American Skylites
Windows & Skylights
Commercial
American Skylites manufactures the highest quality standard, special and custom commercial skylights for new or replacement opening. Fall guard protection screens and security…
or Give us a Call
Product Summary
American also manufacturers skylights specifically designed to meet the tough standards of Miami Dade county, Texas Department of Insurance, AAMA, and a skylight designed to meet OSHA Fall Protection standards without a screen! Fall guard protection screens and security grills for all brands of skylights are also available.
Construction and Materials
American Skylights offers a range of premium skylight solutions designed to bring natural light into any space. Their products are constructed with durability and aesthetic appeal in mind, utilizing high-quality materials to ensure longevity and performance.
The core construction of American Skylights typically involves robust framing and advanced glazing systems. The frames are engineered for strength and weather resistance, providing a secure and stable installation. For their glazing, American Skylights emphasizes energy efficiency and clarity. Options often include double or triple-pane glass with specialized coatings that enhance insulation, reduce UV transmission, and minimize heat gain or loss, depending on the specific product and climate needs.
Key materials used in their construction often include:
- Frame Materials: High-performance aluminum or thermally broken aluminum extrusions are commonly employed. These materials offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance, ensuring the frame withstands environmental factors.
- Glazing: Tempered and laminated glass options are standard for safety and security. Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings are frequently applied to the glass surfaces to improve thermal performance and solar control. Inert gas fills, such as argon or krypton, may also be used between glass panes to further enhance insulation.
- Seals and Gaskets: Durable EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber or similar weather-resistant sealants are used to create watertight and airtight junctions between the glass and frame, preventing leaks and drafts.
- Hardware: Stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant fasteners and operating hardware are selected for their reliability and longevity, especially in exposed roofing applications.
American Skylights are designed with various features to suit different applications and user preferences. This includes options for ventilation, whether manual or automated, allowing for natural air circulation. The overall construction prioritizes ease of installation while meeting stringent building codes and performance standards.
Features and Benefits
American Skylights offers a premium selection of skylights and roof windows designed to bring natural light and ventilation into any space. With a commitment to quality and innovation, their products enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of homes and buildings.
American Skylights' product line encompasses a range of solutions, including traditional fixed skylights, ventilating skylights, and custom-designed units. Each product is engineered for durability, energy efficiency, and ease of installation.
Features and Benefits
-
Natural Light Maximization
Feature: High-performance glazing and reflective interior surfaces.
Benefit: Significantly increases the amount of natural light entering a room, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere and reducing the need for artificial lighting, which can lead to energy savings.
-
Ventilation Options
Feature: Operable skylights with manual or automatic opening mechanisms.
Benefit: Allows for natural air circulation, helping to regulate indoor temperature, reduce humidity, and improve overall air quality. This is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas prone to moisture buildup.
-
Energy Efficiency
Feature: Insulated frames, low-E coatings on glass, and high-performance seals.
Benefit: Helps to minimize heat loss in colder months and heat gain in warmer months, contributing to reduced energy bills and a more comfortable living or working environment. This can also help meet stringent energy code requirements.
-
Durability and Longevity
Feature: High-quality construction materials, including robust aluminum frames and impact-resistant glass options.
Benefit: Ensures that the skylights can withstand various weather conditions, providing long-lasting performance and peace of mind. This translates to fewer maintenance concerns and a sound investment.
-
Aesthetic Enhancement
Feature: Sleek designs and a variety of sizes and shapes.
Benefit: Elevates the architectural appeal of any building, adding a touch of modern elegance and perceived spaciousness to interiors.
-
Customization
Feature: The ability to design and manufacture skylights to specific project requirements.
Benefit: Provides flexibility for unique architectural challenges or design preferences, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless integration into any roof structure.
Core Advantages
-
Superior Light Transmission:
American Skylights are engineered to optimize the capture and diffusion of natural light, transforming dim spaces into bright, airy environments.
-
Enhanced Indoor Comfort:
Through effective ventilation and excellent thermal performance, their skylights contribute to a more comfortable and healthy indoor climate year-round.
-
Long-Term Value:
The robust construction and high-quality materials ensure that American Skylights are a durable and reliable addition to any property, offering enduring benefits.
-
Architectural Versatility:
With a range of standard options and the capability for custom solutions, American Skylights can complement a wide array of architectural styles and project needs.
Frame Options
American Skylites offers a range of frame options designed to complement various architectural styles and functional needs for their skylight products. The primary materials used in their frames are extruded aluminum and mill-finished aluminum, both chosen for their durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Frame Material Options
- Extruded Aluminum: This option provides a strong and robust frame construction. Extruded aluminum is known for its structural integrity and ability to withstand various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for long-term performance.
- Mill-Finished Aluminum: This option presents a clean, natural aluminum appearance. Mill-finished aluminum is typically unfinished, offering a raw metallic look that can be suitable for modern or industrial designs, or as a base for custom painting or finishing.
