Making Sure Your Skylight Meets All Safety Standards
Skylights are a popular feature in many Florida homes, providing natural light and ventilation to living spaces. However, it’s important to ensure that skylights meet all safety standards so they stand up to the weather and won’t cause any accidents or injuries. In Florida, skylights must meet specific codes and regulations to ensure they are safe and secure. Let’s have a closer look at what they are.
Skylight Material Standards
Glass Standards
Skylights made of glass must meet certain safety standards to prevent injuries in case of breakage. In Florida, skylights must use safety glazing material that has either been tempered or laminated. Tempered glass is heated and rapidly cooled to make it harder than normal glass. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small pebble-like pieces with no sharp edges, reducing the risk of injury.
Laminated glass, on the other hand, is made of two or more layers of glass with a layer of plastic between them. When laminated glass breaks, the plastic layer holds the glass in place, preventing it from falling and causing injuries.
Plastic Standards
Skylights made of plastic must also meet specific standards to ensure they are strong enough to withstand impacts and weather conditions. In Florida, skylights made of plastic must be made of polycarbonate or acrylic materials. Polycarbonate is a strong, shatter-resistant material that’s often used in hurricane-resistant windows while acrylic is a lightweight and durable material that’s resistant to weathering and aging.
Installation Standards
Placement
When determining where to install your skylight, it’s vital to consider factors such as the direction of the sun, the slope of the roof, and the surrounding landscape. Skylights should be placed in areas where they will receive maximum sunlight, but not so much that they will cause excessive heat gain. They should also be placed on a slope that allows for proper drainage and prevents water from pooling on the roof.
Sealing
Besides considering the placement of your skylight, sealing is also another critical factor since it prevents leaks and other issues. The sealant used should be compatible with the materials used in the skylight and the roof. It should also be able to withstand the harsh Florida weather conditions, including high temperatures and heavy rain.
In addition to sealant, flashing should also be used to provide an extra layer of protection against leaks. Flashing should be installed around the skylight and along the roofline to ensure a tight seal.
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Let Clear-Vue Install Your New Skylights
Ensuring that your skylight meets all safety standards in Florida is crucial for protecting your home on a daily basis, and especially during harsh weather. When you choose a fully licensed and certified skylight installer like us, you can rest assured that we are familiar with all the local code requirements. Call our team today and know that you’ll only get top quality skylights that meet all the safety standards here in Florida.
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