Frequently Asked Questions skylites
What types of glass I can use in a skylite?
There are several code requirements one should be aware of when purchasing a skylite. The document linked below will help you understand most of these issues. It is important to know however, that while working within these requirements; we will be able to achieve your design goals, both structurally and aesthetically.
How does CrystaLite Skylites fit into the LEED, Built Green, and Energy Star programs?
This is another question that is brought up enough, that we have a handout for it. See the PDF below.
How does a skylite effect solar heat gain and thermal performance?
Different insulated glass make-up styles (tinted, low-E, laminated safety glass) will effect the thermal performance of the skylite. The tinted glass absorbs the heat. Low-E will reflect both the transfer of heat into the home and the loss of heat from inside the home which stabilizes both heat loss and heat gain. Laminated safety glass has a thin layer of vinyl in between the glass that acts as a solar barrier which reduces considerably (up to 99%) of ultraviolet light transmission.
Durability to the elements such as rocks, fallen branches, and snow?
CrystaLite Inc. standard skylites have a welded aluminum exterior cap that is anodized or painted as required that resists the elements. CrystaLite Inc. standard and custom skylites are built to local jurisdiction requirements and are engineered and built to withstand high load situations based on requirements.
What is the life of a skylite?
CrystaLite warranties glass skylites for 10 years and plastic skylites for 5. Insulated glass under normal application, you could expect a 20 -25 year life expectancy, and 10-15 years for plastics.
What is the life of the seals in the openers?
No failures of seals for openers have been documented.
What about 'Hot Mop' roofs?
It is standard to add a 1/4" clearance all around the curb from the skylite. In the case of a 'Hot Mop' roof, we increase this clearance to 1/2".
Can I turn the skylite sideways?
Standard single lite skylites with no mullions can be rotated to any side due to having weep holes in all 4 sides.
My skylite leaks, why would I want another?
CrystaLite Inc. skylites are engineered and produced with welded corners inside and out with condensation gutters built into the frame, which prevents the leaky skylite problem. Other manufacturers screw their skylites together creating more ways for water penetration.
What happened to the LCII switch? Why can I not find replacement parts for it?
The LCII switch was deleted from production due to its many flaws, which were traced down to the motor over working the switch.
How big of a skylite can I make an opener?
There is no set limit, larger sizes are possible, but with circumstances that could arise from a large opener, CrystaLite Inc. tries to limit the opener to 16 square feet or less. Larger openers could need more opening mechanisms, more wiring is involved as well as sturdier glass make-up’s, all these things add to the cost of the product.
Does manual vs. electric matter for size of opener possible?
Yes, manually because of the difficulty from the weight of the unit, you can only manually open up to a 4x4 skylite. Anything larger would be too difficult, 12 square feet of glass is more reasonable, especially for elderly or handicapped people.
How sensitive are the rain sensors? Can it be adjusted?
The rain sensor has a left and right contact surface that is intertwined and looks like a mini circuit board and in a sense it is. When a rain drop lands on the sensor and touches both contacts it then forms a loop in the circuit and essentially shortens the circuit. There is a 5 second contact time to send the signal to close the skylite. Therefore the sensor must be mounted level and exposed to the weather to effectively work. There is no designed adjustment for sensitivity.
Where is the rain sensor?
The rain sensor is mounted on the outside of the skylite; level and exposed to the weather, so that it may work properly; it is not in the glass.
Minimum slope for glass?
CrystaLite Inc. has a minimum requirement for the slope of the glass at a 2:12 pitch for our warranty. This means for every 12” or 1 foot there has to be at least 2” of rise.
Why is there a minimum slope?
For water to be able to run off. If water stays on the surface of the glass it puddles, causing dirt to collect and water spots, therefore causing a lack of visibility and light transference. Also,with heating and cooling of the glass, and the evaporation of the water causing the unit to expand and contract, with the water on the surface it could cause the potential of glass breakage.
Why would I want multiple lites of glass?
Multiple lites of glass are for a couple of reasons. They are to break up a span that is too long for 1 piece of glass to be strong enough to span that distance, or too costly to provide glass that is structurally strong enough to do so.
In regards to custom skylites, what’s the smallest barrel vault radius possible? Largest?
CrystaLite Inc. is a custom manufacturer of skylites. Just about anything is possible. To date we have fabricated a 14’ barrel radius as the largest. It depends on the radius for the bending of the tube and sheet that goes over the top. It depends on the radius, but you don’t want to go any smaller than 2’ at the base for length. At that length you need a shallow radius.