Frame Finishes
While the website emphasizes mill-finished and extruded aluminum as the core materials, it also indicates that custom finishing is available to match specific project requirements. This suggests that users can explore options beyond the standard mill finish to achieve a desired aesthetic, such as powder coating in various colors.
Frame Construction
The frames are engineered to provide structural support for the skylight glazing while also ensuring a weather-tight seal. The extrusion process for aluminum frames allows for precise shapes and profiles, which are crucial for effective assembly and integration with roofing systems. The design prioritizes both visual integration with the roofline and dependable protection against the elements.
Glass Options
Glass Options for American Skylites
American Skylites offers a variety of glass options designed to enhance performance, comfort, and aesthetics for your skylight installation. Each option is engineered to meet specific needs, from energy efficiency to safety and UV protection.Standard Glass Package
The standard glass package for American Skylites is designed to provide a balance of performance and value. It typically includes:
- Tempered Glass: Both the interior and exterior panes are tempered. This safety glass breaks into small, relatively harmless pieces when shattered, reducing the risk of injury.
- Insulated Double Pane: The two panes of tempered glass are separated by a sealed air space, which significantly reduces heat transfer. This helps to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, contributing to energy savings.
- Argon Gas Fill: The space between the glass panes is filled with argon gas. Argon is a dense, inert gas that is more effective at reducing heat transfer than air, further improving the insulating properties of the unit.
- Low-E Coating (On Select Products): Many standard configurations include a Low-E (low-emissivity) coating. This microscopic, transparent layer on the glass surface reflects radiant heat. In the summer, it reflects solar heat away from your home, and in the winter, it reflects interior heat back into your home.
Enhanced Performance Glass Options
For those seeking elevated performance in specific areas, American Skylites provides several enhanced glass options:
- Triple Pane Glass: For maximum thermal performance and sound reduction, triple pane units are available. These skylights feature three panes of glass with two sealed air or argon gas spaces, providing superior insulation.
- Laminated Glass: This option offers enhanced safety and security. Laminated glass consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with a layer of plastic. If the glass breaks, the plastic interlayer holds the pieces together, preventing them from falling. This makes it an excellent choice for areas where impact resistance or security is a concern.
- Tinted Glass: Tinted glass options are available to reduce solar heat gain and glare. These tints can also offer a degree of privacy. Common tint colors may include bronze or gray, which reduce the amount of visible light entering the skylight.
- UV Filter Coating: A specialized UV filter coating can be applied to the glass to block a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet rays. This helps to protect interior furnishings, flooring, and artwork from fading and damage caused by sun exposure.
Specialty Glass Features
In addition to the core glass packages, American Skylites may also offer:
- Self-Cleaning Glass: Some skylight models can be equipped with a self-cleaning glass treatment. This coating utilizes the power of the sun and rain to break down and wash away dirt and grime, reducing the need for manual cleaning.
- Obscure/Frosted Glass: For applications where privacy is paramount, obscure or frosted glass options are available. These treatments obscure the view through the glass while still allowing natural light to enter.
The specific combination of glass types, coatings, and fills available will depend on the particular American Skylites product model being considered. It is recommended to consult product-specific documentation or speak with a representative for detailed specifications and available options for your chosen skylight.
Options-Styles
American Skylights offers a range of options and styles designed to bring natural light and ventilation into your home. Their products fall under the category of Windows & Skylights, specifically focusing on Skylights and Roof Windows.
The product line is segmented to cater to different needs and installation types. Key product families include:
- Standard Curb Mount Skylights: These are designed for installation on traditional, raised curbs. They are a versatile option for various roof types.
- Low Profile Skylights: Engineered for a sleek, less intrusive look, these skylights sit closer to the roofline.
- Circular Skylights: Offering a distinct aesthetic, these provide a rounded opening to the sky.
- Custom Skylights: For projects with unique architectural requirements, American Skylights provides custom-designed solutions to meet specific dimensions and shapes.
Within these product families, several styles and features are available:
- Fixed Skylights: These are non-operable units designed solely for light transmission.
- Ventilating Skylights: Available in both manual and electric operation, these allow for natural airflow and ventilation, helping to control indoor climate and reduce humidity.
- Glazing Options: The skylights can be equipped with various glazing choices to enhance performance and aesthetics. This includes:
- Tempered Glass: Known for its strength and safety.
- Laminated Glass: Offers enhanced security and sound reduction.
- Tinted Options: Available to control solar heat gain and glare.
- Low-E Coatings: To improve energy efficiency by reflecting radiant heat.
- Frame Finishes: The frames are typically offered in finishes that are durable and complement various architectural styles, such as:
- Mill Finish Aluminum
- White Powder Coat
- Bronze Powder Coat
- Roof Window Style: For applications where a larger, more traditional window opening is desired in the roof, American Skylights offers roof windows that can provide expansive views and ample light, often with venting capabilities.
