Bring the Outdoors In with Innovative Aerogel Skylights | Skylight Design

Bring the Outdoors In with Aerogel Skylights

For many homeowners, the ability to enjoy the fresh air and natural sunlight is a top priority when designing their living spaces. Skylights have long been a popular solution, allowing bright daylight to pour into the rooms below. But traditional skylights come with drawbacks like heat loss and glare. Now, innovative aerogel skylights are providing a high-tech solution that maximizes light while minimizing negatives.

What is Aerogel?

Aerogel is an advanced material composed of a gel matrix and air pockets. This gives aerogel some truly remarkable properties: it's extremely lightweight yet highly insulating, blocks sound, and is nearly transparent. NASA first developed aerogel decades ago to collect space dust samples. Today, aerogel is enabling skylight design to make huge leaps forward.

Benefits of Aerogel Skylights

There are many ways aerogel skylights outshine traditional models:

• Extreme insulation value. With an insulation R-value up to 5.0, aerogel skylights prevent heat loss far better than normal plastic or glass. This saves energy and keeps interiors comfortable.
• Excellent light transmission. While opaque to UV and IR rays, aerogel lets through an abundance of soft, natural light.
• Minimal glare. Aerogel skylights scatter incoming light gently, preventing uncomfortable glare.
• Sound damping. The fine pore structure of aerogel absorbs noise and enhances quietness.
• Strength and safety. Aerogel is very strong for how light it is. Skylights made of aerogel are impact and shatter-resistant.
• Aesthetic options. Aerogel can be transparent or translucent and is available in a range of tints.

Aerogel Skylight Models and Manufacturers

Several companies are raising the bar for skylight performance using aerogel technology. Here are some top products on the market:

Lumira Aerogel Skylight

Lumira makes a triple-glazed aerogel skylight that achieves a whole window U-value of 0.7 and SHGC value of 0.6. Features include:

• Reinforced aerogel blocks 99% of UV rays.
• Aerogel layer is protected between glass panes for longevity.
• Skylight roof dome promotes passive airflow.
• Engineered for easy, weathertight installation.

Kalwall+Nanogel Translucent Panel Systems

Kalwall's Nanogel panels contain an aerogel interlayer with R-6 insulation value. Benefits include:

• Maintains interior brightness with minimal heat gain.
• Diffuses daylight evenly without glare or hot spots.
• Lightweight panels allow large overhead spans.
• Used for skylights, canopies, wall systems and more.

OctaLite Aerogel Skylight

The OctaLite Double Glazed Flat Roof Skylight features an aerogel filling with R-3 insulation. Highlights include:

• Aerogel block is protected from moisture and dirt.
• Minimal framework maximizes light transmission.
• Seals tight against water, air, dust and insects.
• Custom sizes available up to 25 square feet.

Ideal Applications for Aerogel Skylights

Thanks to their unmatched insulation, light quality and design flexibility, aerogel skylights excel in many settings:

• Homes - Provides abundant natural light without glare or heat gain.
• Offices - Creates comfortable, sun-filled workspaces with soft lighting and no direct sun.
• Museums - Lets in diffuse light ideal for displaying artwork without damage from UV rays.
• Retail stores - Showcases merchandise beautifully using abundant, non-glaring daylight.
• Warehouses - Admit daylight deep into large interior spaces to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
• Sports facilities - Evenly diffuses daylight onto playing fields and courts without direct sunlight.

Installation Tips for Aerogel Skylights

To ensure optimal performance from your aerogel skylights, follow these best practices during installation:

• Work with an experienced contractor familiar with aerogel products.
• Carefully measure and cut openings to achieve a tight fit.
• Seal thoroughly around skylight perimeter to prevent air and water infiltration.
• Use manufacturer recommended flashing and accessories for weatherproofing.
• Allow proper drainage from skylight with integrated gutters and downspouts.
• Install interior trim and sealants for an attractive, durable finish.

The Future of Aerogel Skylights

Aerogel skylight technology is still advancing quickly. Exciting innovations in development include:

• Improved insulation with R-values nearing R-10.
• Enhanced light diffusion for zero glare and hot spots.
• Smart glass options that tint on demand for adjustable light control.
• More durable, rigid panel designs.
• Expanded color options for tinted light effects.
• Lower production costs making aerogel skylights more affordable.

With their unmatched ability to beautifully fill interior spaces with natural light, aerogel skylights are poised to become the new standard for illuminating our homes and buildings. As the technology continues advancing, expect aerogel skylights to shed even more light on the possibilities for sustainable, human-centered design.

FAQs

How much natural light do aerogel skylights allow in?

Aerogel skylights transmit up to 95% of incoming visible light thanks to the translucent, highly transparent structure of aerogel. This allows them to flood interior spaces with abundant natural daylight.

Do aerogel skylights cause glare?

No, aerogel skylights diffuse incoming light so evenly that uncomfortable glare and hot spots are virtually eliminated. The soft, glare-free light makes interiors comfortable for occupants.

Can aerogel skylights withstand extreme weather?

Yes, aerogel skylights are extremely durable and weather-resistant. The aerogel itself is highly water repellent. Quality framing and glazing seals the aerogel tightly against the elements.

How long do aerogel skylights last?

Top quality aerogel skylights are designed to last at least 20-30 years. The aerogel material itself does not degrade or corrode over time. With proper installation and maintenance, aerogel skylights will provide decades of service.

Do aerogel skylights require special cleaning or maintenance?

Aerogel skylights require very little routine maintenance. Like any skylight, occasional cleaning of the glazing may be needed. Manufacturer instructions should be followed for any maintenance requirements.