See the light

Prosales, Sept, 2005 by Stephani L. Miller

Daylighting is becoming a more important consideration in both new home construction and light commercial applications, and one of the most common ways builders incorporate daylighting is by installing skylights. Here are just a few of the newest skylight offerings available.

With an adjustable angle adapter, Velux's new line of sun tunnels can be installed in a straighter line to the ceiling, resulting in easier installation and more light output. the manufacturer says. A stable dome-to-flashing connection protects against expansion and contraction, and the metal flashing features pre-drilled holes for easier nailing. The sun tunnel's new dome shape gathers light from more angles, and the pre-sealed dual diffuser is now available in either a frosted lens or a prismatic lens. 800.888.3589. www.veluxusa.com. Circle 112.

ODL's Tubular Skylights and Severe Weather Tubular Skylights have been rated to meet Energy Star requirements for energy efficiency. Severe Weather tubular skylights feature a polycarbonate dome and seamless aluminum flashing. They are rated to meet the hurricane impact requirements of the Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade County. Additionally, the skylights have a U-factor of 0.44 and a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.24. Installation is also easier, with pre-assembled gaskets and flip tabs that rotate into place to secure the diffuser ring to the ceiling. 866.635.4968. www.odl.com. Circle 113.

The 10- and 14-inch Brighten Up and 21-inch SolaMaster tubular skylights from Solatube are now available in Miami-Dade County-approved models. These models are also designed to meet Florida Building Code requirements for high-velocity hurricane zones. The skylights feature the Spectralight Infinity super reflective tubing that provides near-perfect color rendering, the manufacturer says. 800.966.7652. www.solatube.com. Circle 114.

The IBP Glass Block Grid System for canopies from Innovative Building Products creates a frame for glass block applications that install easily without mortar, the maker says. The Grid screws into a prepared opening and glass blocks are inserted into one-piece vinyl boots, then installed into the grid and sealed. A variety of glass block patterns and colon and aluminum grid colors are available. Sizes up to 4 feet by 12 feet are offered. 800.932.2263. www.ibpglassblock.com. Circle 115.

Wasco's Lumi-Duct Skydome light-well system maximizes daylighting while reducing heating and cooling loads, the company says. Ideal for high- or drop-ceiling applications, the Lumi-Duct Skydome's mirrored light-well reflects 89 percent of light transmission without loss of color. The double-glazed skydome features a self-flashing, thermally broken aluminum frame for both flat and pitched roofs. 800.388.0293. www.wascoproducts.com. Circle 116.

The 780 and 750 Series curb-mounted operable and fixed skylights from Milgard Windows are available with a variety of glazing options, including SunCoat Low-E2 high-performance glass. Thermally broken, bronze-anodized aluminum frames resist heat loss and condensation. Single-light operable models can be speced for manual opening or can be operated with an electric wall switch or wireless remote control. An automatic rain sensor system is integrated into motorized models. 800.645.4273. www.milgard.com. Circle 117.