The selection of American Skylights products allows for a customized approach to natural lighting and ventilation, with considerations for energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetic integration with the building's design.
Price Tier
American Skylites offers a range of skylight solutions, generally positioned across the Mid-Range to Premium tiers, with some options potentially entering the Luxury/Architectural space depending on customization and features. Understanding their product lines will reveal varying levels of material quality, performance, and aesthetic enhancements.
DOMESTICTOPPER SERIES
Market Position: Mid-Range ($$) How It Compares: This series offers a solid, reliable choice that significantly outperforms basic, budget-friendly options in terms of durability and energy efficiency. It represents a step up from entry-level materials without the advanced customization or premium finishes found in higher tiers. Key Value Drivers:- Constructed with durable, weather-resistant materials designed for longevity.
- Features robust sealing and glazing for improved thermal performance and reduced energy loss.
- Standard designs are straightforward to install, keeping labor costs more predictable.
- Comes with a reputable warranty covering manufacturing defects and material integrity.
OPTIVIEW SERIES
Market Position: Premium ($$$) How It Compares: The OptiView Series elevates performance and aesthetics, offering a noticeable improvement in glass quality, insulation, and design flexibility over the DomesticTopper. While a significant upgrade, it stops short of the fully bespoke and highest-end material options typically found in the Luxury/Architectural tier. Key Value Drivers:- Utilizes higher-grade glazing with enhanced solar control and insulation properties, leading to better indoor comfort.
- Offers a wider selection of frame finishes and operational options (e.g., venting) for greater design integration.
- Improved sealing and construction contribute to superior water-tightness and a longer service life.
- Typically carries an extended warranty to reflect the enhanced quality and performance.
- Installation may involve more detailed work due to integrated features and finishes.
CUSTOM SERIES
Market Position: Luxury / Architectural ($$$$) How It Compares: This series is American Skylites' offering for bespoke projects, providing unparalleled customization that far exceeds the standard options in the Mid-Range and Premium tiers. It's designed for discerning clients who require specific dimensions, unique shapes, or the highest caliber of materials and finishes to integrate seamlessly into high-end architectural designs. Key Value Drivers:- Complete customization in size, shape, and configuration to meet unique project demands.
- Option for the highest performance glazing available, including specialized coatings and multi-pane systems for maximum energy efficiency and light transmission.
- Premium frame materials and finishes, often with the ability to match specific architectural styles or material palettes.
- Longer warranty periods are common, reflecting the bespoke nature and premium components.
- Installation labor can be more complex and specialized due to the custom nature of the product, often requiring expert fitment.
When considering any skylight purchase, it is essential to consult with an authorized dealer for a precise project quote. Factors such as regional freight costs, specific installation site requirements, and chosen accessories can significantly impact the final cost.
- Homepage
- Products
- Options
- Specifications
- Warranty
- Photo Gallery
- Product Availability and Pricing Click here for details
-
Similar Products
- See all our Windows & Skylights products.
Residential
American Skylites manufactures the highest quality standard, special and custom residential skylights for new or replacement opening. Fall guard protection screens and security…
or Give us a Call
Product Summary
American also manufacturers skylights specifically designed to meet the tough standards of Miami Dade county, Texas Department of Insurance, AAMA, and a skylight designed to meet OSHA Fall Protection standards without a screen! Fall guard protection screens and security grills for all brands of skylights are also available.
Construction and Materials
American Skylights offers a range of high-quality skylight solutions designed to bring natural light into your home. Their products are built with durability and performance in mind, utilizing robust materials and construction techniques.
Construction and Materials
The core construction of American Skylights products features:
- Frame: The frames are typically constructed from extruded aluminum. This material is chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand various weather conditions. The extruded nature of the aluminum allows for precise shaping and interlocking components, contributing to the overall structural integrity of the skylight.
- Glazing: For their glazing, American Skylights utilizes high-performance glass options. These can include double-pane or triple-pane configurations designed to enhance energy efficiency. The glass is often tempered for safety and durability, and may feature low-E coatings to reduce heat transfer and UV exposure. Specific glass types, such as laminated or impact-resistant options, may be available depending on the product series and intended application.
- Sealing and Weatherproofing: A critical aspect of skylight construction is effective sealing to prevent water infiltration and air leakage. American Skylights employ robust sealing systems, often incorporating durable gaskets and flashing components designed to integrate seamlessly with roofing materials. This attention to sealing ensures long-term performance and protection against the elements.
- Fasteners: High-grade, corrosion-resistant fasteners are used throughout the assembly process to ensure a secure and lasting installation.
- Finish: The aluminum frames are typically finished with a durable powder coating. This coating provides an aesthetic appeal and offers additional protection against weathering, fading, and corrosion. Standard color options are often available to complement different architectural styles.
