Skylights and UV

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

When I ever get around to building my own house, I would like to incorporate as much natural light as I can, with windows, skylights, and maybe those mirrored-tube solar "recessed lights". It has occured to me that I might be in danger of UV exposure in doing so, however, and am presenting my fears to the forum experts for advice. Anybody out there know the skinny on this sort of thing? I have heard conflicting reports all throughout my life on whether or not UV goes through glass and so on, so what's the real deal, guys.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), November 11, 2001

Answers

My DH installs skylights, though I don't have one-yet- anyway, the glass has a special coating to filter out UV, plus you can add on extra screening in the form of a shade.

-- Kathy (catfish201@hotmail.com), November 11, 2001.

I installed two opening skylights in a large bathroom facing West. Got so hot in there we could not stand it. So I moved them to another large bathroom that faced North. Better, but eventually removed them and threw them away. Just wasn't worth the trouble. I am much more satisfied with large windows and porch roofs to shade them. Of course this was 10 years ago so I am sure the quality has improved.

-- Jim West (jimwest@shelbynet.net), November 11, 2001.

Also consider your regions weather patterns. . . is your area prone to violent hailstone and / or other severe weather? My parents house has had skylights for 35 years now and the only damage was when my brother, trimming tree branches along the edges of the roof, carelessly let a small tree limb fall onto the roof. Where the skylight was. Which left a 3" hole in it. Which cost an arm and a leg to replace. They live in an area which has hurricane threat but other than the occasional violent cold front, has very little incidence of tornados, hail and other violent weather. Also another potential roof leak waiting to happen.

Haven't a clue on UV protection, but I would consider the threat minimal. You would have to be underneath the skylight constantly with the sun shining directly onto you to do the damage, I would think.

How about clerestory windows, instead? Built above eye level along the wall, they provide good overhead light and might be better protected underneath your house eave. Just a thought.

-- j.r. guerra (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), November 12, 2001.


Crestline makes them that have UV protection.You can also get remote control shades with them. My son is a Field Rep. for them and he says they have been improved through the years so they are trouble free.

-- Mel Kelly (melkelly@webtv.net), November 12, 2001.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