Skylights are excellent features to let natural light in a space that otherwise would require lamps to be properly illuminated. This means they are also environmentally friendly options to invite more light into your house. When it comes to installing skylights, you have many options to choose from regarding placement and angle in order to make sure your skylights turn out exactly how you want them. The most important thing to choose, however, is what material you wish your skylights to be made of. The two most common materials are glass and plastic, and in order to choose between them, there are a few things you should think about.

Glass

Glass is the option that many prefer solely for the look of the material. It looks and feels luxurious. It's also unlikely to scratch or become warped due to changes in the temperature. If you opt to get double or triple paned windows, it also possesses great insulating qualities. However, glass is rather heavy, meaning that you'll need a sturdy construction holding it up. This can make it more difficult to install if you want to install it by yourself, and it will cost more if you hire someone to install your skylights for you. Greater weight can also control where it's possible to place the skylight, as gravity can cause the glass to break if it's placed at a steep angle. Glass is also the more expensive material. If you wish to ensure that it can withstand changes in temperature without affecting the temperature on the inside of the house, you also need to get a window with double or triple panes, which can increase the cost even more.

Plastic

Plastic is less expensive than glass, which is its main advantage. It's also easier to handle, which is a prominent advantage if you are building your skylight yourself. It's easier to cut than glass if you don't have access to professional tools and it's also lighter, meaning it's easier to handle as you install it. The downside of plastic is, however, that the material distorts easier than glass. It can scratch quite easily, which can affect how the light is let in your house. It can also discolour because of the sunlight, which can't be fixed without replacing the plastic entirely. It can also warp if the outside temperature changes rapidly between hot and cold. This means you should avoid plastic skylights if you live in an area with a climate that can vary greatly during a short amount time. 

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