Product Specifics
While detailed specifications vary by model, the general construction principles remain consistent across the American Skylights product line, emphasizing:
- Structural integrity through engineered aluminum extrusions.
- Thermal performance and safety via advanced glazing options.
- Longevity and resilience through meticulous sealing and high-quality hardware.
Features and Benefits
American Skylites offers a range of high-quality skylights designed to bring natural light and ventilation into any space. Engineered for durability and aesthetic appeal, these skylights are a superior choice for residential and commercial applications.
Key Features and Benefits
-
Natural Light Enhancement
Feature: High-performance glazing and optimal framing designs.
Benefit: Significantly increases natural light within a room, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. This can lead to energy savings and a more pleasant living or working environment.
-
Ventilation Options
Feature: Available in both fixed and ventilating models. Ventilating options can be manual or electric.
Benefit: Provides fresh air circulation, helping to regulate indoor temperature, reduce humidity, and improve air quality. This can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable interior space.
-
Durable Construction
Feature: Robust framing materials and weather-resistant components.
Benefit: Ensures long-lasting performance and protection against the elements, minimizing maintenance requirements and providing peace of mind for years to come.
-
Aesthetic Versatility
Feature: Designed to complement a variety of architectural styles.
Benefit: Enhances the visual appeal of a building's exterior and interior, seamlessly integrating with existing rooflines and interior decor.
-
Energy Efficiency
Feature: Consideration of glazing properties for light transmission and thermal performance.
Benefit: Helps to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures by managing solar heat gain and heat loss, potentially contributing to lower energy bills.
Core Advantages
-
Superior Light Transmission
American Skylites are engineered to maximize the amount of natural light entering a building, transforming spaces with daylight.
-
Enhanced Air Quality and Comfort
The availability of ventilating models offers a practical solution for improving indoor air circulation and creating a more comfortable environment.
-
Built for Longevity
With a focus on durable materials and robust construction, these skylights are designed to withstand various weather conditions and maintain their integrity over time.
Frame Options
American Skylights offers a selection of frame options designed to complement various architectural styles and functional needs. These frames are constructed with durability and aesthetic appeal in mind, ensuring a seamless integration with your roofing system.
Frame Materials and Finishes- Mill Finish Aluminum: This standard option provides a clean, natural aluminum appearance. It is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Bronze Anodized Aluminum: A popular choice for its rich, warm tone, this finish offers enhanced scratch resistance and a sophisticated look that complements many exterior color palettes.
- Dark Bronze Powder Coat: For a deep, earthy aesthetic, the dark bronze powder coat provides a durable and attractive finish that stands up well to the elements.
- White Powder Coat: A bright, clean option that can help to visually lighten the roofline and interior space. This finish is also highly durable.
- Custom Powder Coat Colors: American Skylights understands that specific projects may require unique color matching. They offer custom powder coating services to align with precise design specifications, allowing for unparalleled aesthetic customization.
The frames are engineered for robust performance and ease of installation. Key construction features include:
- Structural Integrity: Designed to withstand environmental stressors, ensuring long-term performance and stability.
- Weather Resistance: The materials and finishes are selected for their ability to resist moisture, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations, minimizing maintenance and preventing degradation.
- Aesthetic Integration: The various finish options are intended to harmonize with different roofing materials and architectural designs.
Glass Options
American Skylites offers a range of glass options designed to enhance the performance, aesthetics, and comfort of their skylight products. These options are primarily focused on thermal performance, UV protection, and light transmission, catering to diverse client needs and environmental considerations.
Standard Glass Options
- Clear Tempered Glass: This is often the default or a readily available option. Tempered glass is known for its safety properties; when broken, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces. It provides excellent natural light transmission.
- Low-E (Low-Emissivity) Glass: Low-E coatings are a key feature for improving energy efficiency. These microscopically thin, transparent coatings on the glass surface reflect infrared light (heat) while allowing visible light to pass through. This helps keep interiors cooler in the summer by reflecting solar heat gain and warmer in the winter by preventing heat from escaping the interior. American Skylites may offer different types of Low-E coatings, such as Low-E2 or Low-E3, which vary in their performance characteristics regarding solar heat gain and U-factor (a measure of heat transfer).
Specialty Glass Features and Options
- Tinted Glass: Available in various shades, tinted glass reduces the amount of solar energy that enters a building, thereby lowering cooling costs and minimizing glare. This can also contribute to a more comfortable interior environment by reducing the intensity of direct sunlight.
- Laminated Glass: Laminated glass consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with an interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This construction makes the glass stronger and safer, as the interlayer holds the glass fragments together if the pane is broken. Laminated glass offers enhanced security, sound insulation, and UV protection.
- Obscure/Frosted Glass: This option provides privacy by diffusing light and obscuring the view through the glass. It's ideal for applications where natural light is desired but direct visibility is not.
