The Benefits of Aerogel Skylights: Better Light and Insulation

The Benefits of Aerogel Skylights

Skylights are a great way to bring more natural light into your home. Traditional skylights are made of glass or plastic. But what if you could have a skylight that provided all the benefits of natural light, while also providing insulation? That's where aerogel skylights come in.

What is Aerogel?

Aerogel is an extremely lightweight and porous synthetic material derived from a gel. It's composed of up to 99.8% air and is one of the lightest solid materials in the world. Aerogel was first created in 1931 by a chemist at Stanford University. Due to its unique properties, aerogel is used in a variety of applications today, including skylights.

Benefits of Aerogel Skylights

There are several benefits that make aerogel skylights a great choice:

• Lightweight - Aerogel skylights can weigh up to 90% less than glass. This makes them easier to install and transport.
• Translucent - While allowing light to pass through, aerogel also diffuses and softens the light. This reduces glare and provides a soft, natural lighting effect inside your home.
• Insulating - Aerogel is a super-insulator, able to resist heat transfer. Aerogel skylights provide excellent insulation for your home.
• UV blocking - Aerogel can block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting your home's interior from sun damage.
• Durable - Aerogel is very strong for its weight and resistant to breakage, making aerogel skylights last longer.
• Soundproofing - The porous structure of aerogel absorbs sound, so aerogel skylights also provide sound insulation.

How Aerogel Skylights Work

Aerogel skylights look similar to traditional acrylic plastic bubble skylights. However, instead of plastic, they use panes of translucent aerogel. The aerogel panels allow light to enter your home while blocking UV rays and providing insulation. Aerogel skylights are often designed with two panes of aerogel separated by an air gap for better insulation.

Aerogel skylights can be installed on the roof of your home just like regular skylights. They come in many different sizes to fit your space. Skylight frames are made from aluminum, wood, vinyl, or other durable materials to hold the aerogel panels in place while sealing out water.

Ideal Use Cases for Aerogel Skylights

Here are some of the best uses for aerogel skylights:

• Attics - Attic spaces can get uncomfortably hot. Aerogel skylights keep attics cooler in summer while allowing light into the main house.
• Bathrooms - Bathrooms often don't have windows. Aerogel skylights introduce natural light without compromising privacy.
• Interior rooms - Rooms in the center of your house can feel dark and isolated. Aerogel skylights liven them up.
• Kitchens - More natural light makes kitchens more pleasant and easier to cook in.
• Basements - Basement spaces tend to be dark and humid. Aerogel skylights help brighten and ventilate them.

Benefits for Homeowners

There are many reasons homeowners may want to consider installing aerogel skylights:

• Reduce energy bills - Aerogel's insulating properties can significantly reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
• Increase home value - Skylights and proper lighting are attractive features for home buyers.
• Improve mood and comfort - Natural light elevates mood and creates a more comfortable living space.
• Better indoor plants - House plants thrive with more sunlight from above.
• Enjoy star gazing - Skylights provide celestial views at night when it's clear.

Before Installing Aerogel Skylights

There are a few things to consider before installing aerogel skylights:

• Hire professionals - Skylight installation can be complex. Hire qualified contractors to ensure proper fitting, sealing, and integration with roofing.
• Consider positioning - Factor in sunlight angles, overhangs, and shadows to optimize light. South-facing placement gets the most sunlight.
• Check attic ventilation - Good attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup and heat accumulation.
• Match with roofing - Frames must properly fit and seal with surrounding roof materials when installed.
• Meet building codes - Skylights usually need permits. Ensure aerogel skylights meet local building codes.

Maintenance Tips for Aerogel Skylights

Aerogel skylights require some basic maintenance to keep performing well:

• Clean the aerogel panels every few months using water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Check for condensation buildup inside the unit, which can indicate a seal failure. Repair seals if needed.
• Inspect frames and seals annually for any cracks or damage. Repair as needed.
• Remove any accumulated debris around the skylight exterior after storms.
• Reapply exterior sealants and waterproofing treatments as needed over time.

The Future of Aerogel Skylights

Aerogel skylight technology will likely continue advancing in the future. Some possibilities include:

• Improved aerogel formulas with even better light transmission and insulation.
• New production techniques to reduce manufacturing costs.
• Flexible aerogel sheets to enable curved skylight designs.
• Integration of LEDs for supplemental lighting at night.
• Better hydrophilic coatings to improve aerogel self-cleaning.
• Smart glass controls to tint on demand or respond to the sun.

As aerogel skylight tech improves, they should see increasing mainstream adoption in homes and buildings worldwide. The benefits for lighting, energy savings, and comfort make them a promising sustainable building material for the future.

Install Aerogel Skylights and Reap the Benefits

Aerogel skylights provide homeowners with an energy-efficient way to get more natural light. With lightweight durability, great insulation, and options to fit any space, aerogel skylights are an innovative solution giving old-fashioned skylights some new, futuristic competition. Contact skylight installation pros today to discuss how aerogel skylights can brighten up your home!

FAQs

How much do aerogel skylights cost?

Aerogel skylights are more expensive than plastic dome skylights but comparable in cost to glass skylights. Expect to pay $800 - $2000 for a basic smaller unit. Larger or custom skylights can cost $3000 and up installed.

Do aerogel skylights leak?

They shouldn't leak if properly installed. It's critical that aerogel panels are set in frames that create a watertight seal with the roof. High quality installation is key to preventing leaks long-term.

How long do aerogel skylights last?

Aerogel itself is an extremely durable material. Properly installed, aerogel skylights can last for decades with minimal degradation. Their lifespan exceeds that of plastic skylights.

Can you open aerogel skylights?

Some aerogel skylight models feature an operable vent that opens. However, most are fixed and do not open like swing-out windows. Ventilation is not a key strength of aerogel skylights.

Do aerogel skylights have warranties?

Many aerogel skylight brands offer limited 5-10 year warranties covering defects, breakage, and seal failure. Warranties reassuringly demonstrate the manufacturer's faith in their product's quality and performance.