Blogging about Home Improvement Products

Let There Be (Free) Light

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

Velux Sun Tunnels Velux Sun Tunnels are a wonderful way to bring pure natural light into a small dark area. The best way to achieve this in a small area is a Velux bonded silver rigid sun tunnel. The rigid tunnel is highly reflected so the natural light has a clear path down from the roof to the ceiling. The ridged tunnel can be used for a longer length then flexible, allowing smaller 10” domes to provide a great deal of light.

The flexible tunnel is a great option it you have a shorter run from the roof to the ceiling, and if the room you are lighting is not immediately underneath where the exterior dome needs to go due to some minor obstruction. The Flexible sun tunnel has a ring with a mirror finish just below the dome to reflect light from all angles. To get the maximum light from a flexible tunnel you might consider the 21” dome if you have 24” (on center) rafters to accommodate it.

Whether the Rigid or the Flexible Tunnel is chosen there are two flashings options offered to help you get the maximum light available. The low profile blends in to the roofline and works best for south facing applications. The pitched flashing option is adjustable to gather the light from the desired direction and more suitable for a north facing application. At this time the sun tunnels are available for shingle/shake roofing material and tile with the use of an adaptation kit.

Sun Tunnels are Energy Star Rated. The pre-assembled interior ceiling ring is paintable, and a frosted dual diffuser reduces the possibility of condensation. In no time at all a sun tunnel can save you, and the earth, a lot of resources.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Skylights | No Comments »

Glass Block Window or Panel?

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

glass block windowWhen searching the term Glass Block window on Google or Yahoo you will typically see two options, a window and a panel. They may look the same but there are two very distinct differences. The simple definition of a Glass Block window is that it has a full vinyl frame with a nailing flange and is not offered with a vent. In contrast, a Glass Bock Panel has no frame. The block are simple siliconed together and the other perimeter is exposed block. Depending upon the size of the panel it can have a vent in it. Typically the vent is 1 block high by two blocks wide and needs to have glass block going all the way around it. The exception is a dryer vent which takes the space of one 8×8.

Glass Block Windows are usually offered with a white or tan frame and a clear silicone between the blocks. The silicone and it’s method of application are identical to that of a Glass Block Panels. This style of window usually works best in new construction or in the case where your opening happens to work with the limited sizes available in windows.

glass block panelGlass Block panels are often referred to as basement windows as they can easily be mortared into to cinder block wall. This is why there is no vinyl frame necessary. They are also a great choice for small wall partitions such as a half privacy wall in the bathroom. Both panels and windows are offered in the 3 classis Pittsburgh Corning block designs, Decora, Delphi and Icescapes. Decora will let in the most light but offer the least amount of privacy. Delphi will allow the greatly increased privacy over Decora, but it will also block the more light. This block pattern is typically used for commercial or industrial application as its look is not ascetically pleasing for most homes. The most popular option is the Icescapes block, as it offers a fair amount of light transmission while providing maximum privacy, all while being the most decorative.

Regardless of your application needs there is a pre-made glass block product that will help you complete the job, saving time and effort all while achieving the look you desire.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Glass Block | No Comments »