Can You Install Smart Glass on Skylights? Everything UK Homeowners Need to Know

We all enjoy watching the changing sky from our living rooms on a sunny afternoon and stargazing on a clear night. That’s the magic of skylights most of us love, especially here in the UK. They are renowned for transforming any room, bringing in natural light, and creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

However, if you have a skylight in your home, you’re probably aware of the drawbacks it brings. The scorching heat during summer can make rooms uncomfortably warm, as skylights can let in too much light and heat.

Similarly, in the winter season, skylights can be a major source of heat loss. They can allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, which can result in a chilly indoor environment.

You must be wondering if there’s a way to solve these issues. Well, don’t worry; smart glass is a game-changing solution. It’s a fantastic way to tackle these skylight-related challenges and enhance your home. But how does it work, how is it installed, and what benefits does it offer? Let’s discuss this ahead.

How Smart Glass Works

Smart glass, also known as switchable glass, is a type of glass that can change its properties in response to an electrical current. There are various types of smart glass, but the most common is PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal).

This type of smart glass contains liquid crystals that scatter when an electric current is switched off, which makes it opaque. When the current passes through, the liquid crystals scatter, making the glass transparent. This means you can adjust the glass’s transparency at the touch of a button and get instant privacy or block out sunlight as needed.

Benefits for Skylights

Here’s how your home’s skylight can benefit from smart glass installation:

1. Heat Reduction During Summers

During the warmer months, skylights can let in too much heat and sunlight, creating an uncomfortable, overheated environment. The bright sunlight can also result in harsh glare. As a result, you may find it difficult to use your space without being blinded by the light.

Smart glass can solve this problem by allowing you to control the transparency of your skylight. When set to opaque, the smart glass blocks nearly 30% of infrared (IR) radiation, effectively reducing the heat entering your space. Additionally, the glass blocks 99% of harmful UV rays, keeping the temperature comfortable and protecting your furniture and flooring from sun damage.

2. Prevent Heat Loss in Winters

The UK’s winters are cold and damp. This is why skylights can be one of the biggest reasons behind heat loss. Even double-glazed skylights may allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, making your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Smart glass can easily be set to clear, allowing much more heat to enter your home through the skylight. This helps to make the most of the natural warmth provided by the sun, reducing the need for additional heating. The glass adapts to seasonal changes, helping to keep your home cosy in winter while maintaining energy efficiency.

3. Maintain Privacy

One of the major downsides of having a skylight, especially in urban areas, is the lack of privacy. People walking or living in nearby buildings can easily see into your home from above.

With PDLC smart glass, you can instantly switch your skylight from clear to opaque or frosted, giving you the privacy you need. Whether you’re getting dressed, relaxing, or enjoying your space, you can maintain privacy without having to install blinds or shades that block out all light.

Can Smart Glass Be Installed on Skylights?

Yes, you can absolutely install smart glass or self-adhesive smart film on skylights. For self-adhesive film, the process is particularly convenient as it can be easily applied to your existing skylight without the need for replacing the entire glass. This is a cost-effective and hassle-free option that allows you to upgrade your skylight’s functionality.

For self-adhesive film, the installation involves simply applying the film directly to the surface of your skylight. The film works similarly to smart glass, providing control over light, glare, and privacy. This makes it an ideal solution for those who want the benefits of smart glass without undergoing a major renovation.

For smart glass, you’ll need to ensure that the glass is properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and leaks. This means working with professionals who are experienced in smart glass installations, like those at SmartPro.

Let’s break down the installation process below:

1. Removing the Old Skylight: If you’re replacing an existing skylight, this step involves removing the old glass and frame.
2. Measuring and Customising: The smart glass will be measured to fit your specific skylight dimensions. Because skylights come in all shapes and sizes, it’s crucial that the smart glass is custom-made for your home.
3. Fitting the Smart Glass: Once the glass is ready, the team will fit it into the skylight frame, ensuring that all electrical connections are made securely to allow you to control the glass’s transparency with ease.
4. Testing: After installation, the glass will be tested to ensure it operates correctly and seamlessly integrates with your existing home automation system (if you have one).

Is It Worth the Investment?

When you look at its long-term benefits, smart glass for skylights is worth every penny. Not only can it save you money on energy bills, but it can also increase your home’s value and comfort.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your skylights, smart glass could be the perfect solution. By providing greater control over natural light, temperature, and privacy, it can help you create the perfect environment in your home.

Final Thoughts

Installing PDLC smart glass on your skylights is a great way to improve your home’s comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency. With its ability to adjust transparency at the touch of a button, it allows you to control how much light enters your home, reduce glare, and maintain a comfortable temperature.

If you’re considering installing smart glass on your skylights, make sure to connect with SmartPro, where we offer top-quality smart glass for all sizes, along with professional installation.