Today's rooflights and skylights are engineering marvels that are light years ahead of their counterparts from 40 or 50 years ago. The advances in rooflight quality are driven almost entirely by advances in the materials used to build them. In this post, we're going to identify the top 5 rooflight materials and their pros and cons.
The Top 5 Rooflight Materials Along With Their Pros and Cons
Most of the materials used to build high-quality rooflights today have little to do with the materials used to build rooflights in, say, 1980. Here are the top rooflight materials and their pros and cons.
1: Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate panels are sometimes used in rooflights in place of glass panels. Here are their pros and cons:
Pros
- Many times stronger than glass panels
- They're light, which is good for the roof
- They offer UV protection
- A variety of finishes
Cons
- They scratch more easily than glass
- They may yellow with age
2: Acrylic
Also referred to as "plexiglass," acrylic panels have been used in rooflights for a while now. Here are their pros and cons:
Pros
- Similar in transparency to glass but lighter
- Stronger than glass panels
- More affordable than glass
- Lighter than glass
Cons
- Like polycarbonate, they scratch easier than glass
- They may become brittle over time due to UV exposure
3: Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
While not common, FRP panels are starting to gain in popularity. Here are their pros and cons:
Pros
- Highly impact-resistant
- Lighter than glass panels
- Easy to install due to their lightweight
Cons
- They may discolour over time
- Light transmission is not as good as glass
4: Glass
Other materials have emerged, but glass is still a customer favourite. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros
- Outstanding clarity
- More resistant to scratching than other materials
- Triple-glazed windows provide good sound insulation
- Timeless look
Cons
- Heavy and more difficult to install
- May shatter if hit by a branch or other item
Contact Skylights Rooflight
There you have it. The top 5 rooflight materials and their pros and cons. If you have questions about any of our rooflights, give us a call on 020 3633 2196.
