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I want a skylight, but am concerned about it leaking.

Manufactured skylights get a bad reputation by being associated with a common pool of items referred to as “skylights”. Sometimes, people build their own skylights. Some manufacturers also used to screw the corners of their skylight frame together, creating openings for moisture to penetrate.

We only supply and install quality manufactured skylights that feature welded corners, approved flashing systems and frames with built-in condensation gutters to prevent leaking.  We are experienced at properly installing quality systems, so that your skylight will bring you decades of natural light.

Beginning in 2010, Velux introduced a No Leak Skylight with a 10-year installation warranty to demonstrate their confidence in their product.


Can I install a skylight on a flat roof?

Skylights are generally designed to be installed on roofs with a 2:12 pitch or greater, while sun tunnels should have a 15-degree pitch (or per manufacturers recommendations).

With careful consideration, we can engineer skylights for flat roofs. Sloped curbs are usually required to provide adequate draining.  We are happy to send one of our staff to you to help you determine the best skylight option for your project.


What can I do to prevent my skylight from trapping too much heat?

If your skylight is trapping too much heat in your house during the summer, chances are that it may also let out significant heat in the winter. Today’s skylights have advanced technologies (such as Low E coated insulated glass units filled with argon gas) that help prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Additionally, you can order skylights with tinted glass to reduce solar heat gain. Velux produces skylights with revolutionary SageGlass that can tint to varying shades to compensate for the amount of light desired.

Another option is to install covers that are controlled by either a pole or wired to operate using a wall plate or remote control. Most skylights can accommodate a cover.  Options include cellular shades or venetian blinds inside, or awnings on the exterior.


Can I get a shower enclosure that will fit my bathroom and/or my vision?

Absolutely! We install shower enclosures custom-made to fit many different shower configurations, including enclosures with a radius. However, we cannot install glass into every situation. Stop by any of our locations to discuss your ideas with us.


What is EasyClean 10? Is it like ShowerGuard?

We are happy to offer and recommend both EasyClean 10 and ShowerGuard through Agalite. These products leave your shower enclosure clean longer and make cleaning easier.

EasyClean10 is a liquid that is applied to glass at the manufacturer. It chemically bonds with the glass as it cures, providing a durable layer of protection to keep the glass cleaner and making it easier to clean. It cannot be added after your shower enclosure is installed.

Care should be taken when cleaning glass treated with EasyClean10 as abrasives and harsh chemicals can damage the coating. EasyClean10 recommends using EasyClean10 Aftercare for cleaning.  However, Windex, Glass Plus, and other non-industrial cleaning products can be used without voiding the warranty.

ShowerGuard is a process at the manufacturer that makes the surface of the glass exceptionally and permanently smooth due to ion-beam technology. Because ShowerGuard is not a coating, periodic maintenance simply consists of wiping the surface down with a soft cloth or wet sponge and any of the common household cleaners.


Can you install a shower door to a glass block wall?

Yes, the glass blocks can be drilled and hinges can be mounted to them.  However, special precautions must be taken and we may not be able to install doors to all glass block walls.


Can you install a heavy glass shower system into a fiberglass shower?

Not typically. Fiberglass enclosures usually don’t have thick enough walls to support the weight of ⅜” and ½” shower glass.  If proper backing has been fit behind the fiberglass, the shower may be able to support the weight and our sales staff are happy to help you determine the status of your shower. We can alternatively use light glass in your shower.


What is an insulated glass unit (IGU)?

An insulated glass unit consists of two or more (usually no more than three) panes of glass held apart at a fixed distance by metal or composite spacers. Once the glass is connected to the spacer bar, butyl, or a similar sealant, is injected around the spacer bar for a seal. Most often, when moisture develops between two panes of glass, it is because this seal has failed. Desiccant (small absorbent pebbles) are inserted in and around the spacer bar to absorb moisture in the air trapped between the glass layers.

Almost any type of glass and coating can be used to manufacture insulated glass units, and art or leaded glass can be incorporated.  Often, insulated glass units are filled with inert gasses such as argon or krypton, which resist heat transfer to a greater degree than non-gas-filled insulated glass units.


What is the difference between seamed, ground, and polished edges?

When you order flat glass like mirrors, tabletops, and shelves, you can specify the type of edgework you would like done on the glass.  If you were to opt for no edgework, it would leave you with very sharp edges, so it is only recommended if all raw edges will be completely concealed in a frame.

Seamed edges are produced by a light sanding. The finish is non-uniform and almost appears wavy.  In thinner pieces of glass like 1/8” (or double strength), this non-uniformity may not be noticeable, but on pieces of 1/4” or 3/8” glass, the disparity is highly visible, particularly on shelves and mirrors.

Ground edges have a consistent finish with a satin appearance, reducing the reflectivity through the edge of the glass or mirror. On a 1/4” mirror, ground edges help make the edge’s appearance almost imperceptible.

Polished edges are produced by buffing the edge of the glass with a fine abrasive material and polishing oil. The result is a beautifully translucent finish. Flat polished edges are excellent options for the thicker glass used in shelves and frameless shower enclosures.


What kinds of glass edgework do you offer?

We can provide you with a wide variety of edgework options including bevels, full mitres, half mitres, prism edges, O.G. edges, and waterfalls.