- Impact-Resistant Glass: For areas prone to severe weather, impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand high winds and projectile impacts. This often involves the use of thicker glass and specialized interlayers, similar to laminated glass but engineered to meet stringent impact codes.
- Bird-Friendly Glass: This type of glass incorporates patterns or coatings that are visible to birds, helping to prevent bird strikes. These patterns are often subtle to the human eye but are effective deterrents for avian species.
- Self-Cleaning Glass: Some skylight products may feature a special coating that utilizes UV rays from sunlight and natural rain to break down and wash away dirt and grime, reducing the need for manual cleaning and maintaining clarity.
- UV Protection: Many of the glass options, especially those with Low-E coatings or laminated interlayers, offer significant protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This helps to preserve interior furnishings, flooring, and artwork from fading and degradation caused by sun exposure.
Glass Configurations
American Skylites likely offers these glass options in various configurations, including double-pane (insulating glass units - IGUs) and potentially triple-pane units for enhanced thermal performance. IGUs consist of two panes of glass separated by a spacer filled with air or an inert gas like argon or krypton, further improving their insulating properties by reducing heat transfer.
Options-Styles
American Skylites offers a diverse range of skylight options and styles designed to bring natural light and architectural beauty into any space. Their product line is crafted to meet various aesthetic preferences and functional needs, ensuring a perfect fit for residential and commercial applications.
Skylight Types
- Fixed Skylights: These skylights are permanently sealed and do not open, providing a constant source of natural light. They are ideal for areas where ventilation is not a primary concern but ample daylight is desired.
- Ventilating Skylights: American Skylites offers both manual and electric options for their ventilating skylights. These allow for fresh air circulation, which can help regulate indoor temperatures and improve air quality.
- Tubular Daylighting Devices: These innovative solutions are designed to bring natural light into spaces where traditional skylights may not be feasible, such as hallways, bathrooms, and closets. They consist of a roof-mounted collector, a highly reflective tube, and an interior diffuser.
Material Options
American Skylites utilizes high-quality materials to ensure durability, energy efficiency, and clarity. Common materials include:
- Glass: Available in various types, including double-pane, low-E coated, and tempered glass, offering excellent insulation and UV protection.
- Acrylic: A lightweight and impact-resistant alternative to glass, often used in specific applications.
- Aluminum Frames: Durable and corrosion-resistant frames that provide structural integrity to the skylight.
Frame Finishes
To complement diverse architectural styles, American Skylites provides a selection of frame finishes:
- Mill Finish Aluminum: A standard, clean, and natural aluminum look.
- White Powder Coat: A smooth, durable white finish that blends seamlessly with many interior and exterior color schemes.
- Bronze Powder Coat: Offers a warm, classic aesthetic that can enhance traditional or rustic designs.
- Custom Colors: For specific design requirements, custom color options may be available to match unique project needs.
Shapes and Configurations
The product line includes a variety of shapes and configurations to suit different rooflines and design intentions:
- Custom Shapes: For unique architectural visions, American Skylites can often fabricate custom-shaped skylights.
- Standard Shapes: Including rectangular, square, and circular options.
- Roof Domes: Often used in commercial applications, these provide a rounded, aerodynamic profile.
Specialty Features and Accessories
Beyond the core skylight units, American Skylites offers accessories and features to enhance functionality and performance:
- Screens: Available for ventilating skylights to prevent insects from entering.
- Shades and Blinds: Options for light control and privacy.
- Energy Efficient Glazing: Enhanced glass options for improved thermal performance and reduced energy costs.
Price Tier
American Skylites offers a range of skylight solutions that cater to various needs and budgets, generally falling into Mid-Range to Premium tiers, with some options potentially reaching into the Luxury segment depending on customization.
Market Position: Mid-Range ($$) to Premium ($$$)
How It Compares: Compared to basic, fixed acrylic skylights, American Skylites products often incorporate higher-grade materials and better sealing for enhanced longevity and energy efficiency. Moving to their higher-end models or custom options provides greater material sophistication and advanced features, often justifying a step into the Luxury tier.
Key Value Drivers:
- Material Composition/Grade: Utilizes durable frame materials like extruded aluminum and offers options for tempered or laminated glass, which are superior to acrylic in terms of clarity, durability, and UV resistance. This choice directly impacts longevity and performance.
- Longevity and Warranty Coverage: Products are designed for extended service life, often backed by substantial warranties on both the unit and its seals, offering peace of mind and reduced long-term replacement costs.
- Installation Labor Complexity/Included Features: While most skylights require professional installation, American Skylites designs often facilitate a more straightforward installation process compared to very basic models, potentially reducing labor costs. Some models may offer integrated flashing kits for better weatherproofing out-of-the-box.
- Aesthetics and Performance: Offers a balance of visual appeal, natural light diffusion, and thermal performance, often exceeding the capabilities of entry-level options.
