Polycarbonate is the other material commonly used in domed skylights. Polycarbonate is used in applications where impact resistance is a requirement. It is the material used in our Miami-Dade Approved Hurricane Impact Skylights. It is even popular in areas that may be prone to Hail Damage. Polycarbonate can be formed just as easily as acrylic.

A curb mounted skylight is a skylight designed to mount onto an already existing roof curb. With the roof curb still in place, you simply remove the skylight frame and glazing from the curb, clean the top surface, apply some polyurethane adhesive, mount the new skylight, and screw or nail it the new skylight frame to the curb. Think of this example: the skylight curb is like a shoebox, while a curb mounted skylight is the shoebox lid. When purchasing a curb mounted skylight, the measurements that we need to know are the OUTSIDE CURB DIMENSIONS.

When you are replacing an old skylight, odds are the curb that the skylight sits on is still in fine shape; you simply need a fresh, shiny, new skylight. The outside curb dimensions are measured to the outside edge of the shoebox we spoke about in the above description. These dimensions refer to the outer-most edges of a pre-existing roof curb. By removing the skylight frame and measuring the length and the width to the outside edge of the curb, taking into consideration the roof flashing, you will have the outside curb dimensions. For purchasing curb mounted skylights, outside curb dimensions are required.

A self-flashing skylight is a skylight mainly used during new construction or remodeling. Generally, if you are adding a new skylight to your home, not replacing one, you should consider a self-flashing skylight. These skylights come to you with a built in roof curb, unlike the curb mounted skylights referred to above. With a self-flashing skylight, you simply determine the size roof opening you would like, and let us do the rest. When purchasing a self-flashing skylight, the measurements that we need to know are the ROOF OPENING DIMENSIONS.

When you decide to install a new skylight, perhaps during the construction of a new home, during a re-roof of your existing home, or simply adding a skylight to brighten a dark and dreary room, you should consider using a self-flashing skylight. Because the curb is built into the skylight, all that we need to know is how big of a hole do you wish to put in your roof. If you would like a 2’ x 4’ skylight in a space that does not currently have one, you would order a self-flashing skylight with roof opening dimensions of 24” x 48”. It is as simple as that. For purchasing self-flashing skylights, roof opening dimensions are required.

Thermally broken refers to skylight frames that include a polyurethane block that separates the skylight frame from the glazing. This helps to reduce thermal heat loss and condensation build-up in colder climates. Thermally broken is an option available on all of our skylights and recommended in colder climates.