As storm season approaches, homeowners naturally begin to worry about the durability of their homes—especially when it comes to skylights. But with advancements in skylight products, many wonder: Are skylights hail-proof? The answer lies in the quality of materials, design, and the rigorous testing that modern skylights undergo.
Factors That Influence Hail Resistance in Skylights
There are many skylight products on the market claiming to be hail resistant, however when it comes to plastic domes. there are only 3 factors which can impact the strength and resistance to hail OR other storm-related elements.
1. Materials Used
The durability of a skylight in storm conditions largely depends on the materials used and the manufacturing process. Most high-quality skylight brands, including Solatube, offer skylights that are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including hailstorms. The key to hail resistance lies in their high impact acrylic construction with UV stabilisers, which is engineered to endure the impact of cricket ball-sized hailstones.
High impact acrylic is the most versatile plastic which is ideal for skylight products, meaning:
- Depending on the wall thickness this material can with stand substantial impact
- It can be easily shaped into a “dome” shape that allows it to capture more light
- Includes UV stabilisers which stops the dome from decomposing under the elements
- UV inhibitors which stops harmful UV that would otherwise cause material within the home to fade
At Solatube, our skylights are made using versatile plastic and high impact acrylic, crafted through advanced processes such as vacuum forming and injecting melted plastic into precision moulds. This results in a continuous curved surface that not only enhances durability but also offers seamless protection against the elements.
Our skylight products undergo rigorous UV testing to ensure they can withstand not only the sun’s UV rays but also extreme weather conditions like hailstorms. The combination of double glazing and advanced materials makes our skylights resistant to hail damage. These skylights have been designed to last, providing natural light even in the harshest weather conditions without compromising safety.
The high impact acrylic used in Solatube skylights is one of the toughest materials available. Unlike traditional glass skylights, which may shatter under the force of hail, acrylic skylights offer superior protection. This material is also lightweight, making installation easier while ensuring the skylights can withstand impacts from hailstones during a storm season.
2. Size and Shape
By having a small dome with a continuing curved surface, there is less chance that debris will hit the dome at a direct perpendicular angle at which a skylight dome is most likely to break.
Our continuous curved surface further enhances the skylight’s resilience. Unlike flat or angled surfaces, the curved design disperses the energy from hail impacts, reducing the risk of damage. Thanks to this design, our skylights are able to stand up to even the most intense hailstorms.
3. Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process is the final element to providing strength in a dome skylight. The first process for manufacturing a dome is Vacuum forming, where a flat piece of versatile plastic is heated and stretched to form the dome shape. This process is similar to stretching a piece of bubble gum where it can make the wall sections very thin.
Injection moulding is the second process and limited to only a few manufactures due to cost of building the mould. This is a process of injecting melted plastic into a mould that is then cooled to form the dome shape. This process provides the most high quality parts allow more shapes to be created with uniformed wall sections, but is usually limited to smaller skylight domes.
Solatube’s skylights are also WERS energy rated, ensuring they not only offer natural light but are also energy efficient, making them ideal for homes looking for sustainable and durable solutions.
Mother Nature is always going to be extreme and unpredictable, but by manufacturing our skylight products with the best materials and latest technology, it might just be one less thing you have to think about this storm season.
Living in Australia, we are no strangers to extreme weather conditions, and storm season often brings with it powerful hailstorms. However, with Solatube’s skylight products, homeowners can have peace of mind. Our hail-resistant skylights provide the perfect balance of natural light and protection, allowing you to enjoy well-lit spaces without worrying about hail damage.
Unlike other skylight brands, Solatube skylights are tested to endure the toughest conditions. Our UV tested and high impact acrylic materials ensure that your skylights will continue to perform in storm season after storm season.
Conclusion: Are Skylights Hail Proof?
While many skylight products claim to be hail-resistant, not all skylights hold up during severe hailstorms. To ensure your skylights withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions, it’s essential to invest in high-quality skylights that have been rigorously tested for hail resistance. Solatube skylights, made from high impact acrylic and featuring a continuous curved surface, are specifically designed to handle extreme conditions like hail. With the right materials and professional installation, Solatube skylights provide reliable protection against hail damage, ensuring long-lasting performance through even the toughest weather.
Call us on 131619 or fill in our contact form to get a free quote on our natural lighting solutions, including tubular skylights, commercial skylights, solar roof vents, commercial roof ventilation, and whole house fans.
