Alberta is known for having some of the sunniest days in Canada with over 300 days of sunshine annually. This abundance of sunlight makes it an ideal location for solar energy solutions, including skylights that enhance the natural light in homes. And it’s a little-known fact backed by research that there are significant benefits of sunlight and brighter living spaces, especially during our long cold winters.
Choosing the right skylights for cold climates can enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. With the winter weather bringing unique challenges, it’s important to consider factors like insulation, durability, and moisture protection when selecting residential skylight installation in Calgary.
Keep reading to learn more about durable and tougher skylight features that are ideal for colder climates.
The Flashing
The flashing is an important skylight component. It’s a waterproof material, typically made of metal, that’s installed around the edges of the skylight to prevent water from leaking into the roof. The flashing acts as the first line of defense, directing rainwater, melting ice, and snow away from the skylight. The flashing should be changed with the roof by default as the old flashings will have nail holes and will get bent up in the re-roof process.
If this vital component is not installed properly, water can seep in, leading to costly issues like water damage, rust, mold, and corrosion. This highlights the importance of proper and professional skylight installation in Calgary and most roofers fail to perform this task adequately which is why skylights get such a bad reputation for leaking! A well installed skylight will never leak!
Glass Options
When choosing the right skylight glass, two popular options offer distinct benefits in terms of durability, safety, and functionality.
Tempered Glass Benefits
- Undergoes a heat-treatment process that makes it up to four times stronger than regular glass.
- The increased strength makes it an excellent choice for areas like Calgary that are prone to heavy winds and hail.
- When broken, tempered glass shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards.
- Tempered glass with a low e-glaze prevents harmful UV rays from penetrating.
- Triple-pane tempered glass provides extra protection and increased energy efficiency with extra strength to endure the cold.
Laminated Glass
- Designed for sound and safety, consisting of two or more layers of glass with a thin plastic layer in between.
- When broken, the plastic acts as a safety net, holding the glass pieces together and preventing fragments from falling.
- The plastic layer also provides soundproofing benefits to create a quiet and more comfortable indoor environment.
- The shatter resistance and durability make it ideal for areas prone to hail and snowstorms.
Thermal Insulation
For cold climates like Calgary, thermal insulation in skylights is a crucial factor in maintaining energy efficiency and comfort. Well-insulated skylights help regulate indoor temperature by reducing heat transfer between the interior and exterior, preventing both unwanted heat in the summer and heat loss in winter.
Thermal insulation contributes to lower energy costs for heating and cooling. Be sure to confirm proper glazing and U-factors when consulting a professional for skylight installation.
Professional Skylight Installation in Calgary
If you’re ready to move forward with your skylight project, No Payne Roofing is your trusted residential skylight installation in Calgary services, one of the only companies that is fully credentialed & certified with Velux Skylights! We know Calgary’s cold climate and the unique challenges it presents. This helps us ensure your skylight is built to be strong and durable, providing lasting protection and performance.
Contact us to learn more and schedule an estimate.
