the amount of light and privacy. Consider installing custom window treatments, such as motorized blinds or shades, that can be easily adjusted with the touch of a button. This adds an extra layer of convenience and luxury to your bedroom.

3. Choose the Right Placement: When adding skylights to your master bedroom, carefully consider their placement. Skylights strategically positioned above your bed can create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere. For a more spa-like experience, place them above a soaking tub if you have an ensuite bathroom.

4. Integration with Smart Home Technology: To truly embrace modern luxury, integrate your skylights with your smart home system. This allows you to control your bedroom’s skylights, lighting, and temperature using voice commands or a smartphone app. Imagine waking up in the morning and saying, “Good morning,” to have your skylights gently open and the room adjust to your preferred temperature and lighting.

5. Customize the View: Consider what you’ll see when you look up through your skylights. If your bedroom overlooks a lush garden or a stunning landscape, make sure the skylights frame those views beautifully. If not, you can create an indoor garden or place a few potted plants near the skylights to bring greenery and tranquility into your space.

6. Focal Point Lighting: Skylights can serve as a striking focal point during the day but can also be a beautiful source of ambient lighting at night. Install LED lighting around the perimeter of your skylights to create a soft, diffused glow that enhances the room’s luxurious ambiance.

7. Reflective Surfaces: Incorporate reflective surfaces into your bedroom’s design to amplify the effect of skylights and natural light. Mirrored furniture, glass accents, and glossy finishes on cabinetry can all help bounce light around the room, making it feel even more spacious and opulent.

8. A Relaxing Color Palette: When choosing colors for your master bedroom with skylights, opt for calming and soothing hues. Soft blues, muted greens, and warm neutrals can create a serene and inviting atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and escape from the stresses of the day.

9. Luxury Bedding and Textures: Don’t forget to invest in high-quality bedding and luxurious textures for your master bedroom. Silk sheets, plush duvets, and velvet throw pillows can add a touch of opulence that complements the elegance of skylights.

10. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to your master bedroom to make it feel uniquely yours. Incorporate artwork, family photos, or other decor items that hold sentimental value. These personal touches will make your luxurious bedroom a true reflection of your personality and style.

Contact Aluplex Glass and Skylight Today

Incorporating skylights into your master bedroom design is a surefire way to elevate its luxury quotient. With these design hacks, you can create a master bedroom that is aesthetically stunning and a haven of comfort and relaxation. Embrace the beauty of natural light and its serenity, and you’ll have a master bedroom that feels like a luxurious retreat every day.

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.