Best Suited For: Homeowners seeking reliable, long-lasting natural light solutions for residential renovations, additions, or new builds where improved comfort and energy efficiency are desired. Their customizable options also appeal to those looking for specific aesthetic integrations or performance enhancements in their homes.
- Homepage
- Products
- Options
- Specifications
- Warranty
- Photo Gallery
- Product Availability and Pricing Click here for details
-
Similar Products
- See all our Windows & Skylights products.
Roof Systems
All non-structural roof systems are made to size specifications supplied to American Skylites. The roof systems are available with unlimited options from glazing and finish color…
or Give us a Call
Product Summary
Construction and Materials
American Skylites offers a range of high-quality skylight solutions designed for durability and aesthetic appeal. The construction and materials used in their products are engineered to provide excellent light transmission, energy efficiency, and weather resistance.
Construction Details
- Frame: The structural framework of American Skylites products is typically constructed from extruded aluminum. This material is chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance, and light weight, ensuring longevity and structural integrity. The aluminum is often finished with a durable powder coating for added protection against the elements and a sleek appearance.
- Glazing: The transparent panels, or glazing, are a key component. American Skylites utilizes high-performance glass or acrylic materials. These are selected based on specific product lines and intended applications, offering options for:
- Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): For enhanced thermal performance, many skylights feature double or triple-pane glazing. These units have sealed air or argon gas spaces between the panes, significantly reducing heat transfer.
- Low-E Coatings: A Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coating can be applied to the glass surfaces. This microscopic metallic coating reflects infrared light, helping to keep heat inside during cooler months and outside during warmer months, thus improving energy efficiency.
- Tempered and Laminated Glass: Safety is paramount. Tempered glass is used for its increased strength and safety fracture pattern. Laminated glass provides an additional layer of security and sound dampening.
- UV Protection: Many glazing options incorporate UV inhibitors to protect interior furnishings from fading due to sun exposure.
- Sealants and Gaskets: Robust sealing systems are integrated to prevent water and air infiltration. High-quality EPDM gaskets and specialized sealants are employed to maintain a watertight and airtight seal, crucial for the longevity of the skylight and the integrity of the roof structure.
- Flashings: Appropriate flashing systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with various roofing materials, directing water away from the skylight and preventing leaks.
Materials Used
- Aluminum: Extruded aluminum is the primary material for framing, offering superior durability and resistance to weathering.
- Glass: Various types of glass are utilized, including tempered, laminated, and insulated glass units, often with Low-E coatings for optimal performance.
- Acrylic: In certain applications, high-impact acrylic may be used for glazing, offering a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative.
- EPDM Rubber: Used for weather-resistant gaskets and seals, providing flexibility and long-term sealing performance.
- Powder Coating: A durable finish applied to aluminum components for enhanced corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
- Sealants: High-performance sealants are used to ensure watertight integrity.
Features and Benefits
American Skylights offers a premium range of roof systems designed to bring natural light and ventilation into any building. Engineered for durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, these skylights are an ideal solution for architects, builders, and homeowners seeking to enhance their living or working spaces.
The core advantage of American Skylights lies in their commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Each product is built to withstand various weather conditions while maximizing daylight penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting and contributing to energy savings. The company's dedication to providing reliable and visually striking skylight solutions makes them a top choice in the industry.
Product Features & Benefits
-
Superior Daylight Harvesting
Benefit: Significantly reduces reliance on artificial lighting, leading to lower electricity bills and a more environmentally friendly building. Enhances the ambiance and perceived spaciousness of interior areas. -
Enhanced Ventilation Options
Benefit: Many models offer ventilation capabilities, allowing for improved air circulation, removal of stale air, and temperature regulation. This creates a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. -
Durable Construction
Benefit: Built with high-quality materials designed for longevity and resistance to the elements. This ensures a long-lasting installation that requires minimal maintenance and provides peace of mind. -
Energy Efficiency
Benefit: Incorporates features that contribute to thermal performance, helping to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. This can lead to reduced heating and cooling costs. -
Aesthetic Versatility
Benefit: Available in a variety of styles and configurations to complement diverse architectural designs. This allows for seamless integration into both modern and traditional structures, enhancing curb appeal and interior design. -
High-Quality Materials
Benefit: Utilization of robust framing and glazing materials ensures structural integrity and optimal performance over time. -
Lightweight Design (where applicable)
Benefit: Facilitates easier installation, potentially reducing labor costs and structural demands on the building.
Core Product Advantages
- Daylight Maximization: American Skylights are engineered to capture and distribute natural light effectively, transforming interior spaces with brightness and warmth.
- Energy Savings: By harnessing natural light and offering efficient thermal performance, these skylights contribute directly to reducing energy consumption and associated costs.
- Improved Indoor Environment: The option for ventilation promotes better air quality and a more comfortable atmosphere, making buildings more pleasant and healthier for occupants.
- Architectural Enhancement: The diverse range of styles and the inherent beauty of natural light make American Skylights a powerful design element, adding value and appeal to any project.
- Long-Term Value: The emphasis on durable materials and construction ensures that American Skylights provide a lasting and reliable solution, offering excellent value over the lifespan of the building.
Frame Options
American Skylights offers a variety of frame options designed to provide both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for their roof system windows and skylights.
Frame Materials
The primary frame materials available for American Skylights products are:
- Aluminum: Known for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion, aluminum frames are a popular choice. They offer a sleek and modern look and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Mill Finish Aluminum: This is a standard finish for aluminum frames, providing a natural, unpainted metallic appearance. It's a cost-effective and robust option.
- Bronze Anodized Aluminum: This finish offers a rich, warm bronze tone that can complement various architectural styles. The anodizing process enhances the frame's durability and resistance to wear.
- Black Anodized Aluminum: A sophisticated and contemporary option, black anodized aluminum frames provide a striking contrast and a premium feel. This finish also adds a layer of protection.
Frame Construction and Features
American Skylights frames are engineered with specific features to ensure performance and longevity:
- Standard Mill Finish Aluminum Frames: These frames are constructed from high-quality aluminum and are offered in a standard mill finish.
- Custom Powder Coating: For a personalized touch and enhanced protection, American Skylights offers custom powder coating for their aluminum frames. This allows customers to select from a wide array of colors to match their specific design requirements.
- Glazing Options Compatibility: The frame systems are designed to accommodate various glazing options, ensuring a secure and weather-tight seal for different types of glass or plastic used in their windows and skylights.
The choice of frame material and finish can significantly impact the overall appearance, performance, and maintenance requirements of your American Skylights product. Each option provides a balance of durability, aesthetics, and functional benefits.
Glass Options
American Skylites offers a variety of glass options designed to enhance the performance and aesthetic of their skylight products. These options are chosen to balance natural light, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.
The standard glass offered by American Skylites is typically a high-performance, energy-efficient option. This is often a double-pane, insulated glass unit (IGU). These units are constructed with two panes of glass separated by a space filled with inert gas, such as argon. This gas acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer and improving the overall thermal performance of the skylight. The edges of the IGU are sealed to prevent moisture from entering the space between the panes and to maintain the integrity of the gas fill.
In addition to the standard offering, American Skylites may provide enhanced glass packages that cater to specific needs and climates. These often include:
- Low-E Coatings: Low-Emissivity (Low-E) coatings are microscopically thin, transparent layers of metal or metallic oxide applied to the surface of the glass. These coatings are designed to reflect infrared light (heat), thereby reducing the amount of heat that enters a building during warmer months and the amount of heat that escapes during colder months. This leads to improved energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling costs. Different types of Low-E coatings can be specified to optimize performance for specific climate zones, such as those requiring solar heat gain control or maximum passive solar heating.
- Tinted Glass: Tinted glass options are available to reduce the amount of visible light and solar heat gain that passes through the skylight. Tints can provide a degree of privacy and help to control glare, making interiors more comfortable. Common tint colors may include gray, bronze, or green, each offering a different aesthetic and level of light transmission reduction.
- Tempered Glass: For safety purposes, particularly in areas where glass breakage could pose a risk, tempered glass is an option. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that has been processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. When broken, tempered glass shatters into small, relatively harmless granular pieces rather than sharp shards.
- Laminated Glass: Laminated glass is another safety glass option composed of two or more layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). If the glass breaks, the interlayer holds the fragments together, preventing them from scattering and reducing the risk of injury. Laminated glass also offers improved acoustic insulation and protection against UV rays.
The specific combination of glass types and coatings available will depend on the particular skylight model and the intended application. American Skylites generally aims to provide solutions that meet stringent energy codes and enhance the overall comfort and functionality of the spaces they illuminate.
Options-Styles
American Skylites offers a range of high-quality skylight solutions designed to bring natural light and ventilation into your home. Their products are engineered for durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, providing a premium upgrade to any roof system.
Product Options and Styles
American Skylites provides several distinct product lines, each with unique features and benefits to suit various architectural styles and functional needs:
-
Vented Skylights: These skylights are designed to open, allowing for natural ventilation and the release of warm, stale air. This is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or any area where improved air circulation is desired.
- Manual Operation: Available with a hand-crank operator, offering a simple and reliable way to open and close the skylight.
- Electric Operation: For ultimate convenience, electric-vented skylights can be operated with a remote control or wall switch, making them easy to use even in hard-to-reach locations.
-
Fixed Skylights: These are non-opening skylights, designed purely to admit natural light. They are an excellent choice for areas where ventilation is not a primary concern and the focus is on maximizing daylight.
- Energy Efficiency: Fixed skylights are generally highly energy-efficient, with options for double-pane or triple-pane glazing and low-E coatings to minimize heat transfer and reduce energy costs.
-
Skylight Styles: Beyond their operational features, American Skylites offers various stylistic options to complement your home's design.
- Deck Mount: These skylights are mounted directly to the roof deck, offering a clean and integrated look.
- Curb Mount: Designed to sit on a raised curb structure, this option can be beneficial for certain roof types and allows for easier installation and potential for future replacement.
- Shape Options: While specific shapes are not detailed, skylight manufacturers typically offer standard shapes like rectangular, square, and possibly custom options to fit unique architectural requirements.
Materials and Features
American Skylites emphasizes the use of durable and energy-efficient materials in their construction:
- Glazing Options:
- Tempered Glass: Provides enhanced safety and durability.
- Impact-Resistant Glass: Available for areas requiring increased protection against extreme weather conditions.
- Low-E Coatings: Applied to glass to reduce heat transfer, improving energy efficiency and comfort by reflecting radiant heat.
- Tinting Options: May be available to control light transmission and reduce glare.
- Frame Materials: Typically constructed from robust and weather-resistant materials designed for longevity and structural integrity.
- Condensation Control: Features designed to manage condensation, ensuring a dry and healthy interior environment.
- Flashing Systems: Integrated flashing systems are crucial for preventing leaks and ensuring a watertight seal with the roof structure.
The product offerings from American Skylites are designed to provide both functional benefits, such as natural light and ventilation, and aesthetic enhancements to any building. Their commitment to quality materials and construction ensures a reliable and long-lasting addition to your home.
Price Tier
The American Skylites product line offers a range of options designed to meet diverse needs and budgets. They feature products that span from highly accessible to more specialized, custom solutions, allowing for flexibility in project planning.Market Position: Budget / Value ($)
How It Compares: This entry-level option provides a foundational skylight solution, ideal for cost-conscious projects. While it may not offer the advanced features or premium materials of higher tiers, it delivers reliable daylighting at an accessible price point, making it a significant upgrade from no skylight at all.
Key Value Drivers:
- Durable, single-pane construction offering a straightforward and effective way to introduce natural light.
- Standard flashing and sealing systems designed for straightforward installation, potentially reducing labor costs.
- A functional and budget-friendly solution for basic daylighting needs.
Best Suited For: Rental properties, addition projects with tight budgets, or spaces where cost is the primary consideration.
Market Position: Mid-Range ($$)
How It Compares: Stepping up from the Budget tier, this option enhances performance and longevity. It offers a noticeable improvement in insulation and durability over the entry-level models, providing a better balance of cost and features for homeowners seeking a more robust and comfortable living environment.
Key Value Drivers:
- Double-pane construction for improved thermal performance and energy efficiency compared to single-pane options.
- Enhanced frame materials offering greater durability and resistance to the elements.
- Often includes more robust sealing and flashing systems, contributing to a longer lifespan and reduced risk of leaks.
- Aesthetic upgrades that provide a more polished look.
Best Suited For: Owner-occupied homes, renovations where energy efficiency is a growing concern, and projects aiming for a good balance of quality and investment.
Market Position: Premium ($$$)
How It Compares: This tier represents a significant investment in quality and performance, catering to those who prioritize long-term value and enhanced features. Compared to the Mid-Range options, these skylights offer superior materials, advanced energy efficiency, and often extended warranty coverage, justifying the higher price point through greater durability and occupant comfort.
Key Value Drivers:
- High-performance glazing, potentially with Low-E coatings and argon gas fills, for superior insulation and UV protection.
- Robust frame construction using premium-grade materials built for exceptional longevity and resistance to extreme weather.
- Extended warranty coverage, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and performance.
- Advanced ventilation options and accessories may be available, adding functionality and convenience.
Best Suited For: "Forever homes," new construction projects focused on energy efficiency, and homeowners seeking superior indoor comfort and reduced utility costs.
Market Position: Luxury / Architectural ($$$$)
How It Compares: This top-tier offering is designed for discerning clients who demand the highest levels of customization, material quality, and aesthetic integration. It represents the pinnacle of skylight technology and design, offering features and bespoke options far beyond standard offerings, and is often chosen for unique architectural statements where performance and form are equally critical.
Key Value Drivers:
- Customizable designs and dimensions to perfectly integrate with unique architectural visions.
- The highest grades of materials, including specialized glass treatments and corrosion-resistant framing.
- Exceptional energy performance ratings and advanced features designed for maximum comfort and minimal environmental impact.
- May include integrated smart home technology or specialized features for specific applications.
Best Suited For: High-end custom homes, landmark buildings, or projects with specific aesthetic or performance requirements that necessitate bespoke solutions.
For accurate project pricing, it is recommended to consult with a local dealer. Pricing can vary based on regional freight costs, specific product configurations, installation complexity, and any job-specific requirements.
- Homepage
- Products
- Options
- Specifications
- Warranty
- Photo Gallery
- Product Availability and Pricing Click here for details
-
Similar Products
- See all our Windows & Skylights products.